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THE 

P  A  R  A  B  L 


OF  THE 


en  Virgins 

OPENED  &  APPLIED: 

Being  the  Subftance  of  divers 

M  ON  S 


on  JSdatth.  z%.  i, — 13. 

Wherein,  the  Difference  becween  the  Sincere  Chriftian  and 

the  mo  A  Refined  Hypocrite,  the  Nature  and  Charaders  cf  Saving 

and  0  Common  Grace,  the  Dangers  and  Difeafes  incident  to 

moft  flouriftiiag  Churches  or  Chriftians,  and  other  Spiritual 

T  R  U  T  H  S  of  greateft  importance,  are  clearly 

difcovcrcd,  and  pradically  Improved, 


BY 

mo  MAS   S  H  ET  J^p 

late  Worthy  and  Faithful!  Paftor  of  the  Church  di  Chrifi:  at 

Cambridge  in  N  e  w-E  n  g  l  a  n  d. 

Now  Publifhed  from  the  AuthoUrs  own  Notes^  at  the  defires  of 

many,  for  the  common  Benefit  of  che  Lords  people, 

C^omhm  Mitchell  tAinifket  at  CambridgSj  J 
,  By  <rh$.  Shepard^  Son  to  the  Reverend  Author, >in  N?  w-B?®>A^p. 
L     now  Minifter  at  Charles -ToiPrt  ^  '     '      •  ^ "    i 


Luke   21.  3^,  i''\{' : '' 

fVatch  ye  therefore  and  fray  dvffales^  that  ye  may  he  accounted  wortlry  to  efcape  all  tkefc  things 
that  jhall  come  to  fajfey  and  to  (tand  before  the  Son  of  mm. 


LONDON^ 

Printed  by  J.K.  for  John  Rothwell,  at  the  Fountain  in  GoldfiTiichs-Rovv  in  Cheap-fide, 
and  Samuel  Thorn  fen  at  the  Biiliops  Head  in  Pauls  Church-yard.  166  o.- 


^    ^/ 


TO  THE 


READ  E  R, 

And  Efpecially  to  the  Inhabitants  of 

CAMBRIDGE 


IN 


<5v:  £  ir-e  ^ACff  L  A  3^CP' 


I  Hat  to  make  fure  of  Life  Eternal,  is  the  one 
neteiTary  Bufincfle,  that  we  Sons  of  death 
have  to  do  in  this  world ,  and  without 
which ,  all  our  time  here  is  worfe  than 
loft  i  every  enlightned  mind  will  eafily 
acknowledge.  This  prefent  life  being  by 
the  Rule  of  it,  appointed  but  to  this  end, 
to  be  preparation-  time,  fpent  in  a  conti- 
nual care  to  make  ready,  that  we  might 


have  a  good 


meeting  with  him  who  fliall 


befeenin  this  Aire  one  day.  And  whe- 
ther we  look  up  to  Heaven,  or  down  to  Hell  5  whether  we  refle(fi;  upon 
our  own  immortal  fouls,  or  turn  our  eyes  toward  the  Greatnelle  and 
Goodneffe  of  that  God  in  Chrift  with  whom  we  have  to  do  5  whether 
we  pace  over  the  time  between  this  and  Judgment-day,  or  fend  our 
thoughts  to  view  the  Eternity  that  is  to  follow  after .  All  things  put  a 
NecefTuy ,  a  Solemnity,  a  Glory  upon  this  work. 

But,  BifficilU  qu*  Pulchra  .•  It  is  one  of  the  Oracles  uttered  by  our 
I  Lord  with  his  own  mouth ,  Strait  is  the  Gatgj  and  narrow  is  the  way  that 
Ueadeth  unto  Ufe^  and  few  there  be  that  find  it »  ^  It  is  not  fo  eafie  a  thing 
j  to  get  to  Heaven,  nor  fo  broad  a  way  thither,  as  the  flight  and  loofe 
j  Opinions  of  iome,  and  Pradifes  of  more  v^ould  make  it,  nor  as  the 
\  carnal  hearts  of  all  would  have  it.  Though  thit  ( if  it  be  examined  ) 
:  is  the  common  Scope  of  all  Erroneous  Conceits  ( and  how  reftlefly 
\  A  2  have 


The  Episile  to  the  Reader. 


have  the  corrupt  minds  of  men  laboured  therein  in  all  ages,  and  doin 
thefe  oiir  dales )  to  widen  the  way  to  Life,  to  break  down  the  Boun- 
daries of  this  narrow  Path,  and  make  it  broader  than  ever  God  made 
it.  Mans  carnal  heart  finds  it  felf  pinioned  and  ftraimedinthe  way 
(the  good  old  way  of  effe(aual  Faith  and  obedience )  that  God  hath  laid 
out  ^  hence  it  breaks  out  on  this  hand  and  on  that,  and  will  rather  pluck 
up  the  ancient  Land  marks  of  Gods  Truth,  than  not  make  it  broader. 
The  Gofpel  will  not  afford  men  a  way  broad  enough,  unleiTe  the  Law 
be  quite  removed  (  not  only  as  a  Covenant,  but  as  a  commanding  Rule 
of  Life  too  )  and  laid  flic  like  an  old  Hedge,  that  they  may  go  over  it 
at  pleafure,  and  not  attend  it  any  further  than  their  fpirii  lifteth.  Jufli- 
fication  by  Faith  is  too  narrow  a  path,  unlefTe  theymaybejuftified 
before  and  without  Faith ,  it  is  not  free  enough  5  they  complain  of  it 
as  if  it  laid  them  under  a  Covenant  of  works.  Conditional  Promifes 
are  of  too  ftraight  a  fize,  theymuftbe  all  abfolute,  and  give  us  peace 
without  any  qualification  in  us,  or  el fe  they  are  not  large  enough.  To 
be  folicitous  about  Sandification  and  inherent  Grace,  is  too  trouble- 
fom^  to  feek  God  diligently  in  the  ufe  of  all  means,  in  a  daily  and 
hearty  performance  of  holy  Duties,  in  a  ff  rid  Sandifying  of  Sabbaths, 
in  conflant  watchfulnefTe,  &c,  this  muft  be  laid  by,  as  a  Legal  Bufi- 
nelTe.  And  if  the  Spirit  immediatly  will  adl  us  and  carry  us  in  a  Bed  of 
eafe  to  Heaven,  without  troubling  us  to  ad  and  ftrive,  well  and  good  5 
otherwife  men  will  (hake  hands  with  the  power  of  GodlinelTe,  and  run 
a  drift  before  their  own  Coriruptions.  But  when  all  Stones  are  turned, 
the  way  toHeaven  is  and  will  be  found  to  be  a  ftraight  way  .'Truth  hath 
faid,  itisfo,  God  hath  laid  it  out  fo-,  and  it  is  not  all  the  Notions  of 
men  that  Will  make  it  otherwife.  And  hence  thofefolemnCounfels 
of  the  Scripture,  Work  out  your  fahatha  mthfear  and  tremblings  Give  aH 
diligepicet&m^ke  allfnre^  Strive  to  enter  in  at  the  Straight  Gate ^  So  run 
that  you  may  obtain,  ^c,  though  they  be  little  attended  by  the  loofenelle 
of  thefe  times,  yet  they  are  of  endleffe  Moment  and  ufe,  and  had  need 
be  awfully  regarded  by  all  that  love  their  everlafting  peace. 

He  therefore  that  is  inearneft  about  this  great  bufinefle,  will  be 
glad  of  any  good  help  to  guide  him  in  this  way,  this  ftraight  way  to 
Life.  And  though  there  be  many  choice  helps  herein  already  extant, 
in  the  precious  Labours  of  fundry  of  the  Lords  Faithful  Servants,  for 
which  this  Age  hath  caufeon  bended  Knees  to  blefte  the  Lord,  and 
which  will  be  fuchateftimony  againft  the  wantonnefle  thereof,  as  it 
will  never  be  able  to  an fwer:  Yet  of  thofe  that  do  clearly,  particu- 
larly, livelily  and  fcuichingly  difcovcr  and  mark  out  th.s  llraight  way, 
with  the  feveral  pradical  turns  thereof,  and  (hew  where  they  that  mifs 
of  the  end  at  laft,  do  turn  out  oi  it,  although  they  go  far  therein  1  of 
thofe  that  Pilot  us,  when  we  come  into  the  narrow  Channel,  unto  the 
very  point  of  entrance  into  life,  and  iliew  us  the  Rocks  and  Shoals  on 
either  hand  diftindly  \  of  thefe  ( I  fay )  there  is  not  too  great  a  num- 
ber. For  to  fpeak  any  good  aad  ufefui  Truths,  is  good  and  commen- 
dable-, 


The  Eptsile  to  the'iReader. 


dable  •,  bat  yet  it  is  another  and  a  further  matter  to  hold  the  Candle  to 
the  poor  people  ot  God  ( even  to  the  meanefl )  to  light  tfiem  to  Hea- 
ven ,  or  to  take  the  foul  by  the  hand,  and  lead  it  from  ftep  to  ftcp 
through  ail  the  difficulties^  deceits  and  turnings  at  which  the. dofeft 
Hypocrites  do  miffc  their  way  and  lofc  themfelvesv  and  to  do  this  fo 
convincingly,  throughly  and  diftind^y ,  as  that  the  fecrets  of  hearts 
maybe  made  maniftft,  the  fecure  felt-deceiver  difcovered  and  awaken- 
ed, and  yet  the  humble  upright  Chriftian  confirmed  and  .eacoura- 

In  this  Skill  and  Work,  as  the  Author  of  the  following  Scrmous, 
was  known  to  be  among  the  firft  Three  ^  fo  thefe  Ledures  of  his,  up- 
on the  Parable  of  the  Virgins,  have  been  efteemed  to  excel  in  this  kind  - 
having  lettiuch  a  reliih  upon  the  Hearers,  as  that  they  have  not  forgot- 
ten the  Taft  of  them  to  this  day.  It  hath  therefore  been  the  inftant  dc- 
fire  of  many  that  heard  them,  and  of  fome  that  have  but  benrd  of  them, 
that  they  might  be  imparted  to  the  Publick.  And  furely  both  the 
Subjed:  and  the  manner  of  handling  it  is  fuch,  being  wholly  upon  thofe 
things  wherein  the  heart  and  life  of  Religion  lies,  that  we  cannot  difap- 
prove  of  their  Opinions,  who  have  fo  earneftly  deiired  it.  All  the  Ser^ 
mons  and  Books  that  fpcak  to  the  heart  of  Religion  are  little  enough 
to  feed  that,  and  keep  life  there,  cfpecially  in  this  languiihing  and  dy- 
ing Age  5  wherein  though  there  wants  not  common  light  and  outward 
Profellion,  yet  lofleof  Love  and  inward  deadneffe  are  as  common.  The 
work  being  fomwhat  lengthy  ^  and  fitting  Scribes  not  eafily  attaina- 
ble in  this  Wildernefle,  it  hath  occafioned  this  delay  hitherto.  But 
we  hope  it  will  now  be  neither  unacceptable  nor  unfeafonable. 

Thefe  Sermons  are  now  tranfcribed  by  induftrious  and  intelligent 
^erfons,  and  have  been  carefully  reviewed  and  correcfted.  They  are 
written  out  of  the  Authors  own  Notes,  which  he  prepared  for  preach 
ing  (only  about  a  Sheet  himfelf  wrote  out  in  his  life- time,  having 
thoughts  it  feems  of  yielding  ro  their  defires  who  were  earneft  for  their 
publifliing  )by  means  whercof,though  the  Reader  will  often  meet  with 
Curtnfcrte  of  expreflion,  and  though  fome  Uvely  pafTages  that  were  ut- 
tered in  preaching  may  be  wanting,  yet  you  will  have  this  benefit  to 
have  much  in  a  little  room.  It  may  alfo  eafily  be  obferved  that  not  cu 
riofity  of  words,  but  weight  of  rh'ngs  was  here  ftudied  by,  and  fL-)Wed 
from  the  heart  and  pen  of  the  Author,  which  yet  pvoduceth  thebeft 
and  trueft, /.  e.  a  real  Rhetor ick.  In  fumme,  although  many  imper- 
fections incident  to  fuch  poft- humous  Editions  cannot  be  wanting,  yet 
tve  doubt  not  but  the  work  will  fpeak  for  it  felf,  to  the  intelligent  and 
ferious  Reader.  • 

We  arc  not  ignorant  that  there  be  fome  who  fomwhatdifferfroHl 
this  our  Author  in  the  accommodation  of  this  Parable,  and  Analyfis  of 
fome  part  of  the  Context,  referring  it  to  the  times  about  the  expeded 
calling  of  the  g^ffP5  (and  if  fo,  the  fubftance  of  the  work  may  be  ac- 
counted to  be  in  a  more  thaa  ordinary  manner  proper  and  feafonable  for 

A  3  thefe 


'T'he  Episile  to  the  ^I^Cj 


thefe  cimes )  But  therein  every  man  is  Icfc  free  to  his  own  further  dif- 
quifitions.  Neither  is  it  for  the  fake  of  the  bare  expofition  (much 
lefTe  Chronical  Accomodation  )  of  the  Text  fo  much,  that  we  publifli 
thcfe  things  ( in  that  kind  the  Labours  of  others  do  abound  )  but  for 
the  fpiritual,  pra(flical,  lively ,  foul-fcarching  truths  and  applications 
thereof  that  are  therein  contained,  the  fubftance  of  which  Truths  the 
impartial  Reader  will  eafily  acknowledge  to  be  clear  both  from  this  and 
from  other  Scriptures. 

Thefe  Sermons  preached  by  the  Author,  in  a  weekly  Le(flure,  were 
begun  infune  i6i6,  and  ended  in  J\/4jf  1640.  In  which  time  there  was 
a  Leaven  q^  AntinomiMZXxd^  Familiflical  opinions  ftirring  in  the  Coun- 
try, as  the  world  hath  already  in  Print  been  informed :  By  occafion 
whereof  the  Reader  will  meet  with  fundry  paflages  tending  to  reprove 
and  refute  fome  of  thofe  conceits  and  to  eftablifh  the  contrary  truth  •, 
which  we  have  not  expunged,  but  let  them  pafle  moftlyas  we  found 
them;  feeing  it  is  no  more  then  the  world  already  knows  that  there 
were  fuch  things  then  among  us  5  and  though  that  ftorm  be  ( as  to 
it's  open  influence  )  comfortably  blown  over  with  us ,  yet  the  like 
erroursare  (ifnot  latent  among  fome  here)  fpread  elfewhere  by  the 
New  Lights  of  thefe  times,  whence  thefe  helps  againft  them  are  ftill 
needful.  And  we  doubt  not  but  the  fubftance  of  the  Truth  herede- 
fended  by  our  Author  will  ftand  and  abide  the  Trial.  Yea  I  fuppofe 
r  may  freely  take  liberty  to  fay,  that  among  the  many  excellencies 
wherewith  the  Lord  endowed  this  precious  inftrument  of  his,  this  was 
none  of  the  leaft,  that  God  taught  him,  and  helped  him  to  teach  others 
the  true  middle  way  of  the  Gofpel  between  the  Legalift  on  the  one 
hand,  and  the  Antinomian  (or  loofe  Gofpeller )  on  the  other,  with 
much  and  fweet  clearneffe,  as  was  evident  in  the  whole  courfe  and  way 
of  his  preaching,  and  may  in  fome  meafure  appear  both  in  his  Books 
formerly  printed,  and  in  the  following  Sermons.  Other  palTagesalfo 
of  fpecial  application  to  this  Country  and  to  thofe  fit  ft  times  of  it ,  we 
willingly  permit  to  pafTe  the  Preffe,  becaufe  they  may  be  profitable  to 
others  in  like  cafes  elfewhere,  and  of  fpecial  benefit  to  the  New- English 
Reader.  For  why  (hould  we  not  defire  and  hope  that  the  futablc  folemn 
counfels  and  warnings  here  given  to  thefe  Churches  by  this  Seer  in  Jfr4' 
el,  in  reference  to  the  main  matters  of  life  and  godlineffe,  may  now  be 
of  living,  awakening  and  ("oul-inftruc^ing  ufe  to  them  (  Oh  that  it  may 
be  / )    unto  many  Generations ! 

Reader,  if  thou  comeft  hither  to  carp  and  cavil,  or  to  criticlfe  upon 
each  circumftantial  imp€i:ie<flion,  this  work  is  not  for  thy  turn  ♦,  but  if 
thou  bringcft  with  thee  a  ferious  and  humble  heart,  defirous  to  have 
thy  foul  fearched  to  the  quick,  the  fores  thereof  lanced,  thy  fpiritual 
work  and  way  dire(5led,  and  the  intereft  of  thy  eternal  peace  furthered  -,  | 
ifthoudefireft  to  walk  with  God  in  good  earneft,  and  efcapingall  thej 
fnares  of  a  flight  and  flumbring  Generation,  to  ftand  before  the  Son  of  j 
man  with  comfort  in  the  day  of  his  Glory,  then  maift  thou  here  find  I 
that  that  willfuce  thee,  and  which  thou  wilt  bleife  the  Lord  for ,  even  I 

wsrJs 


T'he  8pisile  to  the  Reader 


words  that  are  as  Goads  and  Nails  fajined  by  this  Maflerof  ^^^emhlieSygi- 
'vertfrsmth  it  one  and  chief  shepherd.     The  Lord  fix  and  fafteo  them 
in  all  our  hearts,  that  abiding  and  being  engrafted  there,  they  may  be 
inftrucnefical  to  farther  our  Salvation,  that  neither  deficiency  in  the 
main,  nor  (loath  Put  fecurity,  may  hinder  us  from  oor  defired  end  5  but 
ivvhen  that  chief  Shepherd  and  that  Heaven'y  Bridegroom?   Whonovr 
■fends  to  us  by  fo'  many  Servants  and  MeflTiges  'of  his,  both  in  W  ^rd 
land  Writing,  (lull  appear  himfelf  iri  the  Glorj  of  his  Father,  and  of  all 
Ihis  holy  Angels^  we  alfo  may  receive  a  Crown  of  Gkrphat  fad'th  not 
\arvay,  and  (  for  the  laft  confummation  of  this  happy  Marriage)  may 
Igohomewirh  him  to  his  Fathers  Houfe,  there  to  abide  in  his  Reft,  in 
I  the  Fulnefje  of  his  jo)^  and  diink  down  his  Fkafures  for  evermore, 
\     And  you  that  fo^ntimes  were  the  Flock  of  this  Shepherd  ,  and  have 
i  heard  thefe  things  from  the  lively  voice  of  this  SouLmelting  Preacher, 
I  whom  you  -never  can  forget  •,  lee  it  be  a  welcom  Providence  to  have 
chefe  Truths  thus  revived  to  you,  and  put  into  your  hands,  that  he 
who  is  dead,  may  yet  fpeak  to  you  and  yours.     G^c  them  into  your 
Houlescoread,  aay,  into  your  Hearts  to  feed  upon,    as  a  choice  and 
precious  Treafure.     And  let  them  ftill  be  a  living  and  continual  warn- 
ing to  you  to,  watch  and  keep  alive  the  power  of  Godline(re,  the  dajly 
pra<flire  of  working  ottt  yottr  Salvation  with  fear  and  tremblings  the.  love 
of  the  Truth,  the  hatred  of  every  falie  way,  the  efteem  and  improve' 
mentafGodsOrdinanceSj  and  the  true,  humble,  heavenly  Life  of 
Fiith  in  Chi'ift  Jefas* 


^(J 


Q^Q:> 


To  the  Reader, 


F  thou  artene  who  kn&wefi  what  'tis  to  he  feriom  in  the  great 
bttjinef  of  providing  for  Eternitj ,  'tis  very  frobaUc  thoii 
maifibe  no  jlr anger  to  the  Ndme  of  this  Reaver et^d  Author t 
now  with  God,  whofe  N^me  in  both  the  Englands  is  m  an 
ojntment  pared  forth  5  and  then  thou  wilt  be  eager  Ij  defirous 
to  perufe  thefe  foUowing  Sermons,  in  tendency  to  the  farther  increafmg  thj 
Jlockof  fpiritual  eyl,  and  when  thou  hafi  read  them,  and fuckt  forth  thc^ 
fweetnef  and  nourifhment  contained  in  them^  and  by  the  aft  fiance  of  ths^ 
holy  Spirit  turned  them  into  ^ood  and  healthfuU  nutriment  to  thy  [otth  we 
queHionnot  but  itwillinhance  the  Authors  worth  in  thy  shoughts  and  efli^ 
mation.  But  perhaps  thou  hafl  never  lighted  on  an)  of  thofe  T lowers  'jvhich 
this  Holy  man  hath  planted  in  Gods  garden^  and  then  we  are  confident  thou 
wilt  t^eet  with  fuch  favour^  fweetnif  in  this  Difcourfe,  as  wi Urn ake  thee 
wi(h  Chrijis  Church  had  longer  enjoyed  fo  choice  and  skilful!  a  Workman. 
jf  thou  beefl  one  who  hath  hitherto  little  conjidered  of  God  and  thy  feul^  and 
the  concernments  of  Eternity,  or  only  now  and  then  had  fome  morning  dew 
thotfghts  of  that  which  deferves  and  requires  the  choice fl  and  mofl  vigorous 
workings  ofthyfoul^we  wifh  thou  would  fl  Jo  far  comply  with  Godsgoodne/in 
bringing  this  Book  to  thy  hand,  andgratific  thy  f elf,  (we  mean  thy  Sculjhy 
better  felf,)  as  to  read  over  this  Treatife,  in  which  thou  wilt  meet  with  thofe 
ferioffs  and  foul' piercing  Truths,  which  by  Gods  blefingmay  be  as  poyfonto 
thylufisy  and  awaken  thee  to  a  feriotfs  and  hearty  engaging  in  that  work 
which  none  ever  yet  repented  of  For  the  occafion  of  publijhing  this  Piece, 
we  refer  thee  to  the  larger  Epijlle  of  our  Reverend  Brother,  and  only  adde, 
that  though  a  vein  of  feriom,  folid  and  hearty  piety  run  through  all  this  Au- 
thors Works,  yet  he  hath  rejerved  the  befl  wine  till  the  laji.  The  Lord  help 
thee  and  us  foto  reade  and  improve  thefe  and  juchlike  labours  ef  Gods  Har- 
veft  meh,  that  we  way  with  the  Wife  Virgins  have  the  Lamps  of  our  fouls 
trimedand  furnifhed  withoyl,  that  when  the  Bridegroom  Jhallcome  wc^ 
may  be  ready  to  enter  with  him  into  his  Kingdom.  Which  is  and  [hall  be 
the  prayer  of  us^  who  are  hearty  well-  wijlnrs  to  thy  Soul, 


William  GreenKill. 
Edmund  Calaroy^ 
John  Jackfon^ 


Simeon  Afh> 
William  Taylor, 


Dccmb.i^. 
16^9. 


THE 


THE 


P  A  R  AB  L 


TEN  VIRGINS 

UN  F  O  L  D  E  D. 

Out  of 
Matth.  2j.  from  the  i^  Verf.  to  the  14'^. 

I .  ThenJhaU^he  Kjngddm  of  heaven  be  Hfiened  mto  ten  Virgins  ^  which  toeJi  their  Lam^s,  and  w,mt 
ferth  t9  meet  the  Eridegrosm. 

I.  And  fve  ef  them  were  wife,  f4dfvewerefa9lipj. 

3.  They  that  were  foolijhtoolitheir  Lamps,  and  toel^no  eyl  with  them, 

4.  But  the  wife  ioo\  ojl  in  their  vejfels  with  their  Lamps. 

5.  while  the  Bridegreem  tarried,  they  all  flumbred  and  fept, 

€,  A  fid  at  mid-night  there  rtf/u  a  cry  made.  Behold  the  Bridegroom  cometh^  go  ye  But  to  meet  him. 

7.  then  all  thofe  Virgins  arofe  and  trimmed  their  Lamps. 

8.  And  the  foolijh  fxid  unie  the  wife,  GivetM  ofyour  eyl,fer  our  Lamps  are  gone  out„ 

9.  But  the  wife  mfweredf^ying^  notfo,  left  there  be  not  enough  for  us  and  you,  but  go  ye  rather  to 

them  that  fell,  and  buy  for  your  felvcs. 

10.  Andwhiletheywenttobuy,  the  Bridegroom  came^  and  they  that  were  ready  went  in  with  him 
to  the  marriage,  and  the  door  wasfhut, 

II.  Afterward  came  alfo  the  other  Virgins,  faying.  Lord,  Lord,  open  to  ui. 
iz.  But  he  anfwered  and  f aid.  Verily  Ifay  unto  you,  Il^now  you  not. 

13.  JVatch  therefore,  for  ye  linew  neither  the  dny,  net  the  hour  wherein  the  Son  of  man  co^eth. 


CHAP.  L 


SECT.L 

Hefc  words  are  part  oF  our  Saviours  Anfvver  unto  two  folemn  qoefti- 

ons  which  his  Difciples  propounded  unto  him.  Chap.  24. -t/.  5.  The 

firft  was  concerning  the  deftru6lion  of  the  Temple  at  Jemfakm.  The 

fecond  concerning  the  fign  of  his  coming,  ahdfo  of  the  end  of  the 

The  firft  feems  to  be  occafioned  by  our  Saviours  fpeech,  r .24.  v.  2.  The 

fecondfromhisfpeech,f.  23.2/.  39.  To  the  firrt  therefore  he  anfwers ,  from  the 

B  4th* 


world. 


"The  T arable  of  the 


4*^^  v.oi  the  24'^  ch.  to  the  2  '^^  v.  of  it.  To  the  fecond  he  anfwerech  from  the 
23^  z/.  of  the  fame  c/?^p.  to  the  end  of  this  251^  chaf.  Wherein  he  acquaints 
them, 

1.  With  fome  things  which  (ball  be  before  his  coming,  viz,,  fubtill  and  itrong 
delulions,  mixt  with  fore  tribulations  and  opprelTions ,  efpecially  in  the  time 
of  Antichrift's  raigne,  as  alfo  great  confufions,  in  all  hearts  and  Churches ",  if 
not  throughout  all  the  world  after  the  tribulation  of  thofe  daies ;  And  then  (tiiih 
he)  v.^o.  fhafl appear  the  Jtgn  of  the  Son  of  man^  and  he  ihall  ho.'iQtVixomrfig  in 
power  and  great  Glory  ;  but  if  you  defire  farther  to  know  the  day  and  hour  when 
this  lb  ail  be,  'tis  fuch  a  fecret  as  my  Father  revealeth  not  to  any,  no,  not  to 
the  very  Angels  in  Heaven,  and  therefore  you  need  not  know  it,  nor  yet  jQiould 
feek  to  know  it ;  'tis  fufficient  for  you  to  know  that  before  my  coming  there  (ball 
be  lam^entable  and  fad  times,  and  that  when  they  art  at  their  worft,  that  the  Sun 
and  the  Moon  (  through  the  horrours  of  mens  hearts,  and  the  univerfal  confi;fions 
in  the  world  )  jQiall  feem  t6  be  darkned ,  &c»  that  then  it  is  tim^efor  me  to  come, 
and  fet  all  in  order  again,  then  the  time  of  my  comjng  drawes  nigh :  Now  this 
Chrill  doth  from  -z/.  2  3 .  of  the  241^  chap,  to  v.^'j. 

2.  Having  thus  fpoken  concerning  his  coming,  he  breaks  off  hisfpeech  in 
defcribing  his  coming,  and  fals  to  difcovering  the  ttate  of  the  tim.es  toward,  and 
about  the  days  of  hi^  coming,  and  this  he  doth  from  c.  24.  ^'.37.  toe.  25.^.31. 
by  the  confideration  of  which  he  perfwades  to  watch fulncffe  againft  Jiis  corning. 
I. Either  f  faith  he)  the  times  will  be  very  feofuall  and  degenerate,  as  in  the 
daies  of  Noah,  in  fome  places  of  the  world,  c.  24.'j;.38.  vvhich  he  illuftrates 
from  two  Parables,  perfwading  therefore  to  watchfulnefle ,  to  the  end  of  the 
24[^^chap.  2.  Or  there  will  be  great  fecurity  in  other  pLices  and  among  o- 
ther  perfons  (  not  given  up  tofenfualiry  as  in  the  daies  oi  Noah^  butj  who  are 
the  chart,  Virgin,  pure  Churches  of  the  world,  not  defiled  with  the.  whoredoms 
in  tbe  world;  and  this  our  Saviour  unfolds  in  this  Parable.  3.  Or  if  any  be 
awakened  (  as  fome  Ibal I )  to  look  for  Chrift's  com.ing,  yet  among  thefe,  fom.e 
through  hard  conceits  of  the  Lord  Jefus ,  fliall  be  wilfully  careletTe,  and  nor 
improvq  their  Talents  for  the  fake  and  ufe  of  the  Lord  Jefus ,  and  this  is 
fet  down  in  the  next  Parable  of  the  ten  Talents,  from  ^^.14.  to  7;.  31.  You  fee 
therefore  where  this  Parable  (lands,  and  to  what  purpofe  it  is  brought  in.  In 
which  are  two  thinj^s. 


SECT.  II. 

I.    I  'He  Parable  it  feif,  concerning  the  ten  Virgins,  from  t/.i •  to  v.i  3. 

A  2.  The  fcope  of  the  Parable,  z/.i  3.  which  is  to  perfwadenot  fim.ply  to 
watchfulnelTe,  but  to  continuance  and  perfcverance  in  it  from  a  prudent  forefight 
of  the  coming  of  Chrift. 

I.  The  Parable  it  fe!f  is  fet  down,  agreeable  to  the  cuflom  of  thofe  times 
wherein  our  Saviour  lived,  wherein  their  Marriages  were  ufually  celebrated  in  the 
night  time,  fbe  that  \vas  the  Bride  was  attended  with  fundry  Virgins  to  meet  the 
Bridegroom;  thefe  Virgins  (it being  n'ght  fe.ifon)  took  therefore  their  lamps 
with  them;  thofe  that  were  ready,  and  met  the  Bridegroom,  were  admitted  to  the 
Marriage-Room  and  Supper ;  thofe  that  came  after  that  time,  if  once  the  doors 
werefhut,  werefurely  It^z  out,  though  theyknockt  hard  to  come  in.  All  this, 
fhofewho  are  acquainted  with  Jemjh  Hiftories  and  cuftoms  know  to  be  true,whlch: 
we  are  to  attend ,  becaufe  it  gives  not  a  little  light  to  the  true  and  genuine  ex- 
plication of  this  Parable. 

In  which  Parable  note  thefe  two  parts.  '  •. 

I.  The  Churches  preparation  to  meet  with  Chrifl:  (called  here  the  Bridegroom) 
from  the  i  to  the  5  verj.  2.The 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


3 


2.  The  Bridegroom's  coming'  forth  to  meet  them,  from  the  5  to  the  12  ver[. 


SECT.  III. 

The  firft  part  of  the  Parable. 

FIrft,  I  fhall  fpeak  of  the  preparation  made  by  the  Church  to  meet  vvith  Chrift 
jedis.    Wherein  alfo  note  thefe  three  things. 

1.  The  place  where  this  preparation  is  made, «//«.  in  the  ICwgdofn  of  Heaven^ 
verf,  I . 

2.  The  tim.e  when  it  fnallbe  made,  fet  down  in  the  firft  word,  Then^v.  i. 

^.  Theperfons  that  fhall  make  this  preparation,  they  {hall  not  be  corrupted 
Members  of  degenerate  Churches,  where  m.ens  profeiTion  is  grown  foul  through 
length  cf  wearing  ;  but  they  are  Profeflors  of  fome  eminent  ftrain,  fome  whereof 
are  truly  fincere,  others  fecreily  unlbund.  And  there  is  a  double  defcription  of 
them.  I .  From  fome  things  wherein  they  all  agree.  2.  From  fome  other  parti- 
cuiar«;  wherein  they  manifettly  differ ; 
,    Firfiy  Thofe  things  wherein  they  all  agree  are  three. 

1'.  They  are  all  Virgins,  Virgin-Profeflfors. 

2.  They  were  all  avVake  and  watchful  for  fome  time,  ready  to  meet  the  Bride- 
groom ,  and  hence  it  it  is  faid ,     They  took^  their  Lain^s* 

3 .  They  all  had  fo  much  Faith  as  to  go  out  to  m.eet  the  Bridegroom. 
Secondly^  Thofe  things  wherein  they  did  differ,  are, 
t,CQnen\\)\  five  were  mfcj  snd  fivewerefooltjhy  V.2, 

2.  Specially,  the  foolifh  took^  Lamps  but  noOyl,  the  wife  did  both,  t'. 3, 4. 

This  is  the  rude  draught  of  this  firft  part  of  the  Parable,  the  fum  whereof  is 
tWs,  That  the  ftate  of  the  Members  of  fome  Churches  about  the  time  of  Chrift*s 
coming,  fhall  be  this,  they  fhall  not  be  o':enly  prophare,  corrupt  andfcandilous , 
but  Virgin-Profeflbrs ,  jlwakerted  (for  foirefeafbnj  but  ofcarnalfecuriry,ftirring, 
lively  Chriliians,  not  preferving  their  Chafiity  and  Purity  meeriy  inavVayof 
Works,  but  waiting  foir  Chrift  in  a  Covenant  of  Grace,  only  fome  of  thefe,  and  a 
good  part  of  thefe,  ftiall  be  indeed  wife,  flored  with  fpiritual  wifdom^  fill'd  with 
the  power  of  Grace;  but  others  of  them,  and  a  great  part  of  them  too,  (hall  be 
found  foolilli  ^t  the  com.ing  of  the  Lord  Jefu?. 

I  come  therefore  to  handle  the  firft  Particular  in  this  firft  Part,  vk. 


CHAP.  n. 
Of  the  Visible  Church  of  ^od. 


SECT.  I. 


1. 


T 


HE  place  where  this  preparation  to  meet  Chrift  fhall  be  made,  and 
that  b  not  in  the  Kingdoms  of  this  world  (earthly -"Kingdoms)  but  in 
the  Kingdom  of  Heaven,  and  therefore 'tis  (aid,  The  Kingdom  of  If ea- 
ven  fl'^all  be  llke-i  tiC, 

I  will  not  trouble  you  with  telling  you  how  many  wMfis  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven 

is  taken  in  Scripture;  by  Kingdom  of  Heaven  here,  is  not  meant  the  Kingdom 

of  Glory  in  the  third  Heaven,  for  there  Ihall  be  no  fooiilh  Virgins  at  all  there,no 

unclean  thin^  fhall  enter  thithermor  by  it  is  m.eant  the  head  of  this  Kingdom,W*. 

,  ""  B2  Chrift 


DoEi,  1. 


Reaf.i, 


Reaf,  2. 


I'be  T arable  of  the 


Chritt  3cfus,for  how  can  he  be  like  to  ten  Virgins;  nor  by  it  is  meant  the  Gorpel  of 
the  Kingdom,^ which^^f.i  3.  is  cali'd  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven^  and  compared  to  a 
draw-net)  for  how  can  it  be  like  unto  ten  Virgins  ?  nor  yet  the  internal  Kingdo  n 
of  grace  fet  up  in  the  heart  of  every  believer  (which  is  called  a  grain  of  Murtard- 
feed,  Mat,i'^.)  for  how  can  any  foolilh  Virgins  be  there  ?  or  what  lliarehave 
they  in  that  ?  Therefore  I  conceive  'tis  clear,  that  by  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven 
here,  is  meant  the  external  Kingdom  of  Chriit  in  this  world  :  that  is,  the  vifible 
Church,  or  the  eftate  of  the  vifible  Church,  which  is  frequently  called  in  Scri- 
pture, the  Kingdom  of  Heaven,  as,  ^/«f.8. 12.  &;  21.43.  In  which  Kingdom 
fome  are  wife,  fome  foolifli,  all  profeffe  Chrift,  look  for  the  coming  of  Chrift, 
for  falvation  from  Chrift,  the  eftate  of  this  vifible  Church  ftiall  be  like  ten 
Virgins. 


SECT.  II. 

AND  hence  I  fhall  note  this  one  thing. 
That  the  vlfihle  Church  cf  God  on  earthy  ef^eclallj  in  the  times  of  the  Gojpely 
is  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven  upon  earth. 

Fbr'iook  upon  the  face  of  the  vvhole  earth,  there  you  may  fee  the  Kingdoms 
of  men,  and  the  Kingdom,  of  Satan,{in  and  death,  which  the  Apoftle  faith,  Rom,%. 
reig'^eth  overall  men;  here  is  only  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven,  upon  earth,  W^^. 
in  the  vifible  Church ;  'tis  not  the  place  only  which  makes  either  Heaven  or 
Hell ,  (though  there  is  a  place  for  both)  but  the  ftate  principally  makes  both,  one 
m.ay  be  in  Hell  upon  earth,  as  Chrift  was  in  his  bitter  agony,  and  a  man  may  be 
in  a  kind  of  Heaven  upon  earth,  as  Chrift  tels  his  hearers,  that  the  Kingdom  of 
Heaven  vpas  at  hand;  a  man  may  be  under  the  Kingdom  of  Satan  and  darknelle 
upon  earth,  Col.1.1 3.  which  is  a  kind  of  Hell  ^  and  why  not  as  well  under  the 
Kingdom  of  God  on  earth,  which  is  a  kind  of  Heaven ,  specially  (  I  fay  )  now 
under  the  Gofpel ,  wherein  the  Lord  hath  begun  to  fulfil,  that  which  was  but  only 
promifed  under  the  01dTeftam.ent  to  be  fulfilled  in  the  fourth  and  laft  Monarchy, 
(^1)^.2.44.  j  in  the  time  of  the  New  :  In  the  ftate  of  Chrift's  vifible  Church, 
which  ftiould  by  little  and  little  beat  down  all  other  Kingdoms  of  the  world. 


SECT.    III. 

I.  TJ  Ecaufe^the  fame  King  that  is  reigning  in  Heaven,  is  reigning  here,  ispre- 
IJ  fent  here,P/^.2.6.And  hereiihe  Saints  are  commanded  to  re/oyce,to  fhour, 
and  to  be  glad  with  all  their  hearts,  becaufe  of  the  prefence  of  this  their  King  a- 
mong  them,  Zefh.^.i^^i  5.  'Tis  true  indeed  he  is  King  over  all  the  world ;  the 
immediate  execution  of  all  Gods  common,  as  well  as  fpecial  providence,  is  put 
into  the  hand  of  this  King,  the  Lord  Jefus.  But  as  for  his  Enemies,  and  other 
creatures,  he  reignes  over  them  as  a  King  of  power,  but  hereignesnoc  for  them 
alfo  as  a  King  of  Grace  and  love ,  for  thus  he  reignes  among  his  people  in  his 
Church,  Dfi'^f.3  3.26,27.  The  Lord'  is  prefent  with  every  one  of  his  people,  feve- 
rally,  but  much  more  joyntiy,  when  two  or  three  of  them  are  met  together  in 
his  Name. 

2.  Becaufe  here  are  the  Lawes  of  Heaven,  Hi?^.i  2.2 5.  Take  heed  (fpeaking 
of  the  Miniftryof  the  Gofpel  in  the  Churches)  that  ye  refufe  not  to  heir  him  who 
fpeakethfrom  Heaven,  which  Lawes  are  not  only  here  promulgated  (as  they  be 
among  the  enemies  of  this  Kingdom  J  but  accepted  and  received  alfo ,  vvithouc 
which  Lawes  vyhat  Kingdom  could  there  be  ?  Chrift's  Kingdom  in  this  world  is 
neither  tyranracal,  nor  arbitrary,  to  govern  without  Law ;  no,  no,  but  if  he  be 

our 


ten  Vir^^ins  Opened  and  Applied, 


our  King,  he  isourL?w-givcr  alfo,//^35.22.  Nay  the  fame  Lawes  by  which  we 
fliill  be  ruled  in  Heaven,  we  have  here,  and  we  are  now  under :  That  as  our 
Divines  fliy  againtt  the  P,ipi(l>^  though  before  Mofes  his  time,there  was  not  fcriptid 
verbis  yet  there  w.is  verbMmfcrlpum,  which  the  Patriarchs  bid  before  the  Fioud, 
and  .ifterward  until  Mofes  his  tiir.e :  So  I  fay  here,  though  in  Heiven  the  external 
Letter  and  fciipcion  both  of  Lawand  Gofpel,  ftiall  be  abolit"hed,  becaufe  they 
need  theni  not  when  the  day-(iir  is  rifen,  2  Fet.  1.19.  Yec  the  living  Rules  of 
both  for  fubftance,  fhall  remain  ;  the  end  of  theMiniftry  is  to  bring  us- to  the 
unity  of  Fairh  in  a  perfedl:  eftare,  Eph.^.i^,  Therefore  Faith  lliall  not  eeafe, 
when  Miniiiers  fliall,  and  that  perfedt  man  fhall  Come.  Our  Faith  indeed  fliall 
not  then  by  fuch  glaffes  fee  Chrift,  nor  adhere  unto  Chrili-,  by  fuch  means  of 
Promifes  and  Ordinances  as  we  do  now,  but  without  them  we  fhall  both  fee, 
and  for  ever  adhe^-e  to  him  who  is  our  King  at  that  day^and  though  indeed  the  Law 
is  now  abolifhed  ,  as  a  Covenant  of  life ,  yet  ic  (hall  ever  remain  as  a  Rule  of 
life  ;  perfe6i:  fub;e<^ion  to  it,  is  the  happineffe  of  Saints  in  Heaven,  1  Joh.i. 
as  a  heirt  contrary  to  it  is  'he  greateft  mifery  of  the  Saints  on  earth,  Rom*j.'2^^. 

5 .  Becaufe  here  are  the  Subjects  of  HeaveA,  Efh,2.ip,  Fellow-Citizens  of  the 
S5ints,not  only  on  earth,  but  as  P^w/ f^^eaketh,'  FhiL^.'^'COur  co^verfatiofi  (or^^s  it 
may  be  rendred,our  free  BurgcCe-fliip)  is  mHeaven,  Godiiimfelf  hath  canonized 
all  the  tree  Members  of  viiibie  Churches  with  the  name  of  Saints,  throughout  the 
whoienew  Teftnnent,  here  are  the  great  heirs  of  Heaven,  nay,  pofleflburs-of 
Heaven  by  Faith,  as  others  are  by  feeling,  as  near  and  dear  to  God  (info  p.ere- 
fpecl)  as  thofe  that  be  in  Heaven  already ;  becaufe  the  fame  motive  which  makes 
him  love  them,  makes  him  love  thefe ,  though  poOr  abje^ls,  and  out-cafts  of  the 
world  ;  there  is  but  a  paper-wall  of  their  bodies  between  them  and  Heaven,  only 
here  is  the  difference,  they  there,  are  Subjeils  in  their  own  countrey  ;  thefe  here, 
are  the  fame  Countreymen,  only  fl-^ngers  for  a  time  hereupon  earth :  Some  de- 
fine a  Kingdom  to  be  domimtus  regis  In  ppulttrnfuhjeUum*  If  Chrift  (the  King) 
was  prefcnt5and  his  Laws  publifheo,  but  there  were  no  people  to  be  fubjed  to  him, 
there  could  be  no  Kingdom  ;  but  when  the  King,  Laws,  and  Subjefts  of  Heaven 
are  here  m.et  together  in  the  vilible  Church,  here  is  now  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven. 

4.  BecaufehereistheveryGlory  of  Heaven  liegmi,  that  look  as  the  fame  Sun 
which  fils  the  Stars  with  Glory,  the  very  fame  beams  touch  the  earth  ajfoj^.  fo 
the  fame  Glory  which  fh.ines  in  Heaven,  fhines  into  the  poor  Church  here,  1  Pet. 
5.10.  God  hath  called  his  people  into  his  eternal  Glory.  And  Rom.^.-^o. 
vphdm  Chriif  hathjttfiified,  them  he  hath  glorlfkd^  /.f.he  hath  begun  it  here  ;  herein  ? 
fpecial  manner  is  the  prefence  of  the  Angels  in  Heaven,  Efh.  3,  10.  He:ethe 
pure  in  heart  fee  God,  and  that  after  another  mariner,  than  m.any  times  they  can 
in  their  folitary  condition, /yi^/.^S- 1 j^sS.    And  vvhat  is  this  but  Heaven?.        { 


5 


Reafan.^. 


Reafojt  4, 


SECT,  iv.'  r-^ 

I.  O  EE  therefore  hence  their  happinef?  and  honour,  whom  God  hath  called  out 
»3  of  the  world,  and  planted  in  his  Church :  What  hath  the  Lord  done,  but 
opened  the  way  to  the  Tree  of  life,and  \Qt  you  into  Paradife  again  ?  Nay  (which  is 
more)  What  hath  he  done  but  taken  you  up  into  the  very  Kingdom  of  Heiven  it 
felf  ?  where  you  have  the  Lord  of  glory  to  be  your.  King,  th^  Laws  of  Heaven 
niade  knovvn,.his  heart  opened,  where  you  h^xo.  the  heirs  of  Heaven  your  compa- 
nions, and  the  Angels  of  Heaven  your  guard,  defiring  to'Iook  into  thofe  things 
which  your  eyes  fee,  and  your  hearts  feel,  i  Pet,  1.12.  Where  you  have  the  love 
of  a  Father  appearmg,  the  Son  of  God  inhabiting,  and  the  Spirit  of  Heaven 
comforting.  Lord  what  is  man  that  thou  art  thus  mindful  of  him!  That  when 
the  Lord  feeth  it  unmeet  to  take  you  out  of  this  world  up  unto  Heaven,  that 


Ufe  2. 


B  3 


Heiven 


TbeT  arable  of  the 


ife  3. 

Some  tMnk 
from  thence 
ihaith'lapfcd 
Angels  did 
not  fall  in  the 
third  Heaven, 
but  in  rome 
place  in  the 
eaithj'oi  that 
is  an  inherit- 
ance undefi- 
led. 


fe   I. 


ff  4. 


Heaven  fhould  come  down  iAto  this  world  unto  you,  vvho  were 
once  enemies  to  this  Kingdom ,  lliut  up  under  the  Kingdom  of  ceith  and 
darknefle,  itrargers  to  the  Common-wealth  of  Jfrael,  without  God  and  Ch.ilt 
in  the  world,  wuhout  promife,  without  hope.  I  do  not  cry  the  Temple  of  the 
Lord,  nor  Ido.ize  Order  and  Churches,  but  I  tell  you  wha:  your  priviledge  is, 
and  thereby  what  Gods  goodncfl'e  is :  I  know  the  world  neither  feeth  v.oi  feeleth 
any  fuch  Heaven  on  earth,  but  ioon  grow  defpifers  fecretlycfall  Ordinances, 
who  if  chey  were  in  Heaven  it  felf  with  their  carnal  hearts,  they  would  not 
abide  theie  with  much  contentment,  yet  verily  He.wen  hath  been  ,  and  is^ 
found  here  by  Gods  hidden one^,  even  fuch  things  which  eye  hath  not  feen,  nor  ear 
heard,  and  if  it  be  not  thus  with  thee,  blame  thy  felf,  and  mourn  the  more,  who 
in  the  midft  of  light  art  in  utter  darknelTe,  and  in  the  place  where  Heaven  is 
begun  CO  fome,  it  ihould  be  made  a  little  Hell  to  thee. 

2.  Take  heed  of  defiling  fecretjf  the  Church  of  God :  For  what  do  you 
do  thereby,  but  pollute  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven  it  felf?  And  the  better  any 
thing  is,  the  greater  is  the  defi'emenc  calt  u^^onit.  It  is  (aid,  i  P^M.4.  that 
the  Kingdom  of  Heaven  above  is  aft  Inheritance  undefiled* ^  never  yet  the 
fubjed^  plnce  where  any  {in  was  committed,  and  rhis  is  one  part  of  the  Glory  of 
if.  Take  you  heed  of  coming  into  Church-fellowl"hip  with  dehled  hearts,  and 
fo  deffling  Gods  holy  things,  for  do  you  know  where  you  are  ?  I  know  it  is  not 
in  that  He  wen  where  you  cannot  fin,  but  yet 'tis  in  fuch  a  Heaven  where  you 
ilioil  d  not  fin  ,  m.uch  le(fe  defile  the  Church  of  God.  It  was  one  of  Gods  he> 
vy  indire.T.ents  againl^  the  Church  of  the  Jem^    that  when  the  Lord  hid  brought 

hemo':t  of  a  land  of  pits,  into  a  plentiful  counrrey,  yet  they  defiled  his  Land, 
leicher  Prie! Is  nor  iQo^^Q^xid^  where  is  the  Lord  ?  Jfr.X7,8.  It  will  be  much 
nore  heavy  another  day  with  you,  th.it  walking  in  the  fellowlliip  of  Gods  people, 
lliall  be  found  guilty  of  defiling  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven  it  felf,  which  you  fhould 
be  careful  to  keep  as  an  unde  led  inheritance,  which  defile  nents  whether  fpiritual 
^rfenfual,  as  they  ftain  the  very  glory  of  Heivenit  felf,  fo  they  keep  you  from 
eeling  the  Truth  of  this  Dodrine,  even  of  this  Heaven  upon  earth  in  your  own 
experience. 

3 .  Let  all  Members  of  Churches  hence  team  to  have  their  converfation  in  Hel- 
en, and  walk  as  men  come  down  from  Heaven,  and  returning  thither  again,  and 
"hat  are  as  it  were  alreidy  in  Heiven.  Pml<^id  thus,  and  wept  to  fee  fo  many 
hat  did  not  thus,  but  did  mind  earthly  things^  Phil. '^.'^9  ^20,     Do  not  only  for- 

f^kc,  but  even  forget  jour  Coumrej ,  and  your  Fathers  honfe^  fo  jhall  the  King  of 
Glory  defire  yottr  beauty^  PfaL^'y,  10,1 1?  Let  the  reproach  of  eirthly-minded- 
nefle  cafi  upon  the  face  of  ChriiHans,  be  wi^red  off  by  your  carriage,  being  heaven- 
ly, holy ,  loofened  from  things  below.  Art  thou  in  He.iven  with  an  earthly  heart  ? 
Is  not  Heaven  good  enough  for  thee  ?  Cannot  that  content  thee  which  many  have 
defired  to  fee,  ^nd  could  not  fee,  even  the  Lord  Jefus,  the  King  of  Glory  in  his 
beauty,  in  the  affemblies  of  his  Saints  ? 

4.  Take  heed  of  pulling  down  this  Kingdom.  Loyal  Subjevfts  will  rather  lofe 
their  lives,  than  their  Prince  fhall  lofe  his  Kingdom.  Fear  not  enemies  without, 
but  your  felves  at  home.  The  enemies  of  the  Church,  did  never  yet  hurt  the 
Church,  but  the  Church's  fins,  ^ach.j.i^.  Oh  confider  what  m.ercy  the  Lord 
hath  betrufted  us  withal,  that  unleffe  the  Lord  lliould  carry  us  to  Heaven  it  felf, 
immediatly  on  the  wings  of  Angels,  he  can  fhew  us  no  greater  outward  favour,  in 
this  world,  than  to  brin^us  int®  this  his  Kingdom  of  Heaven  on  earth.  I  pro- 
feffe  one  daies  fellowfliip  here  with  a  number  of  broken-hearted  Chriftians,  either 
mourning  together,  or  rejoycing  in  their  God  and  King  together,  it  out-bids  the 
many  years  Glory  of  the  whole  world,  (howfoever  'cis  hidden  from  the  world^ 
And  will  you  betray  this  Kingdooi  ? 

i  SECT. 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


SECT.  V. 

Qnefl.X  J\  /Hat  are  thofe  thing?  that  may  pull  dovVn  this  Kingdom  ? 
Unfw.  V  V  I.  Ignorance  of  thofe  fins  which  may  hurt  and  ruine  it.  There 
are  common  infirmities  which  alt  the  faithfuj  have  in  common,  for  which  the 
Lord  pities  his,  but  there  are  fometh^t  are  proper  and  perfonal  to  fome  particular 
pcrfons,  P/^/.  18.23 .  for  which  the  Lord  is  angry  even  with  his  own  •  fo  there  are 
fome  fins  which  are  common  Ch'utch-infirmities,  for  which  the  Lord  will  not 
caft  oif  his  people,  but  there  are  fometim.e^  in  feveral  Churches  proper  Church- 
fins.  Now  the  Rule  here  is^  if  thefe  be  not  feen  and  lamented  and  rem.oved,  if 
the  Lord  be  angry  for  thefe  fas  verily  he  will  )  and  yet  they  do  not  fo  much  as 
know  all  this  while  what  it  is  that  hurts  them,  thefelinsvviil  canker  the  roots , 
and  blaft  the moft  flourifhing:  Churches.  Efhefm^  Rev^T.4.  had  her  fin; 
SardiSr,  Rev.2.1.  had  her  fin.:  Laodlcea  had  her  fins,  Rev.3.16.  Now  what  if 
they  never  know '  thefe,  nor  repent  of  thefe,  you  know  then  Efhefm  Candlefiick 
m.uft  be  removed ,  and  Laodlcea  fhall  be  fpued  out  of  Chrifts  mouth.  Oh  this 
hath  been  the  bane  of  Churches,  while  they  enjoyed  their  liberties,  they  could 
not,  nay  (  in  truth  )  would  not  know  their  atle,.in  the  day  of  Chrifts  vifitation  of 
them,  and  hence  cam.e  their  ruine,  the  caufe  of  which  they  favv  not ;  only  it  may 
be  the  remnant  that  efcaped,  to  whom  the  Lord  fhewedm.ercy,  could  read  their 
fins  in  their  plagues.  It  is  a  lamentable  fpeclacle  to  behold  the  ruines  oi  Ger- 
many^ and  chat  after  fuch  great  flaughter  and  effufion  of  blood,  they  cannot  tell 
the  thing  that  hath  hurt,  and  doth  fiill  waft  them. 

2.  Self-feeking,  aSpiritoffelf.  Look  as  it  is  in  a  Kingdom,  if  there  be  a  com- 
mon enem.y,  and  the  body  ofthe  Army  which  fhould  encounter  with  them,  be 
every  m.an  taken  up ,  and  taking  thougkt  how  he  may  preferve  his  own  Tent, 
and  do  not  joyn  their  forces  together  for  common  fafety,  it  muft  periOi,  and  the 
Kingdom  will  be  eafiiy  conquered :  Or  as  it  is  with  the  body,  if  every  member 
feeks  to  preferve  it  felf  alone,  and  not  that  which  preferves  them  all,  (z'/^,.  the 
Hsad  j  the  body  will  drop  down  and  die  fhortly.  Chrift  Jefus  is  the  Head  of 
this  Body  [his  Church]  Now  'tis  certain  if  ye  feek  to  preferve  your  own 
name  more  than  Chriff's,  to  give  more  content  to  your  own  lufts,  then  to  the 
will  and  heart  of  Chrift,  if  more  careful  of  fetching  feathers  to  your  own  nelts, 
and  to  fhift  for  your  felves,  and  not  to  attend  C  every  man  in  his  place  J  the 
publick  good  of  the  Church,  and  Chrift  in  it ;  *tis  certain  God  will  forfake  you, 
and  all  will  to  ruine  quickly,  2  Chron.i  5,1,2, 

Church-members  of  publick  fpirits,  are  ever  profperous  men.  They  fhall  pro- 
fper  that  love  thee,  Tfal.  122.6.  That  fay  in  their  hearts  out  of  fenfe  of  Chrift's 
love.  Lord,  what  fhalll  doe  for  thee  ?  How  may  I  be  ufeful  to  thy  people?  But 
if  back  and  belly,  mine  and  thine,be  chief  in  requeft,  this  will  ruine  you. 

3.  League  and  Amity  with  the  enemies  of  Chrift's  Kingdom,  or  peace  with 
our  lufts;  it  is  not  fin,but  a  privy  peace  with  fin,and  a.  fecret  quietneffe  in  fin,which 
overthrowes  Chrift's  Kingdom :  The  Canaanites  that  were  left  alive,  becaufe 
(  'tis  faid  )  they  could  not  drive  them  out,  how  often  did  they  vex,  and  prick, 
and  yoke  the //r<sf/ of  God?  Thofe  fins  which  you  fay,  you  cannot  part  with, 
andhence  yield  unto  them,  and  mourn  not  under  them,  thofe  vvill  ruine  Chur- 
ches: Some  fiiis  you  have  forfaken,  and  could  forfake,  the  danger  lies  not  here. 
Wrath  goeth  out  againft  Jehofafhat  becaufe  he  loved  him  who  hated  the  Lord  , 
2  ChrofT.  1^,2. 

4.  When  the  Church  laies  by  her  weapons.  No  Kingdom  can  be  kept  fafe 
in  an  ordinary  way,  where  all  their  weapons  are  taken  from  them,  ornotufedby 
them,  when  their  enemies  are  upon  their  borders :  When  the  Church  hang  by, 
and  lay  afide  Faith  ( the  fhield  whereby  we  defend-  our  felves )  and  prayer 

(  whereby ' 


"The^  arable  of  the 


(whereby  we  otfend  our  enemies)  what  fafecy  is  to  be  expeited  no  v  in  Chur- 
ches? Only  be  rtrong  (^  faith  the  LDi:d  to  Jojhmh  )  when  he  went  out  upon 
that  great  fervice  of  the  Lord,  Jojh.i.j.  Eph.6.i^,  There  is  no  more  fearful 
fign  of  ruine  to  a  Church,  than  where  the  Spirit  of  prayer  begins  co  fail ;  and  ve- 
rily if  any  people  under  Heaven  are  ready  to  mifcarry  herein,  we  (that  have  our 
fifl  of  peace,  and  our  yokes  broken  otffrom  our  n:ioulders  j  are  in  moft  danger; 
but  if  it  be  fo,  look  for  fuch  fhakings  of  all  hearts,  and  Churches  aUb,  aslhiU 
make  you  find  your  tongues,  and  knees,  and  eares,  and  hearts  again,  if  the  Lord 
means  to  dwell  with  you. 

5.  Not  bringing  forth  the  fruits  of  the  Kin^omi  Mdt:.^i.^S-  Cut  that 
Church  down  that  cumbers  the  ground,  after  many  years  pruning  and  wetdng. 
That  Kingdom  where  there  is  Church-trading^but  noconliderable  gain  coming  in, 
will  confume  quickly , and  die  of  it  felf.  Fruit  is  the  lail  end  of  the  tree  :  All  duties 
you  do,  wherein  you  attain  nor,  or  (  at  leaft )  aim  not  at  your  laft  and  utmoft 
end,  but  make  your  felves  your  own  end ,  that  is  not  fruit ;  Fruit  refreQiech 
others  that  talHt ;  when  a  Chriflian  walketh  fo  as  that  another  is  nor  the  better, 
[not  much  refrellied]  by  him.,  but  it  may  be  hardned  rather,  by  a  fapleffe  exam- 
ple, here  is  no  fruit,  and  this  cals  for  the  axe  to  cut  down  the  tree. 

6.  Divilions:  This  puis  down  Kingdoms  without  help  of  forreign  enemies. 
If  a  Kingdom  thruils  fwords  into  each  others  bellies,  this  will  foon  difpatch  them. 
It's  the  Jefuits  plot  to  fubdue  by  private  divifions,  whom  they  cannot  conquer  by 
force  of  Armes :  It  was  moft  pleafing  to  Satan  to  prevail  with  Chrift  to  caft  himfelf 
down  headlong  from  the  Pinacle,rather  than  to  fling  him.  down  him.felf.  It  is  the 
delight  of  Hell  to  fet  &  fee  Churches  at  variance  among  themf elves, this  is  the  firft 
thing  he  attempts  in  the  beft  Churches,  and  it  is  com.monly  profperous,  if  the 
Lord  leaves  the  watchmen  to  flumber,  and  not  to  be  watchful,  and  fearful,  and 
fudddenly  fenfible  of  the  leaft  beginnings  herein.  It  is  a  wonderful  thing  to 
fee  what  a  fmall  occafion  of  offence  will  do ;  a  word,  a  gefture,  a  garment,  a  mat- 
ter of  indifferency,  'tis  ftrange  to  fee,  how  fuch  fmall  matters  will  gore,if  Satans 
head  be  in  them,  and  his  Horns  be  fet  upon  them,  efpecially  in  Churches  where 
men  are  fet  at  liberty ,  and  enjoy  it ,  one  muft  have  liberty  to  fpeak  one  thing,- 
and  another,  another  thing,  I  am  of  this  mind  faith  one,  lam  not  of  that  mind 
(  Brother  j  faich  another :  'Tis  wonderful  to  fee  what  a  fire,  a  fecret  fmother, 
and  fmoak  of  fufpition  will  do.  But  oh  ta';e  heed  here,  Gal.^.i^.  Love  the 
Truth,  receive  no  opinion  differing  from  the  mod:  approved  in  the  Church  fudden- 
ly,  but  weep,  and  pray,  and  ask  councel,  and  tremble  to  entertain  a  thought  of 
contention  :  The  firlt  fin  which  brake  out  in  the  firft  Chriftian  Church,  was 
murmurings,  ^^y /^.  I.  What  foUowes?  Stephen  m  earthly  Angel ,  full  of 
the  holy  Ghbft  ,  furfers ,  and  is  taken  from  them.,  u4Bs  7.  And  after  this  the 
whole  Church  is  fcattered,  ^[is  8.  Oh  keep  the  peace  of  the  Church,  and  rend 
it  not  for  fmall  matters,  love  one  another  fincerely,  and  you  cannot  but  live  toge- 
ther quietly. 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


CHAP.  III. 


Concerning  the  Coming  of  Christy  and  thefecu" 
rity  of  ^rofefsors* 


SECT.  I. 

THus  much  of  rheplace ;  now  let  us  confider  of  the  time  when,  this  pre- 
paration is  made ,  fet  down  in  that  word  Then^  which  word  hath  refe- 
rence to  the  37»J»  V.  of  the  i^^  ch.  viz,,  to  the  daies  of  the  coming  of 
the  Son  of  man. 

Nbrfwhe»  are  thefe  dates  ? 

We  ihali  read  both  in  Prophetical  and  Apoftolical  writings ,  that  all  the  time 
from  the  Aicenfion  to  the  fecond  coming  of  Chrift,  is  called  the  laft  daies,  ^^j 
2.16,17.  Hence  the  Primitive  Churches  did  no"o  ^^^^  )  ^"*^  ^^^  the  Chur- 
ches at  this  day  ought,  to  live  in  a  daily  expectation  of  his  coming  again,  as  thefe 
Virgins  here  did.  And  hence  fome  think,  that  all  this  tim.emay  bethedaie^ 
of  the  coming  of  Chrift,  wherein  all  the  Churches  either  do,  prfhould  lookout 
forthecom.ingofChrifti  Now  although  I  dare  not  exclude  thefe  daies  ('in  a 
large  fenfc)  from  being  the  daies  of  Chrift's  coming,  as  being  the  laft  daies , 
and  it  being  the  duty  of  all  to  wait  for  this  coming  of  Chrirt,  as  well  as  thofe 
who  lived  long  before  us,  i  Thef.i.io,  iCor.i.j.  Yet  I  believe  here  is  meant 
more  particularly  the  latter  part  of  thofe  laft  daies :  For  our  Saviour  having  fore- 
told of  many  things  which  {hall  fall  out  before  his  fecond  coming,  yethefeems 
to  fingle  out  fome  particular  time  in  thefe  laft  daies ;  to  which  he  doth  annexe 
xHslthefi]  and  that  is  evi^'ent  to  all  that  view  well  the  Text,  that  they  are  the 
daies  of  his  coming,  for  though  all  the  daies  of  the  Gofpel  may  be  called  the  daies 
of  the  Son  of  man,  and  fome  daies  efpecially  wherein  there  is  fome  kind  of  com- 
ing of  the  Son  of  man,  as  When  he  comes  to  hear  prayers,  Z«%i8.8.  yet  to 
fpeak  properly  ,  they  are  not  the  daies  of  the  coming  of  the  Son  of 
man.  And  look  as  the  daies  oEJVoah  were  not  all  thedaies  from  the  Creation  to 
the  Deluge,  but  thofe  particular  years  before  the  Flood,  fo  'tis  here,  fomefpeci- 
al  trnies  before  his  coming,  ziQthe  daks  of  his  coming. 


SECT.    IL 

B  tit  whatis  this  Coming  of  Chrijl^ 
Thereis  a  double  coming  of  Chrifti 

1.  His  coming  to  call  the  Jews^  and  to  gather  in  the  fulneffe  of  the  Gentiles 
with  them,  which  is  called  the  hrightnejfe  of  his  comings  2  Thef.2,2,  When  there 
fliallbefuchabrightneflfe  of  the  Truth  fhining  forth  in  the  world,  armed  vvith 
fuch  Inftruments  as  fhall  utterly  deftroy  Antichriit,  long  before  his  fecond  coming, 
Rev.19.19^20. 

2.  His  coming  to  Judgementj  Hek'p.iS.  1  Cor.  15;.  25,24.  When  there 
ftiall  be  an  univerfal  relurredUon  of  good  and  bad,  i  Thef^.i  5,15,17,  Now  al- 
though it  be  true,  that  at  the  tim.e  of  the  coming  of  Chrift,  to  call  the  fervsj  the 
Churches  like  chaft  Virgins  {hall  wait  and  make  themfelves  ready  for  the  marri- 
age of  theLamb,  Rev.i^.-j.    Yet  the  fecond  coming  of  Chrift  feemstobethe 

C  time 


9 


Anfw, 


Quefi. 
■/infwe 


Do^, 


T^he  T arable  of  the 


time  which  is  here  dire6lly  pointed  at.  Then  fhall  thofe  Churches  be  Virgin- 
Churciies,  waiting  for  ChriiVs  coming,  borh  totheir  particular  judgm.ent,  but 
efpecialiy  to  the  general  judgment,,  when  he  iliali  appear  as  a  glorious  Bridegroom 
to  the  coniblation  and  falvation  of  thofe  who  in  truth  have  waited  for  him.  the  fe- 
condrime  :  For  this  com.ing  of  Chriil  fpokenof  in  thefe  two  chapters,  is  that 
coming  which  is  In-  power  and  great  Glorj  (  not  in  the  Churches  fpiritually  j  but 
in  the  clouds  of  Heaven^  chaj>.2^.So,  Wherein  he  fhall  feparate  the  fheepfrom 
the  goats,  the  one  to  lie  among  Devils,  the  other  to  poffefle  (  not  an  earthly 
mngdom.  here  for  a  thoufand  years ,  as  fome  from  miftaking  the  memmg  of  the 
20^^  ch.oi  the  Revel. im^^inQ)  but  to  inherit  the  Kingdomprepared  fir  them  fiom 
thefinndatton  of  the  ivorld^  Mat.  2^*^/^.  -.which  cannot  be  any  better,  nor.any 
other,  than  the  third  Heaven,  where  the  face  of  Godisfeen,  and  where  he  hath 
had  an  innumerable  Hoft  of  g'orious  Angels,  his  Subje6ls  to  ferve  him.,  not  only 
fince  the  firft  time  of  mans  creation,  but  the  firrt  foundation  of  the  wo  rid ,  Gen.  1 .  i . 
which  alfo  Chrilt  himfelf  is  gone  to  prepare  for  m^  John  14.2,3.  And  which  A- 
^r^/j^^^j  Faith  only  expe6led,  even  a  City  which  was  not  earthly,  but  heavenly, 
which  hath  foundations,  who fe  builder  and  maker  is  Gad,  Heb. 1 1.  lo,ii.  So  that 
although  this  Parable  looks  mort  direilily  unto  thofe  times  which  are  yet  to 
come,  yet  as  all  exam.ples  regiftred  in  holy  Scripture  for  tim.e  paft,-are  applicable 
andufefulforus,  fo  thefe  that  are  yet  to  come,  are  alike  inftrudtive  to  us 
efpecialiy  in  thefe  times  and  places,  wherein  the  Lord  (  according  to  his  m.an- 
ner  of  working  great  things  ufually  )  gives  among  usfome  fmall,  yet  lively  refem- 
blance  of  thofe  daies. 


SECT.  V. 

That  in  thofe  ddesofChrifi's  coming,  wherein  the  Churches  ofChrtfl,  andPro- 
feforsofthe  Gofpel  fhall  grow  Virgin-Ckurches,  all  vijible  Saints,  when  all  Member s, 
feem  to  be  ejpmfed  to  Clirt^,  'jet  there  wiU  be  found  dejperate  follj  infome,  and  in  time 
great  fecurity  will  fall  f^pon  all. 

Some  there  are  who  think  the  daies  we  live  in  now,  are  not  only  the  daies  of 
the  Son  of  man,  but  part  of  the  daies  of  the  coming  of  the  Son  of  man,  wherein 
the  Churches  (  efpecialiy  in  thefe  places )  grow  to  be  Virgin-Profeffours :  Our 
judgments  hold  it,  our  pra6life  maintaines  it,  all  Church-m.embers  are  and  miift 
be  vifible  Saints,  vihble  Believers,  Virgins  efpoufed  toChrift,  efcaping  the  pol- 
lutions of  Idolatry  and  the  world :  Take  heed  the  Lord  find  not  many  of  you  foo- 
Ufh,  take  heed  you  that  are  not  fo,  that  in  time  you  grow  not  fecure ;  you  have 
the  pillow  of  peace  to  lie  on,  and  the  cares  of  the  world  to  make  you  (ieam  away 
your  tim.e,  and  you  have  no  pinching  perfecutions  to  awaken  you,  and  if  no  vvrefl- 
lings  vvithin,  look  for  fecurity  there.  Folly  will  be  the  death  and  bane  of 
-fome,  hence  boaft  not.  Security,  a  fleeping  fickneOe  will  be  thedifeafeofo- 
ithers,  if  the  Lord  prevent  nor :  But  I  intend  not  to  anchor  here,  only  to  fet  up 
:markes  ac  thefe  Flats,  that  you  may  avoid  them  and  come  not  near  them. 


CHAP. 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


CHAP.     IV. 


SheWeth  that  the  Soul  that  WiH  enjoy  Communis 
pn  with  Chriji^  mujl  he  dt^orced  from  all  other 
'Lords  ^particularly  from  Lu^Sy  and  from  the 
Law.  The  manner  of  its  Efpoufalsunto  Chrifl^ 


SECT.    L 

NOvv  therefore  to  come  to  the  Third  thing ;  the  perfons  that  make  this 
preparation  are  fet  forth ,  i.  In  what  they  all  agree  in, and  that  is,  firft 
in  that  they  are  all  Virgins;  What  axe  thefe  ?  Anf^To  omit  the  Popifh 
Interpretation  of  their  Nuns,  and  mock- Virgins. 
^  I  fliall  rather  make  ufe  of  Scripture  to  give  light  to  interpret  this  place :  for  ope- 
ning of  it,  know,  the  whole  Church  may  be  called  the  Spoufe  of  Chrift ,  and  take 
every  member  alone ,  a  Virgin  attending  on  this  Spoufe,  PfaL  45.  nay  the  Apo- 
ftle,2  Cor»  1 1 . 2.  calls  the  whole  Church  a '  Virgin ,  fd  that  by  Virgins  are  'meant 
whole  particular  Churches  of  Chrift,  together  with  the  feveral  Members  thereof. 
Now  Virgins  are  fuch  as  are  fit  for  marriage,  and  not  defiled  with  any  man ,  as 
it*^  laid  oi  Rebecca  I  fo  by  Virgins  are  meant  thofe  that  are  not  polluted  within, 
9^r  without  vvith  the  evils  of  the  world,  R&v.  14. 4.  but  tnore  is  to  be  underftood 
here,  2  Cor.  1 1 .  2.  when  once  marriage  is  come,  they  ceafe  to  be  Virgins ^and  are 
Wives;  yet  when  efpoufed  to  Chrift ,  now  they  are  fpiritually  Virgins  j  hence 
thefe  here  are  only  like  to  Virgins :  fo  that  the  meaning  of  Virgiris  is  this ;  by 
Virgins  is  meant  fuch  Churches,  or  members  of  Churches  as  are  divorced  from  all 
other  Lovers,  and  matcht  only  to  Jefus  Chrift  •  thefe  only  look  for  the  coming  of 
Chrift,  and  communion  with  him ,  thefe  only  are  received  into  communion. 


■        ,  SECT.    IL 

WHeever  look^  for  everUftlng  Commumon  with  the  bridegroom  oftheChfirch, 
Jefiis  Chrlfiy  mttfl  be  ylrgm  Divorced  from  dl  others^  and  Efpoufed onlv  to 
Jefus  Chrijt. 

Here  were  indeed  foolilli  ones  among  thefe ,  yet  as  foolifh  and  blind  as  they" 
were,  they  faw  that  this  was  theway,  to  be  like  the  wife ,  to  be  Virgins  as  well  as 
they,  Pfal.  4 5 .  i  o,  1 1 .  Jer,  3.19, 20.  as  a  Wife  departs,fo  ye ;  bttt  hon>  fhall  1  pm 
thee  amongthe  Children^  &c.  yotifhall  call  me  my  Father ,  l.  e.  one  inflead  of  all 
other  X  hings,  and  [hall  not  turn  afldefrom  me^  Hof.  2.23'  ther^  is  their  communion; 
Hence  the  Lord  vvill,  i.  take  away  the  names  of  'Badlm ;  2.  Betroth  them  to 
himfelf. 


II 


Ohf.  i, 


SECT,    IIL 


WHat  Is  It  to  be  divorced  from  all  other  Lovers  ? 
Idolatry  is  called  Whoredom  in  Scripture^  and  this  is  one  thing ,  the  I 


C  2 


Soul  I 


Si*^fl,i> 
Anfrff. 


12 


"The  "Parable  of  the 


Reafi. 


\  Reaf  2. 


Re^ifon 


Soul  muft  be  Divorced  ftom,  before  it  can  be  match'd  to  the  Lord,  Hof.  2.  2. 
Ifhall  not  need  to  prefs  this  here  ;  but  there  are  two  other  things  which  I  fliall 
{hew  J  for  there  are  two  things  that  every  man  doth  before  he  is  efpouled  to  the 
Lord  Jefus  -,  either  firft  he  departs  and  g^es  a  vvhoringby  unlawfully  lulling  after 
the  creature,  Pfd.  73.27.  James  ^.  4.  Or  2.  He  is  lawfully  married  as  bethinks 
unto  the  Law,  Rem.  7.  3,4.  the  LaWis  there  compared  to  a  Husband,from  which 
Chrift  indeed  delivers  his ,  yet  fomevvill  ftickto  it :  either  the  Soul  takes  content 
in  fome  creature  m.ore  than  in  Ghrift  y  or  infome  righreoufneffe  m.ore  than  in  the 
Lord  Jefus ;  Now  to  be  divorced  from  all  other  things,  is  for  the  heart  to  be  taken 
off  from  all  worldly  contentment  s.  Secondly,  from,  com.fortin^  it  felf  in  the  bo- 
fomofirsownworkandrighteoufnefs,  and  this  muftbefoundin  all  the-m  that 
look  for  communion  with  the  Lord  Jefus. 


SECT.    IV. 

I  'T'He  heart  muft  be  divorcedfrom  Lufls  after,and  pleafures  in  any  creature;  for 
JL  proof,  we  muft  know  this  r  "    ; 

1.  The  foul  of  every  m.an  muft  have  fom.ething  to  quiet  and  comiort  it  like  die 
ftomack ,  it's  death  and  hell  to  want  it  (as  the  Jfraslim  in  the  wildernelTe:  J  hence 
it  muft  have  it. 

2.  That  there  is  nothing  that  can  comfort  the  thirfty  heart ,  but  'tis  either  in 
the  fpring,  or  ciftern ,  fountain ,  or  bottles ,  either  in  God,  or  in  the  crea- 
ture. 

5 ,  Hence  man  having  loft  God,  and  all  good  there,  feeks  for  it  in  the  creature, 
and  becaufe  he  finds  not  enough  in  one ,  digs  for  it  in  another,  Pfai,^,  who  mil 
(hew  m  anygdod  f  and  hence  the  Soul  becaufe  it  never  found  that  intinite  fweetneiTe 
in  Cod  himfetf,  hence  lufts  after,  and  delights  in  the  creature  for  itTelf ,  loves 
p^eafcre  for  pleafure,deiights  in  creature  for  the  creature,  not  for  God,  why  ftiould 
he,  feeing  he  nev^er  found  content  there?  and  here  the  foul  of  man  cleaves  night 
and  day ,  commicting  fpiritual  whoredom  before  the  face  of  God ;  now  if  ever  any 
foul  hath  communion  with  Chrift,  it  muft  be  divorced  from  all  creatures  thus ,  for 
Luft  is  a  deiire  after,  and  content  in  the  creature  for  the  creatures  fake. 

1  Becaufe  while  the  heart  is  in  league  with  any  creature  behdes  the  Lord,  'tis  at 
deadly  enmity  with  the  Lord,  James  4. 4.  If  a  man  hath  a  rich  commodity ,  and 
one  cores  and  offers  half  the  worth  of  it,  he  takes  it  as  a  contempt ;  if  it  be  not 
worth  this,  it  is  woi^rh  nothing ;  fo  the  Lord  is  worthy  of  all  our  Iove,our  lives,  our 
fouls  though  we  had  a  thouf  and  of  them ,  and  will  a  man  not  part  with  his  lufts 
for  him?  I  tell  you  the  Lord  takes  himfelflleighted,contemned,  and  loathed;  if 
not  worth  all  a  mans  love, he  is  worth  nothing; now  the  creature  is  made  a  God,be- 
caufe  made  a  mans  laft  end  ,  which  is  as  proper  to  God ,  as  to  make  him  the  ^l- 
pha  of  all .  Here  the  greateft  wrath  is  to  give  a  man  his  fill  of  the  creature. 

2  Becaufe  fo  long  the  foul  canrtot  fee ,  nor  come  by  the  eye  and  feet  of  Faith  to 
the  Lord  Jefus,  JoIjn  5. 44.  and  think  Chrift  better  than  all ;  as  Birds  in  a  ftring 
may  fly  high,  but  when  they  come  to  the  end  of  the  line,  fall  down  there ;  and  fo 
though  the  foul  flies  to  Chrift  ,  yet  when  indeed  it  comes  to  the  end  of  parting 
withal!,  it  falls  dowH,  and  falls  off  from  Chrift,  Whole  men  have  no  heart  no'r 
defire  after  Phyfitians;  when  all  limbs  are  whole  andftron^ ,  no  defire  after  Phi- 
lters.- .  fo  while  any  thing  eafeth  and  contenteth  the  heart,  there  is  no  defire  after 
Chrijl^  Hof.  4.  1 1 .  whoredom  and  wwe  have  taken  avcay  the  heart. 

3  Becaufe  fo  long  the  heart  if  it  docome,cannot  ftay  widi  Chrift  to  do  any  thing 
for  Chrift,  Mat.  5.  24.  Yon  cannot  jerve  GadarJricheSj  l.  e.  two  Mafters  ,  who 
haveconftant  employment,  and  Chrift  hath  fen  us  fuch employment;  Hence 
m.en  on  fick-beds  are  tame  as  may  be,  promife  any  thing  ,  becaufe  their  jo^  in 

the 


/ 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Jpplied. 


the  creature  is  gone  :    Hence  on  the  other  fid^  riiafty  n^ett  aftier  many  fpriiigings 
t)f  heart  are  choaked  by  thorns  oft  Re  wOrid. 

4  From  the  abundant  lOve  that  the  Lord  Jefus  flievvs  to  therti  that  ever  have,or 
look  for  communion  with  him.  Thofe  towhomvvelGiewmuch  love,  from  tbofe 
vveexped  much  agiin.  As  a  man  if  taken  or  caft  out  to  befervant,  one  looks 
not  for  love  from  him ;  but  when  a  man  hath  given  himfelf,  and  made  over  all 
his  eftate  to  another,  now  all  love  is  too  little.  So  'tis  wiih  the  lord  Jefus,  Join 
6.  }Vill you  alfo  defart  f 


SEC  T«  V, 

2  T^HE  foul  muft  be  divorced  from  the  lavir ,  i.e.  from  comforting  itfe^fwitfi 


T 

tfiing?. 


the  righteoufnefie  thereof :  iFor  explication  or  which  we  mult  cortiider  iheie 


1.  That  the  Lord  doth  not  ever  give  a  man  content  in  his  fins  arid  lufts,  but 
•wounds  Confcience  for  the  fam.e. 

2.  That  fo  long  as  the  Lord  wounds  a  mans  Confcience for  fin,  no  creature  c?»n 
give  a  man  comfort  or  content.  A  mund&i  fflrk  wh  cm  henr  t  Jadoitciih  a- 
wayhis^liiver pieces;  and  Beljhaz.zjtr  (pi\isz^  who  w?s but  even  nowqu-rffingin 
his  cups.  As  a  man  that  hath  art  aking  tooth ,  or  broken  bones,  What  can  com- 
forEhimnow? 

'5. '  Hereupon  the  Law  fals  upon  a  man,  or  a  man  meets  with  the  Law ;  for  as 
■aH  armans  forrow  is  upon  him  becaufe  the  Law  is  broken ,  all  a  mms  cire  h  how 
he  may  keep  it  again.  What  fhall  I  do  ?  As  a  man  caft  in  prifon  for  debt,  tbe:-e 
all  is  opened;  and  the  Law  like  an  earndVfuitor,  i«  Pefiethhard  for  love  and 
obedience.  2.  Promifeth  a  rich  portion,  Eternal  life ,  if  he  can  keep  it ;  If  not 
you  muft  be  damned ;  therefore  now  forfake  yburiins,  &Ce 

4.  Hence  the  foul  not  knowing  a  better  Husband,  confents  and  fefolva  to 
cleavetoit,  Rom.10.3,  Deut,')»  whatever  the  Lord  will  havens  do^vpe  will  do  it-, 
and  here  it  ftjye^,  and  is  co  nfortcd  ,  here  it  refts ;  as  in  A  fa  his  time  >\i  'e  o^- 
ced  for  the  Oath  ,  ^  Chro.  i  ^.  Jfal.  5S.  i,  2.  andif  it  find  not  perfect  comfort 
becaufe  of  impcrfedl:  work,it  rhencloCeth  with  Chrift  for  to  make  up  andpje:-e  up 
all ,  Gal.  5. 1 .  And  now  I  lay  *tis  comforted  in  what  it  hath^nd  doth,  and  here  it 
refts ;  now  from  hence  it  muft  be  divorced  i  What  need  I  prove  it,when  the  Ado- 
ftlehathfo  ful'y,  Galat.  fertomm^  and  confider  the  young  man  ,  Mat.  ip.  Divor- 
ced,! fay ,  the  foul  muft  be  from  this» 

1.  Becaufe  he  thit  doth  thus,fets  up  another  Ghrlft,  and  m^kes  himfelf  his  own 
Saviour ;  can  the  Lord  Jefus  take  fuch  a  foul  into  communion  with  him  ?SuppofC: 
a  Prince  be  pulled  by  his  peO  >1e  from  hi?  Throne  ,  and  the^  fet  up  another  pious 
vertuous  Prince  to  Ru'e,  will  thi?  ferve  the  turn  m  fay  he  is  an  honeft  Prince  ?  fo 
though  duties  be  mever  fo  goodj  yet  not  to  advance  Chrift,  is  to  pull  down 
Chrift. 

2.  Becaufe  fuch  perfons  do  commonly  moft  oppoiethe  Lord  Jefus  in  a  vva]|'  of 
believing,  though  not  in  a  way'  of  doing ;  the  Lord  hath  more  ado  if  any  of  thefe 
be  brought  home,  to  bring  them  in ,  they  have  fomewhat  to  fay  for  themfelves, 
they  have  ftronger  forts,  {^c.  The  Scribes  and  Phariiees  rejected  the  counfel  of 
God  againft  themfelves ,  and  hence  no  people  left  to  fuch  deep;  defertions  as  thefe; 
if  the  Lord  intend  mercy  10  them,  for  they^have  more  need  than  others. 

3.  Becaufeherebyam.indothbutmakeaconfpiracyagiinft  Gods  greateftplot 
that  ever  heh^dafoor,  viz..  to  tdvance  his  free  Grace ,  Gal.  5.  4.  you  are  fallen 
from  Grace,  for  nothing  makes  a  man  more  fit  to  boaft  than  wOrks:,  and  refting  in 
them;  finmake^  amanaftiamed,  and  therefore  if  they  come  to  Heiven,  they 
have  laid  a  foundation  to  thank  themfelves  for  fomewhat ;  henC^  no  communion 

C  3  with 


»3 


ReafoK^. 


T^heT  arable  of  the 


An[w,  i< 


witli  Jefus  Chrift  in  this  frame ;  no  the  Lord  will  tear  down  this  foundation ,  and 
make  the  foul  cry  guilty,  and  make  this  Husband  ,  the  Law,  to  be  judge  ,  to  exa- 
mincjand  condemn  ,  and  now  come  and  ask,  what  have  you  to  pleid  for  your  life 
and  peace  ,  it  hath  no  plea  to  {hew  but  mercy,  &c,  it  hath  its  duties  evidencing 
againftit. 


•       SECT.    VL 

He  foul  now  comes  ro  be  Efpoufed  to  the  Lord  Jefu?.  Quefl.How  f 
The  foul  beholding  theglcry  of  the  Lord  Jefus,  makes  choice  of  him,as  in 
all  Marriage  bonds  there  is  a  choice  made,  and  if  love  be  great,  there  is  little 
i^anding  on  terms ;  let  me  have  him  though  I  begg  with  him  i  fo  the  foul  fees  fuch 
a  futablenefs  in  thelord  Jefus,as  that  it  Ibnds  not  on  terms,lei:  me  have  himthough 
in  prifon  with  him, though  in  the  Garden  in  Agonies  with  him,  though  in  the  Crofs 
I  in  defertions  with  him,  he  is  enough  j  as  Peter  when  he  faw  Chrift  on  the  Sea ,  de- 
I  fired  he  might  come  to  him  there,  Hek  i  x  .26.  Chujing  the  reproach  of  Chrlfi,  &c. 
I  And  look  as  Chrift  chufeth  the  foul,  i. The  whole  foul.  z.Everlaftingly,  3.  Above 
all  others;  fo  it  makes  choice  of  Chrift ,  whole  Chrift,  PhlL  g.p.  2.  Everlaft- 
ingly?  The  Lord  k  mj prtion  for  iuer  ^  Pfalm']^*'^^-  And  before  ever  you  can 
look  for  communion  with  him,  you  mult  make  this  choice  of  him,  and  glad  too 
you  may  have  him  on  any  terms ,  nay  put  it  to  any  foul  the  Lord  hath  done  good 
to,  and  ask  it,- will  you  have  him  ?  'tis  fuch  a  m^ercy  I  cannot  conceive  how  one  fo 
•vile  as  I  fhould  have  ic  i  have  him,  the  Lord  of  glory,  the  Prince  of  life  and  peace; 
O  yesj  Hence  PetirSdd^MafieryJVhai  jhall  m  have  that  haveforfakenall^andfolhmd 
thee  !  you  fhall  ftc  with  me  on  Thrones  |  -  and  look  as  Chrift  now  chufeth  the  foul 
above  others,  as  well  as  in  HQ^VQUyJehn  15.  16  Aoit  now  chufeth  Chrift ,  whom 
have  Itn  JJean^en  or  earth  ;  many  when  they  think  of  death  ^  or  are  dying  ,  then 
chafe  him,  but  not  now  I  or  chufe  him  for  outward  bleffings  5  not  fpiritual  favour 
and  life,  John  6, 2  6^  27. 

2.  The  foul  hence  gives  it  felf  like  one  efpoufed  to  her  Husband  to  the  Lord  Je- 
fus, Cant,  2.  1 6»  lam  my  beloveds  i  fervants  give  work  for  their  wages,and  mafters 
give  wages  for  their  work ,  but  Husbands  and  Wives  give  themfelves  one  unto 
another ;  Suitors  alfo  give  Tokens  to  draw  on  love,  not  themfelves  j  fo"  fervants 
in  the  Church,  they  do  for  God  in  hope  of  wages ,  and  the  Lord  blefTeth  them  it 
may  be  outwardly ;  but  he  that  is  efpoufed  to  Chrift,  gives  himfelf,  Lord  I  can  do 
nothing  for  thee,  give  nothing  to  thee,  but  I  give  my  felf  to  thee,  that  thou 
vvouldft  work  in  m.e,  and  by  me,  Kom.  6. 1 3 .  So  the  Lord  is  a  fuitor  to  many  a  man 
"  that  never  gives  him.fclf  tohim :  he  gives  th$m  fome  comforts ,  fome  Winnings 
drawing,  melting  mercies,  but  not  himfelf;  they  give  him  fome  entertainment, 
and  good  vvords,  a  thoufand  wifhes  as  Capermum  ai^^  but  not  themfelves  j  but 
this  muft  be,  if  ever  you  look  for  communion  with  him :  hence  Vavld  faith ,  lam 
thine,  fave  me  i  hence  fome  made  fhipwrack  of  Faith  ,  they  were  not  the  Lordsj 
hence  the  Lord  faith,  he  knows  who  are  his ,  2  Tim»  2. 18, 19.  his  fend  their  to- 
kens again :  for  look  as  'tis  an  evidence  of  much  love  when  a  man  gives  the  deareft 
thing  he  hzth^vlz..  his  wholefelf  to  the  Lord  Jefus,  fo  'tis  alfo  an  evidence  of  little 
lovCj  when  he  will  not  give ,  efpecially  anothers  ovVn :  thou  art  noneof  thine'own, 
thou  haft  but  little  love  if  thou  give  not  thy  felf  to  him,  without  which  never  look 
for  life  and  communion  with  the  Lord. 

3.  The  foul  hence  takes  full  contentment  in  the  Lord  Jefus,  as  a  Spoufe  hath 
enough,  would  not  change  for  all  the  world ,  sls  Peter  when  he  had  a  glimpfe  of 
Chrifts  glory,  Lord,  let  us  he  he-re ;  or  as  Simeon  that  had  been  waiting  for  the  con- 
folationof //m<?/,vvhen  once  he  had  Chrift  in  hisarm.s  ,  Novd  let  thy  fervant  depart 
inpeace :  I  have  enough,  now  let  me  dy  e ,  and  not  live  to  fin  more ;  and  'tis  cer- 
tain 


tenVir^ms opened  and  Jpplied. 


tain  as  chere  is  fomevvhu  in  creitures  that  conrenrs  the  heart  without  Chrift  in  an 
Tian  ,  lb  conirjfy-wiTe  in  a  regenecue  ,  foh^  3.  ip.  ix'heirirr:^  'the 


unregenerate 


Bridegroa:n  is  py-,  whit  is  having  him  ?  indeed  they  t.ike  content  in  othe  •  thin^^^ 
but  as  coining fron  the  Hibb-ind  -,  'and  this  you  mutt  do  if  ever  you  look  for  corn- 
muni'on  wiih  him ;  c?.nnoi:  you  he  content  with  the  Lord  alone  in  Heaven  ?  you 
lliall  ne\'er  come  there  then  ,  le  1  you  quirrel  for  want  of  ibmething.  Men  make 
nothing  of  this,  to  jathe  iheir  heircs  in  the  fun  ,  and  joy  in  what  they  hjve,  and 
horetohive,  but  the  Lord  m.ay  be  gone,  and  you  grieve  not;  vvhy  ?  becai.fe  othe: 
thmgseafeyour  hearts  ;  there  can  be  no  communion  hereafter  if  youdefpire  it 
now. 


SECT.  vn. 

THis  ferves  to  difcover  the  great  error ,  moft  common  and  dangerous  of  the 
whole  chifiian  world  ,  who  think  that  they  may  love  and  em.brace  the  world 
and  the  Lord  Jefus  too,  and  be  faved  at  lalt  by  Mm  too,  i.e.  they  may  not  be  Vir- 
gin;,  but  go  a  whoring  from  Chrilt ,  and  yet  partake  of  Chrift ,  and  m.ercy  from 
him  :  th  t  look  as  it  was  in  thofe  fAd dayes ,  Jfal.  4.  i.  fo  in  thefe  dayes  many 
lay  hold  on  Jefus  Chrifi:,they  v\ill  eac  their  own  bread,live  on  their  own  lufts ,  and 
vVeir  their  own  apparel,  their  own  r^gs,  only  let  us  be  called  by  thy  name  ['Belie- 
vers \  to  rake  x\\'iy  our  reproich,for  that  is  an  open  i^ame  not  to  believe  in  thrift, 
f^r  this  is  the  pro.e;ied  thought  of  fome  ;  every  one  is  a  iinne^,  and  I  am.  on^yand 
a  great  one  too  ,  and  who  can  Dy  his  heart  is  clean  ,  none  can  free  himfelf  from 
fin  in  this  life ,  m^  I  cmnot  do  it  if  I  would  :  and  hence  look  on  Chrift  to  fave 
them,though  fm  {lee3>=  in  chem :  you  cannot  h:ive  both ;  I  would  but  enquire^hath 
not  every  man  fomething  that  contents  him  ?  what  is  it  ?  is  it  the  love ,  the  fel- 
lowftip  of  Jefus  ?  ye^  ic  may  be  at  a  Sacramenn ,  and  it  rtiay  be  not ,  for.  thou 
maift  f  iy,  the  Lo-d  never  yet  revealed  his  love  and  felf  unto  m.e,  never  yet  alTured 
m.e ,  ye:  fome.vhat  joyes  th  v  heirr.  Whitthink  you,  can  you  have  the  Lord,and 
conrentyour  lelves  thus  with  other  things  >  why?  I  truftto  him  I  ho?e  fo  j  it 
cannot  be  lb.  If  the  Lord  Jefus  was  a  Pitron  of  Brothel-houfes ,  a  jroreilor  of 
Ste  .v-^,  you  might  thin.:  fo;  lome  fay  they  cannot  pray  to  him,  nor  prize  him; 
why  ?  fo nechihg elfe contents  then  be'des  him  ;  but  know  it  cannot  be  fo  :  I 
know  a  Saint  may  beciken  ^lide ,  as  David  with  envy  at  others  prof|  erity  ;  but 
when  he  confiders  6f  it,  O  what  a  Beaft .'  he  returns  again.  The  Raven  and  the 
Dove  were  fent  forth,  the  one  came  again  and  .'•giin,  the  other  not ;  thc-efore  as 
Jofhm  24.  brovght  the  people  to  chei'e  thoughts,  you  cannot  ferue  the  Lo-^d-^and  other 
gods ,  as  Jmius  notes,  fo  bring  thy  fe'f  to  that  ftrait :  O  tnat  the  Lord  would  fet 
on  this  one  thi  ig  this  diy ;  when  I  fadly  weigh  ic,iti  confounds  mejind  makes  me 
fay,  Lord  who  cHcn  can  be  faved  1  I  know  with  God  all  things  are  pofTible,  but 
this  is  rare. 


SECT.    VIIL 

HEnce  we  niay  leirn  who  they  are  that  never  (hall  have  everlafting  communi- 
on with  the  Lord  Jefus,  ■E;;;c.thofe  that  never  Were  efpo  fed  to  him  ,  and 
you  may  know  this,  if  never  yer  divorced  from  all  others  be:ldes  him ,  Pfal.  7^. 
25,  25.  Ifhailftiy  awhile  here,  becaufe  there  is  never  an  unfound  heart  in  the 
world,  but  as  they  fay  of  ■  itches,  they  have  fome  Fam.iliar  that  fucks  them  ,  fo 
they  hive  fomeLuft  that  is  beloved  of  them,  fome  beloved  ,  there  is  they  have  gi- 
ven a  promtfe  to,  neve^  to  forf^ke  ;  and  alfo  becaufe  m.oft  men  do  feem  and  think 
they  are  Virgins  efpoufed  to  Chrift,  and  look  for  communion  with  him ,  and  yet 

not 


15 


fe  I. 


Ufs'i' 


i6 


sig^ 


T^he^  arable  of  the 


noc  divorced  from  all  other  befides  him.    I  fliall  Ihewhence, 

1,  When  the  foul  is  in  league  with  the  creature. 

2.  When  married  to  the  Law.    I  fhould  account  ic  happy  if  any  be  found 
■  out. 


CHAP*  V. 


SheT^eth  the  JVlarkes  and  Signes  ypherehy  the 
Soul  may  knoyp  whether  he  be  in  league  or  lo^e 
with  any  luU  or  creature,  or  married  to  the 
Law. 


T^ 
' 


SECT.  L 

Hofe  that  never  were  in  bitterrtefle  and  forrow  of  heart  for  the  loffe  of 
God.  For  thefe  two  things  are  as  clear  as  the  Sun.  i  •  That  the  loffe 
of  God  is  thcgreated  loflfe  j  for  'tis  the  utmoit  and  lalt  plague  upon  the 
damned  in  Hell :  My  Comforts,  my  Friends ,  Means,  Heaven  is  gone, 
but  if  God  were  mine,  I  could  be  comforted ;  No,  God  is  gone:  Hence  no 
forrow  for  any  loife  fo  much  as  for  this.  Sanl,  i  Sam.28.i5.  '  God  m departed 
from  me.  Hence /or^  difirejfed.  Nay,  the  Lord  Jefus  when  the  Father  departed 
for  a  time,  and  he  knew  he  would  return  and  viiithim,  cried  out,  Mj  God  why 
haflthouforfakenme  f  2.  That  all  men  living  have  bit  God ,  //<«.59.i,2.  Pfal. 
58.3.  The  wickfdgo  afiy-ajfrom  their  womh.  Now  I  would  demand  why  m.en  ei- 
ther feel  no  lolfe  at  all,  or  if  they  do,  have  notfo  much  Grace  as  the  damned  in 
Hell,  to  mourn  bitterly  for  it,  fo  as  nothing  can  comfort  them,  or  if  they  do,  they 
arefoon  eafed  and  quieted  before  the  Lord  returns?  Why  furely  here  is  the 
greatcaufeofit,  they  have  fome  other  thing  toeafe  their  hearts  in  the  want  and 
loflfeof  God,  J^r.2.13,14.  Men  muft  have  water  to  drink,  why  "3b  men  live 
from  the  fountain,  go  not  to  it,  nay  not  know  it  ?  Becaufe  they  have  broken 
pits,  andwels  at  their  own  doors :  So  here.  And  hence  the  damned  that  have 
lived  at  eafe  here  all  their  life  time,  aflfoon  as  ever  dead,  then  they  cryoucoftl^e 
'  loffe  of  God,  when  'tis  too  late,  becaufe  while  rhey  lived,  they  had  fomwhat  to 
eafe  themfelves  withall.  And  hence  many  that  have  lived  long  with  convinced 
.]  Spirits  and  guilty  Confcience"^,  when  they  come  to  die,  then  they  are  in  per- 
plexities of  mind,  agonies  of  heart,  infomuch  as  their  fweat  trickle?  like  water 
from  them,  and  their  doleful  outcries  for  loffe  of  time,  ftrike  to  the  hearts  of  all 
that  come  near  them.  Oh  /  God  is  gone,becaufe  now  all  comforts  which  were  their 
Gods,  and  in  Head  of  God  before,  have  taken  their  final  leave  of  t/iem.  Search 
your  hearts  therefore  all  you  that  hear  me  this  day.  Waft  never  troubled  yet  ? 
Yes,  I  have  loft  my  health,  my  child,  my  husband,  my  goods,  and  this  hath 
troubled  me :  But  tell  me,  Did'ft  never  feel  a  lofTeof  God  bleffed  for  ever  ?  lofs 
of  his  light,  his  fweetneife,  his  love,  his  fellowfhip,  his  prefence,  &c.  and  this 
hath  been  thy  intollerable  load?  Or  if  thou  haft  felt  it,  haft  thou  fought  and 
found  him  ?  No,  but  art  jocund  in  that  eftate,  and  now  and  then  it  troubles  thee 
a  little,  then  "tis  certain  and  as  clear  as  the  Sun,  there  is  fome  creature  or  con- 
tent that  thy  heart  is  in  league  withal,  which  eafeth  thee  in  the  want  of  God,  and 
which  is  in  ftead  of  God  to  thee,  and  which  therefore  is  thy  God.    It  may  be  thy 

apparel. 


ten  Vtrpns  Opened  and  Applied. 


apparel,  thy  wife,  child,  cTr.    and  if  thou  die  in  thiseitate,  never  fhaltrhou 
have  communion  wif.h  Jefus  Chrill,  The  month  of  the  Lord  hathjfoken  it, 

2.  Doll  find  the  Lord  a  ftr anger  to  thee  in  all  his  Ordinances,  wherein  it  may 
be  the  Lord  fweedy  and  wonderfully  and  mightily,  yen  not  alway,  but  feafonably 
reveals  him.felf  toothers.  Oh  but  thy  heart  dries  and  parches  away,  and  that  with- 
out much  trouble  under  them  all.     Iffo,  fufpedlic,  beleeveic  that  there  is  fome 
le.ioue  with  a  luR.    For  there  is  a  double  life  of  a  Chrillian.    i .  An  outward  life, 
which  others  fee :     Men  fee  he  comes  to  Church,  prayes  in  the  Family,  &c. 
2.  There  is  a  fecrec  inward  life;  according  to  that  of  Mat. 6. 6,     Thy  Father 
which  fees  hfecret^  which  none  knowes  but  himfelf,  arid  the  Lord;  and  this  is  an 
inetfablecom.munion  with  God,  vifion  of  Cod,  delight  inGc>d,'&c.     PfaL^$. 
The  Kims  daughter  is  all  gloriotu  -within.     There  is  an  open  life  of  prayer,  and 
hearing,  Ind  fatting,  and  there  is  an  inward ,  fccret  life  in  all  chefe ,  wherein 
the  Lord  acquaints  himfelf  with  his  people,  /yi?/.<^3  .i  ,2,3 .     71?/^^  thee  a^  I  have 
feen  thee.     Now  there  be  divers  have  this  open  life,  yet  wanting  the  fecret  life. 
As  we  love  not  to  live  among  Tombes,nor  to  have  communion  with  dead  men ;  fo 
the  Lord  is  a  ftranger  to  them.    He  m.ay  fecretly  fweeten  an  Ordinance  to  them, 
and  move  them,  and  tliake  and  trouble  them,  but  himfelf  is  a  Granger,  fpiritiial 
miferie^  not  re  moved,  fpiritual  mercies  not  coveyed,  //^.58«i>^>3>4'    ^hy  have 
wefafiedy  and  thoti  regardefl  not  ?     Ton  tooJ^  fleafnre  fdith  the  Lord-,  and  breahjhe 
bonds  of  wickednef[e-,Uz.     I  know  Saints  may  be  thus  denied,  and  it  may  be  for 
fome  fpace  of  time,  yec  they  quarrel  not  with  God  for  denying  them,  but  are 
more  taken  off  from  •^leafures  thereby.     Thou  hidjl  thy  face -^  andlwds  troSledy 
though  th^  Mount  flood  fiiU.    But  fome  there  be  whom  neither  good  day 
mends  them,  nor  bad  diyp.-'irs, them:     Surely  there  is  fome  content  thy  heart 
is  bewitched  withal.     Th.ic  look  as  'ti>  with  a  luitor  to  another,  let  him  while  he 
comertober,  profeiie  never  fo  m,uch  love,  anddelire  love,  yet  if  when  he  goes 
from  her,  commits  lewdnelTe  with  every  one^  fhe  will  lock  him  out.     So 'tis 
here;  never  didlknovv  any  lockt  out  from  the  power  and  fweetneffe  of  Ordi- 
nances, but  bccaufe  they  went  a  vvhdring  from  God  out  of  them.    The  Lord 
knowes  (  though  others  do  not )  whether  'tis  fo  with  you.    Look  therefore  upon 
thy  felf,  you  enjoygreat  m.eans  every  where  in  this  place.     Is  it  enough  to  have 
Ordinances ii-   the  Ark?    No,  Do  you  find  the  Lord  in  them?     BlelTed   be 
God.     But  tell  m.e  truly.  Do  you  find  no  want  of  God?    Yes.    Do  you  find 
him  ?    I  find  more  knowledge.  If  rength,  &c.    But  do  you  find  no  God  ufually  f 
No.  Then  either  fome  creature  contents  thee,  or  if  the  Lord  lliouldrefretli  thee, 
thou  would'il  be  content  without  him.     Man  and  wife  will  ( if  they  love  )  meet 
at  Meals,   John^^.    But  when  no  meeting,  dead  prayers,  dry  Sermons,  fjip- 
leffe  Sacraments,  worfe  then  before.    If  thou  beeft  the  Lord's,  he  will  by  af- 
fliftions  purge,  Sic.  But  if  thou  continuert  fo,  look  for  no  communion  in  Hea- 
ven. 

3.  Doft  thou  find  no  refi  in  any  thing  that  thou  haft?  For  this  is  clear,  no- 
thing can  give  reft  to  a  mans  foul  but  God:  He  is  big  enough  only  to  fill  it,and  then 
a  man  hath  it,  Ifa.26.^.  Now  if  no  reft,  'tis  a  fign  thy  heart  fticks  to  the  crea- 
ture, yet  thou  Taift  I  would  fain  have  the  Lord  :  It  may  be  fo  ;  but  thou  wouldft 
have  creatures  too.  And  hence  God  will  not,  and  creatures  cannot  give  the  ful- 
nefleofreft.  Thus  it  \V^':^N\t\\  Solomon^  Ecclef. 2,-^.  So  'tisvvich  thee,  thou 
findeft  thy  foul  delighting  it  felf  in  all  things ;  yet  vanity  and  vexation,  and  {yithal 
giving  thy  felf  to  wifdom  too.  'Tis  true,  a  Saint  feels  anemptineffe  inthefe 
thing-^ ,  yec  he^eels  a  fulneflfe  infomthingelfe.  f  He  hath  better  meatv7hich 
you  know  not  of  j  which  Solomon  did  not  for  a  tim.e,  yet  afterward  he  did.  But 
thou  findeft  a  vanity  and  trouble ,  and  art  never  at  peace  when  all  is  done  ;  weary 
of  world.  But  harh  the  Lord  fwallowed  thee  up  into  himfelf,  in  the  cloud  of  his 
Glory,  fo  that  in  his  favour  and  prefence  thou  findeft  life  ?    No,  Then  there  is 

D  fome 


17 


sign  3= 


8 


The  'Parable  of  the 


fome  iuft  thou  loveft,  and  dying  thus ,  fhalc  never  fee  the  face  of  Chrift.  Yea,i:his 
will  come  as  a  heavy  endkement  againftthee,  that  God  hath  fo  wearied  ihee  in 
thy  way.  YQtJer.^.^^.  There  is  no  hope  y  after  thy  Lovers  thou  wilt  go.  You 
fhall  fcarce  find  any  but  feel  the  creature  vain ,  and  yet  get  not  to  rell  in 
God. 


SECT.  IL 

ILT^Ifcoveries  whether  we  arc  married  to  the  Law  or  nor.  And  here  I  {Kail 
!      JL-Zftay  longer.     Where  I  premife, 

1.  When  I  fpeak  6f  not  being  married  to  the  Law  in  flead  of  Chrift,  I  do  not 
hereby  exempt  your  felves  from  obedience  to  the  Law  ,  after  you  are  in  Cin-ift. 

2.  Do  not  think  I  fpeak  againti  all  evidencing  your  eftates  from  conformity  to 
the  Law;  though  I  do  from  lome  fubje6lion  and  obedience  performed  to  the 
Law. 

I.  If  the  Law  was  never  dead  in  thee,  thou  art  m.arried  to  the  Law,  Rom.'j,2. 
Now  look  as  tis  with  a  husband,  if  the  wife  be  fick  ,  and  he  be  at  home,  whoe- 
ver forfakes  her,  he  will  comfort  her,  and  fupporc  and  chear  her;  fo  that  if  he 
chear  her  not ,  its  a  fign  he  is  dead  ;  if  he  doth,  its  a  fign  he  is  alive ;  for  the 
life  of  the  Law,  is  the  comfort  and  fupport  ^hat  the  Law  doth  give  foratim.e. 
So  that  if  thou  wert  never  brought  to  chat  fore  ftraight,  that  thou  halt  not  felt 
any  one  duty  to  cheer  or  revive  thee,  and  comfort  thee,  but  hall:  found  fome  lit- 
tle thing  or  other  to  do  ir,  its  certain  you  are  yet  married  to  the  Law.    Ex.gr, 
It  may  be  thou  haft  been  troubled  in  mind  for  thy  fins.  What  hath  cheared  thee  ? 
Ihaveforfaken  them,  and  caft  o\xt  Jonahs  and  there  hath  been  a  calm  .•    Why 
this  forfaking  thy  fins  (  which  hath  not  been  all  but  fome)  is  not  Chrift,  but  an 
a61:oftheLaw,    Oh  but  I  have  fallen  again  into  fins,  this  hath  troubled  thee : 
What  hath  cheared  thee  ?    I  have  repented  and  been  forf  y  for  them,  and  purpo- 
fed  to  do  fo  no  more.     This  is  the  life  of  the  Law  ftill.     Oh  but  you  find  fins 
prevailing  againft  you,  and  you  cannot  part  Vviththem;  and  hence  dare  not  re- 
folveagainltthem.  '  Oh  buc  mydefire  is  good  though,  my  will  hath  ever  been 
againft  them.     Oh  ignorance/     This  defire  is  but  a  work  of  the  Law,  'tis  not 
Chrift.  Oh  but  I  have  found  no  defire  fomerime :  What  hath  quieted  you  now  ? 
I  have  trufted  to  Chrift :  You  have  done  it.      The  Lord  never  made  you  feel  a 
need  of  the  Lord,  to  draw  you  to  txuft ;  though  to  be  affured  of  Cbrift's  love. 
Is  this  a  legal  K&.  ?  Attf.  As  obedience  to  the  Law  done  by  the  power  of  Chrift,  is 
an  Evangelical  work,  fo  to  perform  any  Evangelical  work  from  a  mans  felf,  is  a 
Legal  work ;  and  you  are  under  the  life  of  the  Law.    Sd  that  thou  haft  not  been 
fo  oft  troubled,  but  the  Law  hath  fupported  thee ;  thou  haft  not  been  brought  to 
thatpaffeas  the  Church,  the  Spoufe  was,  Ifa.$^.$i6.    And  as  one  of  my  beft 
friends,  and  beft  men  that  lives  this  day  in  the  world,  after  many  wrcfllings  to 
findfomwhatin  himfelf  to  chear  him,  and  could  not;  Now  faith  he,    if  the 
Lord  out  of  his  good,  Nature  ,  &c.  do  not  help  me^  I  am  undone  for  ever ;  for  I 
have  a  heart  and  a  nature  agalnfi  hlm^  and  the  more  1  do  ^  theworfe  I  am.     And 
therefore  thtthsr  I  look;     Surely  you     are  under   the  life  of  the  Law,  and  are 
far  enough  off  from  Chrift,  if  not  fenfible  of  this.    Not  that  a  man  is  al  way  thus, 
for  he  that  cannot  feel  afterward  the  Lord  Jcfus  by  the  power  of  his  Grace  work- 
ing in  his  heart,  I  would  conclude ,  he  never  had  any  at  all.    But  at  firft  'tis  fo. 
For  thefe  two  things  man  naturally  feeks, 

1 .  To  have  a  righceoufnefle  in  himfelf  that  will  eafe  him. 

2.  To  have  it  from  himfelf :   Kitchin  Phyfick  is  not  far  to  fetch. 

Now  the  Lords  plot  in  faving  his ,  is,  i.  To  make  them  feek  it  out  of  them- 
felves  in  another :  Lookumome  andkfaved,  all  the  ends  of  the  earth*  2.  To  have  | 

all! 


tenVirzins  Opened  and  Jpplted. 


all  from  another,  that  i^o,^m  jieih  might  glory  before  him.  And .  to  doubt  of  this,  is 
todoubtwhetherGolhaih  jf^lotted  the  Glory  of  his  Grace  or  no.  Hence!  the 
Lord  empties  the  foul  of  borh,  that  the  foul  faith,  ^jhtiffhall  not  f me  pts,  Hof,i/\. 
5,4.  Nonedurft,  none  can  comfort  it.  And  now  to  the  wonderment  of  Hea- 
ven, and  everlafting  joy  of  a  poor  eaft-away,  and' the  eternal  honour  of  his  free 
Grace,  now,  and  never  till  now  ,  doth  he  begin  to  make  the  match  between 
the  Lord  Jefus  and  thi?  poor  foul :  And  as  the  Lord  never  comes  to  him  till  now, 
fo  he  never  will  come  torhe  Lord,  while  he  hatb  the  leaft  good  ;  as  it  was  with 
the  Prodigal,  while  any  husks,  or  as  it  was  with  the  woman  with  her  bloody  iflue, 
while  any  mony  tofpend  on  other  Phyfitians,  never  will  try  wbatChrift  can  do. 
And  therefore  thofe  that  never  yet  knew  of  the  death  of  the  LaW,  they  are  yet 
m.arried  to  it,  jKo«?.2.i  7.  I  know  many  a  foul  grieves  for  the  deatfi^  of  this  hus- 
band, and  now  thinks  'tis  undone,  I  cannot  do  this  and  that,  though  formerly 
I  couid  indeed ;  I  fay  if  there  be  any  love  of  Chrift ,  no\v  is  the  time  of  i'C.  Only 
underftand  Gods  fcope  here  in  it. 

2.  If  a  man  complains  m.oreor  chiefly  for  want  of  grace  or  righteoufneffe,  to 
remove  fin,  and  not  fo  much  for  want  of  Jefus  Chritt  :  Then  in  this  cafe  'tis  as  it 
is  with  a  woman,  that  man  for  whofe  abfence  fhe  mourns  mofl:,  that  is  her  hus- 
band :  She  faith  the  other  is,  no  but  he  is  not.  So  this  is  the  eftate  of  marty  a 
foul,  they  have  neither  Chrilt  nor  righteoufnefle :  Now  tbe'y  complain  fo  much 
that  their  hearts  fink  and  dye  away  quite  within  them  :  And  what- is  it  for?  I 
cannot  do  this,  nor  I  do  not  find 'nor  feel  fuchfigns  and  affections  within  me. 
Such  a  vi-ie  heart,  I  know  not  the  like,  fuch  rifingin  my  heart  to  fin  and  thoughts 
of  it ;  why  if  you  had  Chrifl:,  all  this  would  be  mended.  /  can  do  all  through 
Chrifi.  But  you  complain  not  for  want  of  Ghrift,  nor  need  of  him  from  thefe 
two  Arguments. 

1.  Becaufe  the  feeling  of  your  fins,  does  not  make  you  feel  a  greater  need  of 
Chrifi:,  as  Johnylhave  need  to  be  btftiz.edy  &c.  but  drive  you  further  from  Chrift, 
and  reafon  it  out  againfi:  him,  And  why  ?  Becaufe  you  would  have  a  righteoufnefs 
without  him.  which  you  ftand  in  need  of. 

2.  Becriufehe  chat  feels  a  need  of  the  Lord  Jefus,  (hall  nor  when  he  is  offered, 
need  intreating  to  take  him ;  as  you  fkall  noc  need  intreat  hungry  men  to  eat  their 
bread,  you  fhali  not  need  rointreat  Zachem  to  receive  Chrilt  joyfuly.  But  iio 
comm.ands,  no  jnireatie^  can  prevail  with  you  to  take  him  when  he  is  offered,  you 
have  no  heart  to  it.  Like  women  that  love  their  own  husbands,  grieve  fo  for 
their  abfence,  that  they  have  no  heart  to  any  other  offer-  Is  it  thus  with  thee? 
Then  'tis  with  thee,  as  it  was  with  that  young  man,  that  a-^kc  Chrifi  vvhat  he 
fhoulddoroinheir.  eternal  life;  he  liked  Chrifi  well,  but  be  did  not  feel  a  need 
of  Chrifi:  himfelf  fo  miuch,as  of  fomc  m.oreknovvledge  of  the  Law,and, ability  to  do 
it.  Its  the  great  ^ lot  of  Arm.inians,  to  make  ChfiU  a  means  only,  to  make  every 
man  a  firft  Adam ;  fetting  men  to  work  for  their  living  again ;  for  they  grant  all 
Grace  is  loh,  all  cor.es  from  Ghrili,  Chriif  gives  all,  and  to  Chrifi  we  mufti  ook 
for  all ;  and  then  when  we  have  it,  ufe  it  well^  thus  you  fhall  have  life,  elfe  look 
for  death  :  So  'tis  a  m.ifery  many  a  foul  is  in.  Men  will  trade  in  fmail  wires,  ra- 
ther than  live  onanothers  Almes.  Do  you  think  the  Lord  takes  it  well  fo  make 
him  a  Merchant  for  your  ends  ?  Oh  no,  never  look  to  haVd  comm.unioii  With  him 
in  this  way/     ^ 

3.  Thoiethatclofe  with,  but  rejoyce  more  in  a  little  Grace  they  receiveffom 
Chrifi,  than  in  all  the  fulneffe  in  Chnit,  more  in  a  little  they  do,  than  in  all 
the  Lord  Jefus  hath  done,  Phll.^.'^.  That  is  a  womans  husband,  in  Whom  fhe  re- 
joycerh  m.ofi.  Do  you  rejoyce  more  in  what  you  have,  and  do,  thaninvvh;?t 
the  Lord  Jefus  hath  ,  and  hath  done?  more  in  what  you  receive  from  hin  (for 
a  hypocriiemay  receivefrom  Chrifi:,  John  1 5.2.J  than  in  what  there  is  in  him  ? 
Il  argues  a  whorilli  heart.  I  know  a  man  may  rejoyce  in  what  Chrifi  vvol-ksi'n 

D  2  him, 


sk^ 


i-o 


Sign  3  c 


zo 


The  1^ arable  of  the 


ifjlH' 


Sign 


Ifai.  I.  El 


liim ,  biic  I.  not  more  in  this  than  in  Chrift  himfelf.  2.  A  child  of  God  may 
while  he  knows  not  whether  Chrift  is  his  do  fo ;  but  you  think  the  Lord  is  yours; 
well,  when  you  feel  affedlions  and  life,  then  you  are  glad ,  when  that  is  loft  then 
fad  ;  why  is  there  no  life  when  thou  art  dead ,  no  glory  when  thou  art  bafe ,  no 
wifdom,  no  communion  with  God  when  thou  haft  none  ?  Ye^,  why  doft  thou  not 
rcjoyce  in  this  which  is  here  moft  fully,  which  Saints  prefenting ,  pleafe  the  Lord 
more  by,  than  by  giving  the  ^lory  of  Angels  infinite  millions  of  years;  Oh  thy 
heart  is  not  in  love  with  Chrift ,  but  fomewhat  elfe  ,  for  here  is  the  joy  of  ail 
Saints,  In  thy  feed  fhall  all  Nations  accomt  themfehes  bleffed  i  all  Nations ,  one  and 
another  ,  /J4/.45. 2.4,  25,  fhall  all  the  feed  of  Jfrael  he  jnfllfied ,  md  fhall  glarj. 
Confider  therefore  this,  thou  art  fometime  joyed ;  why  ?  O I  find  my  heart  thus 
and  thus,  and  is  this  all  ?  yes,  for  when  this  is  gone,  all  joy  dies  5  and  fhould  I  not 
do  thus  ?  yes,  eHe  you  never  felt  comfort  of  it ;  but  not  only  rejoyce  here ,  but 
when  the  beam  is  gone,  the  Lord  is  not  gone  ,  Rom.  7.  ult*  when  the  bottles  ar€ 
fpent,  the  fpring  is  fulL 

4«  He  that  performs  any  duty  ultimately  to  eafe  his  confcience ,  he  is  married 
yet  unto  the  Law,  for  there  are  two  forts  of  duties  to  the  Law. 

I  *  Some  are  directed  to  give  Chrift  content  to  eafe  his  heart ,  by  feeing  Gods 
love  in  Chrift,  then  love  being  fticd,  the  heart  fheds  it  on  Chrift:  .igain :  and  thus 
faith  the  Apoftle ,  /  throng  the  Law  am  dead  to  it^  that  I  might  live  to  God  ,  Gal, 
2.  ip, 

2,  Some  are  to  give  the  foul  eafe ,  it  fees  fin,  and  fears  it  muft  dye,and  the  De- 
vil appears  ,  and  when  ic  lies  down,  it  fears  it  fhall  never  awaken  again ;  and  when 
ic  hears,  thinks  no  mercy ,  but  only  threats  belong  to  it:  and  hence  having  n© 
peace  of  confcience  to  think  God  will  love  it ,  it  loves  duties ,  doth  duties ,  and 
now  takes  thefe  for  good  tokens  and  figns  of  love  ,  and  if  it  feels  a  need  of  Chrift, 
ftis  only  to  eafe  it.  Now  a  man  is  married  to  the  Law ,  when  he  crouds  for  eafe  in- 
to the  bofome  of  it ,  Deut-  5.27.  they  were  in  great  fear ,  whatever  God  mil  have 
m  doy  we  will  do  It  t  is  it  not  thus  with  many  ?  How  ftiall  we  know  this  ? 

^fifm  Doft  find  this  while  fears  and  terrors  of  confcience  are  on  thee ,  fo  long 
thou  doft  feek,  and  pray,  and  hear ,  and  call  on  God ,  and  when  they  are  worn  a- 
vvay  by  time,  or  blown  over  with  feeling  fome  good  thingSjand  hopes  from  them, 
then  thy  heart  is  carelefs  again  ;  'tis  certain  you  are  yet  married  to  the  Law  :  as 
many  a  man  exceeding  forwardvvhilepreft  under  fenfe  of  fin  for  a  year  or  two. 
Lord  !  how  many  hundreds  drop  away  by  little  and  little  afterwards  ?  Dent.  5, 
29.  Oh  that  there  were  fuch  a  heart  alway.  .  Mat.^.j,  to  13.  they  faw  a  wrath  to 
come,  hence  feared  ,  and  hence  came  to  Jo^;?x  Baptifm  to  repent  and  confefle 
him. 

5.  No  man  that  is  married  to  the  Law ,  but  his  fig-leaves  ever  cover  fome  na- 
kednefsi  allthe  duties  ever  brood  fome  luft:  there  is  fome  one  fin  or  other  the 
man  lives  in,  which  either  the  Lord  difcovers  ,  and  he  will  not  part  with ,  as  the 
I  young  man,  or  elfe  is  fo  fpiritual  he  cannot  fee  all  his  life-time ;  read  through  the 
ftriiSleft  of  all,and  fee  this,  Mat»  2  3 .  Painted  Sepkhres  i  Fad  that  was  blamelelfe, 
yet Epk2„  3«  TiV.  3.3^  ferved  divers /»/?j ^d  fleafures^  andthereafon  is,  the 
Law  is  not  the  miniftration  of  the  Spirit,  2  Cor,  3 . 8,5?.  which  breaks  offfrom  eve- 
ry fin,  there  is  no  law  that  can  give  life,  <j^/.  3.  21.  And  hence  mxanymen  have 
ftrong  refolutions,  and  break  all  again ;  hence  m.en  fin ,  and  forrow,  and  pray  a- 
gain ,  and  then  go  with  more  eafe  in  their  fin  5  examine  thy  felf ,  is  there  any  li- 
ving luft  with  thy  rightcoufncffe,  'ds  fure  'tis  a  righteoufnelfe  thou  art  married  ro, 
and  never  wert  yet  m.atch'd  to  Chrift;  hence  note  thy  felf,  it  may  be  thou  haft 
refted  in  duties,  and  fince  more  light  cam.e,  faw  it;  and  feeing  this ,  thinking  that 
here  is  all  thy  errour,  thou  haft  laboured  to  fee  the  emptinefie  of  thy  own  Rightc- 
oufneflc,  and  the  fulneffe  of  Chrift,  and  now  thou  art  come  to  both,  and  now  well. 
So  then  thou  haft  not  found  out  any  M\  thou  liveft  in  all  that  time ;  nor  the  venom 

of 


/" 


ten  Virgins  Opened  Md  Applied. 


ti 


of  chy  old  nature :  no ;  why  then  I  pronounce  thou  art  yet  married  to  th^  Uw, 
take  and  truft  never  fo  much  to  Chrifts  righteoufnefTe ,  if  under  the  power  of  a 
■proud  heart,  an  unclean  heart  ftin,never  fpeak  of  Chrirt. 

6,  They  that  are  fearful  to  be  troubled  at  their  eft  ate  to  have  it  prove  ill,  which  a 
Saint  may  do,  yec  brings  it  out  to  the  light  at  laft,  John  3, 20.  When  a  Woman  is 
married  to  a  condemned  man,  guilt  being  upon  him,  he  loves  not  to  be  feen  ^- 
broad  in  the  fight  of  others ;  thou  heareft  a  Sermon ,  and  art  loath  it  fliould  be 
found  out,  loath  to  be  troubled ;  he  that  hath  righteoufiiefle  in  Chrift  will  not  on- 
ly bring  ic  to  tryal,  before  men,  but  God  himfelf.  Now  is  it  thus  with  any  of 
you  ?  what  fliall  I  fay  ?  (hall  I  fay  that  Chrift  is  or  may  be  chine  in  this  eftate^  tru- 
ly if  I  durft  I  Ihould  ;  blefs  thy  felf  thou  maift :  but  remember  that  the  Lqrd  will 
take  thee  to  do  for  it  5  andwhatis  it  tolofe  communion  with  Chrift,  I  cannot 
exprefs  ir.  The  Difciples  were  fad  when  he  went  away  from  them  in  his  »bafe- 
menc ,  but  for  the  Lord  to  leave  thee ,  when  in  his  glory,  to  ftand  afar  off  and  fee 
him  go ,  never  to  fee  him  more ,  when  no  tears  fhall  ever  prevail  again ;  There- 
fore if  thou  haft  been  found  oui  this  day ,  confefs  ai?d  give  glory  to  God,  ?nd  let 
thine  eyes  be  tears,  that  Chrift  would  overcome  and  draw  thy  foul  with  loye »  and 
efpoufe  thee  to  himfelf  for  ever. 


Sign  60 


CHAP.     VL 


Containing  dAotiyes  and  Arguments  to  per^ 
fypademuntothe  iJ>yeof  [hrifi^  andj(;pk0 
Sfpoufedtohim*  ' 


»Stherenocommunidntobehadwith  the  Lord  Jefus,  unlefle  Virgins?  un- 
I  lefle  efpoufcd  to  him  ?  Oh  tbeiefore  here  is  a  match  for  you ,  chufe  him, 
JLgec  your  affe61:ions ,  if  entangled,  to  come  off  if  enfnared  to  any  other  thing, 
and  fct  your  h^arcs,  beftow  your  love  upon  him.  For  'tis  not  a  dead  Faith, 
(butfuchafairhasisanimatedby  love)  that  doth efpmife you  to  him,  GaL$*6> 
Faith  which  mrhs  by  love.  And  therefore  as  the  loye  of  other  things  (  not  worth 
looking  after )  hath  got  the  foveraign.ty  and  royalty  of  thy  heart,  fo  this  is  a  con- 
jugal lovcjwhen  it  bears  rule  in  the  heart  j  let  Chrift  have  this  love.  And  as 
you  have  loved  creatures  for  themfelves,  now  love  the  Lord  Jefus  for  himfelf. 
And  as  they  have  eafily  enticed  you  to  fet  your  hearts  upon  them,  now  be  per-? 
fwaded  to  fet  your  deareft  affecStioris  on  him.  Itsfaid  oijohn  Baptift,  he  was 
rhe!Sr/Wf-^r<?9»?'/Fr/VW,  rofpeakforhim,  John'^.^g.  And  truly 'tis  the  main 
work  of  the  Miniftry ,  to  wooe  for  Chrift ;  and  fo  to  prefent  chaft  Virgins  to 
Chrift*  This  fhall  be  my  work  now,  which  maybe  feafonable  in  this  decaying 
time.    Therefore  I  fhall  chiefly  bend  my  fpeech  to  three  forts. 

1.  To  them  that  never  yec  loved  the  Lord  JefuSj  unleflfeic  be  from  the  teeth 
outward. 

2.  Thofe  that  have  been  ftriving  for  this,  yec  cannot  to  their  own  feeling  come 
to  this. 

3.  Thofe  that  have  fo,  but  their  afFe6lions  are  dried  up,  and  love  is  parched 
away,  iniqmty  ahomdi^  &:c.    And  my  Motives  ftiall  be  thefe  four, 

fir.  Conficler  the  Glory  of  the  perfon,  whom  I  Ihali  beafpokes-manforthis 
'^ay.  D  3  2.  Con- 


ufiz: 


zz 


TheTarableofthe 


2 »  Consider  he  makes  love  to  thee. 
5.  Confider  that  all  he  feeks  for  is  love. 
_  4.  Confider  what  he  will  do  for  thee,  how  he  will  love  thee,  if-  thou  wilt  love 

■liim»-  '•  -  '   . 


SECT.  I. 

s./T^  Onfider  the  Glory  of  the  perCon,  for  whom  I  plead  for  love.    What  can 

K^you  love  beiides  him  ?  Where  can  you  find  any  like  unto  him  ?  I  know 
theGlory  of  the  Lord  is  not  revealed,  hecaufe  the  grafle  withers  noc,  the  flower 
Tadeshor,  the  creature  appears  not  in  his  withering  vanity,  Ifa.^o.  Bur  if  the 
Lord  would  but  open  your  eyes,  to  fee  him,  this  would  vvinyour  hearts  alori'e 
to  him. 

Now  I  fliall  fingle  out  only  thefe  five  things,  to  give  you  a  dimpfeofhis  Glo- 
ry. Lift  up  thy  heart,  and  fay,*  I/or^af' ^/(^  mt  novo  thy  face  from  me. 

1.  He  is  the  Prince  of  the  Kings  of  the  earth,  ^^z^.1.5.  The  glory^fthe 
world  is  a  Kingdom,  the  glorious  Diamond  of  that  Kingdom  is  a  Prince  in  his 
Glory ;  now  for  a  poor  Beggar  to  have  an  offer  of  love  fro .n  the  greateft  Prince  in 
the  world,  would  it  not  tempt  her  ?  Would  fhe  not  forfake  her  lovers ,  and 
fet  her  heart  en  him  ?  Why  look  what  a  diftance  there  is  between  the  poorett 
Peafant  and  the  Vigheil  Prince, '•fobafe,  anda  thoufand  times  more  are  all  the 
Princes  ofthe  world  to  Chrift,  whofe  Dominion  is  from  fea  to  fea,  from  Sun  to 
.Sun,  who  fets  up  and  puis  down  Kings  like  Counters ,  who  ruie^  their  Courts, 
their  Kingdoms,  their  hearts,  and  they  do  not  do,  they  cannot  do,  but  what 
'he  will;  Other  Kings  are  Princes,  are  Rulers  of  men,  Chrift  Prince  of  Kings. 
NowwhoWoUldnotbegladof  his  love?  who  having  tafted  death,  is  fet  down 
on  the  right  hand  of  God,  on  high,  cloathed  with  endleffe  Glory,  who  hath 
Kings  in  his  chaines,  whofe  breath  is  not  in  his  noftrils,  whofe'  favour  is  not  for 
a  day,  but  he  lives  and  reignes  for  ever.  Now  doth  Chrift  reign  ?  Is  he  a  Lord, 
and  in  Glory  upon  his  Throne  ?  Methinks  I  fee  Jefus  at  the  right  hand  of  God, 
yourfooliftiaffedions  have  undone  you  if  you    love  him  not. 

2,"  He  is  appointed  by  the  'Father  to  be  Judge  of  quick  and  dead ,  at  the  laft 
dayy  John  5.22,23.  as  well  as  to  rule  all  now.  So  that  if  you  do  m.aintain  enmi- 
ty againft  him,  he  may  let  you  alone,  you  may  live  in  healtii,  and  die  in  peace, 
in  the  eye  of  man ,  and  in  thine  own  eyes  too :  Yet  there  is  a  day  coming  he  will 
break  out  of  Heaven  W/-^^/^«'«f,  and  appear  in  the  clouds  in  the  amazing  Glo- 
ry of  his  Father,  with  all  his  mighty  Angels^  and  all  the  d?ad  (hall  hear  his  voles,  and 
you  fl-iall  appear  before  him  with- this  body  ,  when  the  Heavens  fhall  burn 
round  about  him,  and  the  earth  {hall  tremble  under  him,  and  all  guilty  eyes 
mourning  and  wayling  becaufc  of  him.  Then  you  fhall  know  what  'tis  to  de- 
fpifeMm,  andwilh,  oh  that  I  had  loved  him,  Rev,\.^.  You  that  fay  you  love| 
him,  yet  by  an  impenitent  heart  pierce  him.,  you  fhall  wayl,  evenfo.  Amen. 
Men  doinot  fee  an  end  of  thefe  things,  nor  the  Glory  of  the  Lord  another  day. 
Hence  creatures  are  loved',  and  the  Lord  of  Glory  i^  louhed.  A  great  Prince 
may  notbe  fo  highly  efteemed,  untill  he-appears  in  his  ftace.  Prifoners  would 
give  any  mony,  m.uch  more  love,  for  the  Judges  Favour. 

3.  He  only  is  the  procurer  and  author  of  all  the  good  that  ever  thou  didftfuck 
out  here  ,  though  thou  haft  neither  known  him  ,  nor  been  thankful 
tohrMT.;  For  look  as  it  was  with  Angels,  foit  fbould  have  beenvvith  man ;  the 
wrath  of  God  ftiould  have  been  poured  out  upon  him,  and  on  all  the  world,  and 
creatures  fhould  h^ve  been  tormentors  of.  him.,  but  that  the  Lord  Jefus  begged 
iandbousht  the  world.  And  henc(2,  i  77(^.4. 10.  called  Saviour  of  all,  bm  chiefly 
ofthe  Elect.    Micah  4.4.  In  his  damtnen  fhall  Jit  under  Vines  and  Fig-trees  :  So 

that 


ten  Vir^ms  Opened  and  Applied. 

than  if  ever  any  creicure  did  chee  good,  ic  was  Jefus  that  piir  rh.it  fweerneiTe  in  iti 
out  of  his  fuUiefle,  and  fee  it  awork,  fent  ic  to  chee,  gave  it  thee  to  do  rhee  ^ood. 
Thou  ihouidft  never  have  had  vvin;<  of  fleep,  never  rei' rained  from  one  fm^  but 
lived  in  blafpheming  God,  never  have  heard  of  a  Goijrel  but  for  Chrift:  And 
will  you  not  love  him  ?  Oh  ungrateful  world  /  unnatural  generation  of  rren/ 
Why  doft  love  any  creature  ?  '  Tis  for  the  paint  of  it  and  goad  in  it.  If  there  be  fo 
much  in  it,  what  is  there  in  Chrift  that  gave  it,  that  dropu  itinMoii;  ?  Neve 
love  him  if  there  be  any  thing  good  that  is  not  by  him,  Pfal. 116.1.  The  Lord 
hath  heard  my  fray  er^  1  will  call  on  him  as  long  as  1  live.  Much  more  vvh  en  the 
,  Lord  hath  delivered  ,  and  thou  didft  never  feek  to  him. 

4.  He  is  the  everialHng  wonder  m.ent  of  Saints  in  Heaven  ;  tHe  Que^n  of  She- 
ha  heard. of  SolomonyS^\\ic\i  made  her  come  to  fee  him ,  but  {he  before  imagined 
but  that  which  now  ihefaw  with  her  own  eyes ,  and  that  wrapt  her  out  of  her 
lelf.  Here  we  hear  cf  the  Lord  Jefus ,  of  his  beauty  and  glory ,  and  this  draws 
Saints  to  him ,  and  when  com.e  ^  they  fee  that  which  they  never  faw  before, 
efpecially  when  in  Heaven  :  then  fall  down  in  everlaliing  admiration  at  this  my- 
ftery ,  for  the  bledednefs  of  Saints  is  to  fee  Chrill  in  his  glory,  John  17.  24.  Now 
this  lies  in  an  infinite  good  ,  this  cannot  be  feen  in  a  finite  time:  hence  Saints 
fhall  be  piercing  their  eyes  deeper  and  deeper  into  this  myllery,  and  lliall  ever  fee 
mare  and  m.orc,  but  never  fee  all,  and  this  is  their  joy  and  glory  in  Heaven ;  Is  it 
fo?  what  think  you,  is  Chrirt  worthy  ofyour  love  or  no?  look  upon  all  the  glory 
of  the  field  of  this  world,  you  may  fee  an  end  of  all  perfe6^ion,but  never  here. 

5.  He  is  the  delights  and  bofome  love  of  God  himfelf,  Prov.  8.  30.  Hence 
John  when  he  came  to  fet  Chrift  out,  John  3.35.  The  Father  loveth  the  Son.  Now 
is  itfo ,  furely  though  you  fee  not,  tafte  not  this  good,  yet  there  'ds ;  now  tell  m.e 
if  this  perfon  do  not  challenge  love  /  would  you  not  be  glad  to  have  him  ?  you  wil  1 
fay,  can  he  look  upon  fuch  a  VVretch ,  embrace  fuch  a  Leper  as  I  ?  rio  furely  he 
will  never  do  t. 


S  ECT.  IL 

2.  /^  Onfider  he  makes  love  to  thee  ,  not  one  foul  that  hears  me  this  day  ,  but 
V^  the  Lord  Jefus  is  a  Suitor  unco ,  chat  now  you  would  be  efpoufed  to  him  : 
He  came  (iHto  his  own,  and  they  received  him  not.     Whatever  the  fecret  purpofe  of 
Chrift  is,  I  regard  not :    In  this  Evangelical  difpenfation  of  Grace,  he  makes 
love  to  all,  JohnlA^.  'Tis  clear,  y^^f.22.2,3.    If  there  be  a  Gofpel  in  the 
world,  there  is  this  love  of  Chrift  yearning  towards  all;  efpecially  all  that  have 
this  Gofpel  of  peace  fent  to  them,  Luke  2.10.     "Tis  tidings  of  great  joy  to  all  people, 
as  Law  is  tidings  of  great  forrow  to  all  people,  L«%  2.14.     Angels  from  Heaven  I 
preicht  this  good  mil  towards  men.    For  if  the  challenge  of  love  fro  m  m.en  fhould 
be  founded  on  his  a6l:ual  love  to  fome,  having  died  for  fome,  then  the  offer 
would  be  particular.    But  'tis  grounded ,     i .  On  his  own  worth  and  Glory,  and 
hence  he  challengeth  love.     2 .  On  this,  for  ought  I  know  he  hath  loved  me.     So 
that  thou  art  non  fo  vile,  but  the  Lord  Jefus  his  heart  is  toward  thee,  and  his  eye 
is  upon  thee  for  love.    But  'tis  not  all  love,  bun  only  fome  that  overcome^. 
I.   Now  'cis  real  love.    2.  Fervent  love,     3.   Conftanti    4.  Pure  love  he 
makes  to  thee. 

I.  'Tis  real  love,  when  the  Gofpel  and  Minifters  feek  for  love,  the  Lord  is 
real  in  his  deiircs,  thereis  nocollufionordilfembling,  ^Cor.  5.  20.  in  Chrifts 
ftead.  He  that  recelveth  you,  recelveth  me ;  thou  thinkeft  the  Lord  cares  not  for  thee, 
nor  doth  not  delire  thee  though  he  donh  others :  but 

1 .  Either  the  Lord  would  have  thee  loath  him,  or  love  him  3  what  think  you  ? 

2.  If  the  Lord  did  not  really  make  iove  to  thee  ,  he  would  not  be  really  angry 

for 


2-4 


'the  ^^  arable  of  the 


for  rejecting  of  this  love,  but  the  Lord  is  really  angry  for  rejtedling  it ,  and  vvroji 
with  nothing  fo  much  as  that,  Ffal.  2.12.  here  he  fweirs  in  his  wrath  ,  Pfai.  5»  5. 
1 1 .  when  he  opens  his  bofom  for  thee  to  reft  in,  and  thou  wilt  not. 

3 .  Look  but  upon  the  dealings  of  God  with  thee  .•  i.  Haft  not  oft  thought  fome 
ill  Hell  better  than  thee?  why  the  ruineof  millions  of  men  is  to  win  love  fron 
thee,  Jer.  3 . 8,5?,  10.  2.  Hath  not  the  Lord  Tent  many  a  mercy  to  thee,  not  one 
but  was  to  win  thee,  Pfal.  81.10, 11,12.  3.  Hath  not  the  Lord  with-held  ma- 
ny from  thee,  as  here  in  this  wilderneffe ,  Jer.  3*  -3*  4-  4-  Hath  not  the  Lord 
fent  many  forrows,  terrors,  fears,  cares,  wearifome  bullnclTes  that  thou  haft  wiilied 
anend©flife  ?  this  is  love,  Hof.2.6.  5.  Hath  not  the  Lord  moved  thy  heart 
many  a  time  toward  him  by  perfwaTions ,  arguments  vvhich  have  a  power  to 
move  the  heart,  this  is  love,  Hof.  11.^.  Cords  of  a  man.  6.  Ha:h  not  the  Lord 
oft  melted  thy  heart  for  mercies,  as  D^t/zW  when  he  might liavc  killed  Sad-^  truly 
you  may  feel  nis  love  which  is  much  towards  you  ;  that  which  keeps  otf  thy  heart 
from  love,  is,thc  Lord  mtends  it  notto  me,  he  is  not  plain  with  me.  But  he  fends 
I  to  thee  his  plain  Gofpel  which  thou  art  to  attend  unto  ;  and  he  takes  fitteft  feafons 
to  fpeak  to  thee  now  in  the  time  of  thy  health :  and  doth  he  not  oft  vifit  thy  heart 
when  thou  art  alone  ? 

i  2.  'lis  fervent,  vehement, earneft  love:  fometimes  a  Suitor  is  real ,  but  he  is 
notearneft;  now  thu.s  the  Lord  is:  i.  The  Lord  longs  for  1^1%  ^D  em. 'y.^  9. 2.  Pleads 
for  this;,  Jer.  2.5.  what  Imqultj-^^c.  3 .  Thinks  long  for  this  time,  7^^.i  3  -^7.  Jeru- 
falem  will  not  he  made  clean^  when  (hall  it  once  be  f  4-  Mourns  when  he  hath  not  this, 
Ez^k;  ^'  9'  broken  with  their  whorlfh  heart.  5.  Content  to  give  away  any  thing  for 
it,  all  the  love  of  Ghrift  is  founded  on  this*  d. If  thou  comeft  not  prefently,  he  is 
content  to  wait  that  he  may  be  gracious. 

3.  'Tis  conftant  and  continual ,  there  is  not  a  moment,  thou  doft  not  fo  oft 
breath,as  thou  maift  fee  and  tafte  love ,  Ifal.  27.3.  Ifai,6  5.2.  i ,  After  all  thy 
whoriih  departing  from  God,  thatifman-fhoulddo  fo,no  man  would  own,  yethe 
imh^Returnto  me:  thou  feeft  never  a  creature  but  thou  haft  loved  m.ore  than  Chrift^ 
yet  return.  2.  When  God  threatens  m.oft  terribly,and  fets  his  fury  on  record,yet 
then  there  he  minds  ncthingbut  love,Jer.3<J.2,3. 3. When  none  elfewill  own  and 
pitty  thee  thou  art  fo  vile,  yet Ez^k,.  t<5.  2,  3.  the  Lord  faith  live ,  then  is  a  time  of 
lave.  4.  Nay  when  thou  haft  caft  away  thy  felf  as  a  forlorn  creature,  yet  Jf^/.  14. 3. 
In  thee  the  F atherlefs  find  mercy*  5.  When  he  hath  thee  in  his  arms,  're.idy  to  give 
thee  up ,  yet  xhen^Howfhall  I  give  thee  up  O  Ephraim^  Hof.  1 1.  S.  I  tell  thee  if  one 
fparkleof  his  eternal  blafting  difpleafure  fhould  fall  upon  thee,it  would  befointol- 
lerablc  that  it  would  (ink  thee;  his  love  is  as  ftrong  as  death,no  water  can  quench  it; 
oh  'ris  not  fo  with  man,  or  great  men ,  once  repulfed  is  enough  :  why  ftiould  the 
Lord  do  fo  here  ?  many  think  time  is  paft,  *tis  not  fo ,  *tis  the  temptation  of  them 
that  have  time,not  of  them  that  want  it ;  take  heed  this  make  thee  not  dcfpife  him. 

4.  'Tis  a  pure  love,  others  make  love  for  their  own  ends,^  but  the  Lord  hath  no 
need  of  thee,  or  of  thy  love :  he  could  raife  up  of  ttones  children  of  praife ,  he 
could  have  gone  to  others,  he  could  have  and  can  fetch  his  glory  out  of  thy  ruine: 
he  was  bleifed  before  all  worlds ;  and  by  all  thy  fins  thou  doft  but  throw  ftones 
againftthewind,  orfnow-balls  againft  the  Sun:  why  doth  he  do  it?  O  'tis  thy 
good,  he  pitties  thee  as  once  Jerufaiem,  to  look  upon  thy  deftru6lion  and  defolati- 
on :  as  'tis  with  the  Eleft,  they  have  wrath  before  their  eyes,  and  hence  perfwade 
others, fo  the  Lord  ]efus. 


SECT.   m. 


; .  /^  Onfider  'tis  nothing  elfe  but  love  the  Lord  looks  for ,  or  cares  for.    Love 
}<j  looks  for  nothing  hvLzlovQjProv.  8. 1 7.  and  this  is  thg  end>of  all  Ele^ion, 


ten  Vtr^ins  Opened  and  Applied. 


to  be  holy  before  him  in  love :  and  mark  it ,  if  it  be  a  ftayed  love,  that  conftrain? 
cheeto  him^you  cannot  wrong  him :  As  if  thou  come  and  perfvvade  one  to  murder 
his  Child,  he  cannor;  foifperfvvadedto  defpife,  oh  bowels  of  heirt-breaking 
love ,  2  Cor,  5.  And  furely  'tis  admirable  love ;  Whit  if  it  were  thy  Goods ,  thy 
Ifmcto  be  facrificed,  thy  body  to  be  burned,  it  Was  nothing ,  but  hedeiiresonly 
lovepnly  thy  heart  which  hath  forged  fo  much  villany  againft  him  :  let  him  never 
be  called  upon,or  profefled,if  not  worthy,  of  this.  Afcer  all,  is  this  all  ?  yes,no  Por- 
tion he  cares  for,and  when  he  hath  this  he  hath  all.  Wonder  at  this  O  Angels  / 


SECT.   IV. 

4.  /^  Onlidcr  what  he  will  do  for  thee ,  how  he  will  love  thee  ,  if  thou  wilt  thus 
\^  love  him.. 

1 .  He  will  fet  thee  next  himfelf  in  honom, Pf aim  ^^ .  9 .  that  as  the  Lord  Jefus  is 
next  to  God,  iits  at  his  right  hand ;  fo  here ,  which  is  an  honour  that  the  Angels 
have  not,  who  are  no  where  called  Chrifts  Spoufe :  hence  never  had  fuch  an  union, 
hence  never  fhall  partake  of  that  honour  of  Saints. 

2.  He  will  enrich  thee,  as 'tis  with  Man  aid  Wife,  all  that  he  hath  is  hers :  fo 
himfelf,  and  all  his  glory,  his  God,  his  Father, his  Kingdom  is  thine,  Prov.  8.21. 
they  that  love  me  inherit  fomething,  others  nothing  :  no,  nothing  indeed  ,  only 
fhews  of  good,  and  they  find  it  fo  when  they  awake ,  nothing  their  own,  nothing 
long :  that  let  thy  outward  man,  yea  thy  inward  be  never  fo  poor ,  thou  fhalt  by 
him  be  heir  of  all. 

5.  He  will  counfel  thee  :  hence  David ,  Pfal.  7  3 .  made  choice  of  God ,  Thou 
mltgHtdemebythy  comfel',  no  greater  cur fe  than  to  be  Ieftto1:he  guidance  of  a 
mans  own  counfel :  but  here  there  (hall  not  be  any  ftrait ,  but  the  Lord  will 
lliew  thee  a  way  out  of  it,  either  by  his  prudehce  or  providence ;  there  fhall  not  be 
any  fecret  of  ChrilUhat  thoudefireft  to  knoW,but  as  Chrift  told  them ,  Ton  aremj 
Frie»ds^(o  you  are  my  Spoufe  :  hence  all  his  fecrets  lliall  be  opened  to  thee;  there 
flyllnotbe  oncaft  of  thy  life,  but  ordered  by  infinite  prudence,  and  wifdom, 
and  love  ;  fometimes  we  are  befooled  in  our  own  counfels ,  and  left  to  them  to 
teach  us  to  depend  on  the  lord  the  more  ,  yet  thereby  fhall  come  out  fuch  good, 
that  it  fhall  be  among  us  as  with  Jofephs  Brethren . 

4i  He  will  dwell  with  thee  as  a  man  muft  dwell  with  his  Wife ,  Jc^hfi  14.  23. 
that  the  great  Mediator  that  paffeth  by  Kings  and  Princes ,  and  will  not  look  on 
them,  fhould  come  and  dwell  with  thee :  this  is  better  than  to  have  the  prefencc 
of  Kings,theguardof  Ange]s,better  than  Heaven  it  felf,that  he  fhould  dwel  where 
is  nothing  worthy  to  entertain  him ,  only  fomething  to  grieve  him.  Now  this  is , 

I.  A conftant  alMance  of  the  Spirit,  that  let  the  Soiil  go  where  he  will,  be 
brought  to  never  fobw  an  ebb,  yet  Chritt  will  not  out,  but  fome  Ilirrings,fighings, 
lookings,  pantings  after  Chrift;  when  heart  and  fl:rength  fail,  yet  God,  &c.  when 
ready  togive  all  for  loft,thencon(ider  as  PfaLj^.  2.  Ifhe  dothdepart,he  willnot 
be  long  but  return  again:  and  thofe  thvit  know  his  affe6lion,  kndw  it  fo  to  be, 
Ifai,  S'^.for  a  little  moment^  &c.  fo  the  Lord  may  depart ,  and  when  his  prefence  is 
a  little  more  efteemed,  come  again  with  everlai^:ing  mercies :  as  a  man  may  know 
many  wcaknefles  by  his  Wife ,  yet  fhe  having  not  beftowed  her  heart  on  any 
other yhe  will  return :  .To  if  thou  canft  fay ,  yet  I  am  the  Lords ,  he  will  return, 

5.  Hewillrejoyce  in  thee  and  over  thee,  Zephi^.i-j.  as  a  Bridegroom  doth 
over  the  Bride :  Notbecaufe  of  any  beauty  in  thee,  for  there  is  none,  but  becaufe 
given  in  marriage  of  the  Father,  and  for  his  own  fake.  This  day  thou  ihaltno 
fooner  fet  thy  heart  on  Chrift,  but  he  falls  in  love  with  thee,  and  will  take  thee 
with  joy  ;  thou  thinkeft  he  will  be  angry  if  thou  clofeft  with  him  and  love  him, 
no,  it  will  be  the  joy  of  Heaven,  of  Jefus  Chrirt  himfelf. 

E  6.m 


2.^ 


z6 


Ob:  eel, I. 

Anfw. 

Obiea.2, 
Anfrv» 


ObjeU.-^, 
An[w. 
ObieEl.^. 
,  Anfw. 


"The  T arable  of  the 


6.  He  will  exceedingly  comfort  thee;  and  look  as  'tis  witl)  tender  husbands, 
then  they  comfort  moiivvhen  moft  forrowe^.  betide  them,  for  who  could  endure 
his  wife  lliould  be  diway  drooping  ?  So  even  then  w'hen  nothing  doth  or  cm  com- 
fort thee,  the  Lord  will,  7/^.54.5.  For  the  Lord  doth  notaiw.iy  comfort,  but 
when  in  need,  as  it  was  with  the  Patriarchs,  Then  God  appeared,  when  they 
wereatworl^;  andthefe  are  abundant  comiort^,  2  Cor.i.3,4,5.  Youlliallnot 
need  to  fcramble  for  it  as  m.any  do,whofe  hearts  do  not  love  Chrili  in  truth  as  ycc. 

7.  He  will  put  up  all  wrongs,  and  bear  exceedingly  with  thee.  Many  think 
even  when  God  hath  fealed  love  to  theai,  if  any  little  iin  be  coaimitted,  then 
they  are  caft  off;  no,  if  under  the  Law  fo  indeed,  but  whenerpoufedtohim,\is 
not  weakneflfes,  nor  wilfulnciTe  can  make  the  Lord  catt  thee  away,  but  he  will 
heal  the  one,  andatHid't  thee  for  (yet  notcalHhee  off)  for  the  other,  P/^/.Sp. 
3  3 .  A4y  lovingklndnejfe  mil  I  never  take  away.  Ye.i,  he  will  forgive  both,  Luke 
7.47.  Much  forg'ivefi  becaufe  fhe  loved  much.  Nay,  thy  wrongs  lliall  be  an  occalion 
to  make  him  love  :hee  mxore,  Rom.^,  ivhere  fm  abounds ^  Grace  abounds. 

8.  He  will  never  part  with  thee,  Hof.2.1^.  Once  love  him,  and  he  will  never 
loie  thee. 

I.  No  fin  fhall  part  thee  and  him;  for  Chrift  when  he  enters  into  marriage 
covenant,  doth  not  fufi  end  his  love  on  our  Grace  or  Holinefle,  then  he  might 
leave  quickly,  but  on  his  own.  Grace  to  walla  away  our  filthinefle,  £/?/}. 5. 2  5^26. 
If  a  husband  marries  a  wom.an  only  for  fo  long  as  fhe  is  in  he.^lth,  then  when  fick- 
nefle  comes  he  may  depart.  But  e  contra,  if  to  take  away  her  ficknefl'es,  then  they 
cannot  hinder :  Norhing  but  Adultery  can  part ;  Now  that  they  cannot  do,  for 
nothing  breaks,  till  covenant  is  broken  :  And  the  covenant  here  is  everlafting, 
and  fo  undertaken  for  by  the  Lord  that  it  can-  never  be  broken. 

2.  Nomifeiiescan,  i^o,w.8. 3 5,36,37.  Cojt  tribulation}  It  makes  man  leave 
us,  but  this  is  peculiar  to  Chrift,  he  will  not  leave. 

3.  Death  cannoD,  it  muft  part  man  and  wife,  though  loved  never  fo  dearly 
before,  butherenot;  bur  then  he  will  come  himfelf  and  fetch  thee,  John  i^.i^ 
2,3 .  Take  thy  foul  to  the  Bride-chamber,  there  to  be  with  him  for  ever  and  ever, 
and  he  will  keep  theduft  of  thy  blefled  body,  and  not  lofe  one  dui}  of  it,  ^nd^t 
the  laft  day  raife  it  ^  and  then  when  others  fball  cry  out  Yonder  is  him  whom  I 
have  grieved,  thenflialt  thou  lift  up  thy  head.  Yonder  com.es  m.y  husband  to 
comfort  me,  to  crown  me,  that  I  may  dwell  with  him.  ItiliallSethe  bleifed 
day  to  thee.  And  when  judgement  is  done,  thou  iTaalt  go  with  thy  beloved  from 
the  air  up  to  Hewen  with  a  fliout,  and  live  in  his  love  and  de^reft  embncings  of 
thee,  and  this  he  will  do  for  thee  fo  poor  and  vile  in  thine  own  eyes  ?  Now  will 
you  have  him  ?  and  that  now,  or  no  f 


SECT.  V. 


I. 


IF  the  Lord  befodefrous  ofmiC,  why  doth  he  notovercom.e  me  ? 
If  the  Lord  doth  it,  'tis  by  thefe  cords  of  love,  and  if  nor,  the  brand  of  a 


reprobate  is  upon  thee. 

2.  But  I  do  love  him  already. 

Is  it  with  fuch  a  love  as  makes  you  unable  to  refift  him?  to  wrong  him.  ?  as 
the  Apolile  faid.  We  cannot  jpeal^againfl  the  Truth,  but  for  it ;  for  if  not  'tis  naught. 
There  is  a  natural  love  to  Chrili,  as  to  one  that  dorh  thee  good,  and  for  thine  own 
ends ;  and  ipirituallfor  himfclf,whereby  the  Lord  only  is  exalted:  Haft  thouthis? 

3 .  But  I  do  not  hare  Chrift. 

If  any  man  do  not  love  him  with  apofitive  love  ,  let  him  be  Anathema. 

4.  I  cannot  love  him. 

I.  What  canft  thou  live  elfe?    2.  Thou  canft  not  love  him  fo  well  as  thou 

'   ouldft 


tenVtrzjins  Opened  dnd  JppUed. 


fhouIdIt>  therefore  clofe  with  him,  and  love  will  follow.     3,  Get  the  Lord  to 
overcorije  thy  heart,  Jrr.3.15?. 
Howilialildoic? 

1.  Sec  him  before  thee?  Who  will  commit  lewdnefle  while  her  husbatid 
looks  on?  P/4/.16.8. 

2.  See  what  content  thou  giveft  Chrift  by  love :  Smalleft  duties  coming  from 
love  are  accepted.  What  makes  thee  wrong  him  to  pleafe  thy  felf  ?  Let  a  thing 
crolVe  thee,  yet  it  contents  Chritt  jcfus. 

3.  Get  him,  and  wait  by  Faith  on  him  to  overcome  thy  heart,  and  the  work  is 
done  then.  Now  will  you  do  this  or  no  ?  If  not  fay  then  you  have  had  a  fair  of- 
fer, and  tell  the  Devils  fo,  when  thougoett  down  to  Hell,  as  it  may  be  thou 
maiett  ere  long.  Men  talkof  terrible  Sermons,  but  thefe  link  deepefl-.  Tell 
me,  doft  thou  love  the  lord  only  ?  Wil't  keep  lufts  or  Chrift  alone  ?  If  fo,  then 
look  to  ic.  In  this  Countrey  a  woman  killed  her  child,  and  fhe  {aid,  vvhen  Hie 
did  it,  her  child  fmiled  upon  her.  Wilt  thou  kick  Chrifts  love  now  when  he 
fmiles  upon  thee.  Afterward  fhee  repenicd ,  but  it  was  too  late.  Women 
when  they  have  a  mind  to  fome  other,  murder  their  husbands,  but  if  known, 
burnt  they  muft  be.  But  wilt  have  him  and  love  him  alone  ?  Oh  if  perfwaded 
to  this,  then  happy  for  ever.  Let  this  day^  be  the  beginning  of  eternal  Glory  to 
thy  foul,  and  the  God  of  peace  be  with  thee. 


ZJ 


CHAP.  VII. 


Sheweth  that  amanhathnopoyper  inhimfelfto 
do  any  fpmmal  wor^  hut  that  he  muU  receive 
all  from  Qhrisi. 


H" 


Encewe  fee  a  necelTity,  if  ever  we  look  to  have  communiGn  with  ^r 
Chrift,  to  do  all  fpiritual  work,  all  we  do  {Theobglce )  from  the         ^' 
mighty  power  of  Chrift,  from  the  life  and  Spirit  of  Chrift.,    To  , 
bring  forth  no   Spirituall  A6t  but  from  Chrift  ,  and  for  Chrift, 
(  I  fhall  put  both  in  one,  and  the  latter  into  the firft ;  for  nonea6l  truly  from 
him  but  it  is  for  him  )  for  you  know  if  a  woman  bring  forth  children  to  any  other 
but  her  own  husband,  that  woman  hath  loft  her  chaftity  :     So  when  men  fti all 
bring  forth  the  fruits  of  obedience  to  any  other,  from  any  other ,  but  from 
Chrift,  they  lofe  their  virginity,  their  chaftity,  without  which  no  communion 
with  Chrift.    For  I  have  ever  made  two  parts  or  degrees  of  Chriftian  chaifticy, 
C  as 'tis  in  outward  cha(Hty. ) 

I.  The  foul  fets  its  chief  affedlions  on  Chrift  alone,  that  look  as  'tis  with  a  ^ 
woman,  though  fhe  cannot  do  much,  nor  deferve  his  love,  yet  her  heart  is  with 
him,  herfelfishis,  C^»f.(5.3.     J  am  my  Beloveds, 

1,  The  foul  brings  forth  fruits  of  love  only  unto  Chrift,  i.e.  from  Ckriftand 
for  Chrift,  as  in  marriage  the  woman  brings  forth  fruit  of  her  womb  to  her  Hus- 
band; and  this  is  fet  down  plainly,  Remq.^.  The  firft  we  have  handled.  Now 
a  little  of  this.  And  that  I  may  prefle  this  which  is  of  much  ufe  to  you,  give  me 
leave  to  expreCe  my  felf  in  thefe  Concluftons . 


E  2 


SECT.  I 


z8 


CoMcl,    I. 


Conch  2. 


T'he  T arable  of  the 


SECT.     I. 

THat  all  men  living  ttahedly  conjtdered  in  themfelves  ^  have  lojl .all  fovper  to 
do  any  thing  that  is  good^  Rem.  3.  12,  None  that  doth  good^  i.  His  light 
is  quire  excindl ,  and  his  eyes  quite  out :  hence  faid  to  fit  in  dark^ejfe,  and  tkejha- 
dojv  of  death,  Mat.  4.  16.  now  a  fhadovv  is  a  privation  of  fome  light ,  this  of  all 
light ,  hence  called  darkneffe  it  felf  ;  take  the  blindeft  Indian^  he  is  a  witnefie  of 
this  trurh,  and  a  right  piilure  of  a  foul  fallen  from  God  :  hence  becaule  he  cannot 
fee,  he  cannot  do,  i  Cor.  2. 14.  2.  All  that  life  he  had  to  a6t  well  is  loft  too, 
Efh.  2. 1 .  he  is  dead  in  trefpafles  and  fins :  he  cannot  breath,  nor  fpeak,nor  think, 
nor  do  one  thing  that  is  good :  I  fay  nakedly  conhdered  in  himfelf.  And  hence 
look  upon  a  man  quite  forfaken  of  God  in  Hell ,  there  you  may  fee  as  in  a  lively 
looking-glafs  what  every  man  living  is  when  the  Lord  leaves  him  :  he  cm  bla- 
fpheme  him,  he  cannot  love  him,  he  can  contemn  God,  he  cannot  efteem  him:  he 
can  wiili  there  were  no  God  to  punifh  him  :  he  cannot  fubmit  unto  God,  though 
he  leaves  the  moft  hcc^vy  load  upon  him  ,  and  you  fee  not  your  felves  untill  you  fee 
your  felves  here,and  fee  your  felves  thus. 


SECT.    II. 


though 
and  move 


vile 


yet 


THat  unto  fome  men  ejpecially ,  nay  mto  all  men  almof} , 
more  or  lejje  the  Lord  gives  a  power  to  aB  ,  and  live  ,  and  move ,  and  to 
do  many  fpritual  dmies-i  or  good  duties  from  themfelves  For  as  there  is  a  bredth  in 
the  vvayes  of  Grace ,  that  every  Chriftian  hath  not  the  like  m.eafure  of  Grace ,  fo 
there  is  abredch  or  latitude  in  the  wayes  of  fin  :  every  finner  breaks  not  forth 
into  the  like  rr:cafure  of  fin,  but  fome  are  far  better  than  others;  as  the  three 
grounds  that  were  bad,  yet  one  better  than  another.  Now  how  comes  this  about  ? 
why,  the  Lord  gives  that  power  to  acl  (as  all  the  knowledgof  aGod  j  by  the  light 
of  Nature  ('falfly  fo  called)  this  is  the  work  of  God,Rom.  1 .  15?.  Hence  all  terrors, 
and  comforts,  and  duties  of  Confcitnce  are  all  from  God  :  fo  the  Hiftorical  Faith 
of  the  Gof^^el  which  many  have ,  and  fo  to  confefle  and  profeffe  no  falvarion  but 
by  Chriii,  together  with  a  readineflfe  to  dye  in  defence,  of  this  truth  and  Religion, 
and  joy  from  this,  and  reform.ation  oflife  upon  this ,  none  of  thefe  are  natural  to 
fhis  foyl  of  a  mans  foul,  but  all  are  planted  there  by  God ,  i  Cer.  12.  2,5.  and  fo 
that  man  can  a6t  according  to  the  Law,  be  ftricl  in  Sabbaths ,  frequent  in  FalUngs 
and  Prayers,  &c.  'tis  from  God,  Rofft.  10.  2.  And  why  dorh  the  Lord  work  this? 
'tis  elfe  no  living  in  the  world  among  men,  and  beqaufe  Chrift  is  the  foUtlcum  ca- 
put^ and  hath  bought  all  men  in  the  world  to  be  his  fervants ,  hence  gives  them 
gifts  which  he  turns  for  the  good  of  his  people :  but  yet  this  is  the  nature  of  all 
I  thefe  abilities ,  that  a  man  a6ls  from  the  ftrength  and  power  of  them  ,  not  from 
Cbritt,Af/f.  4.  5.  Other  Nations  mil  malh^  in  the  name  ,  &c.  and  the  rcafoij. 

is, 

I .  Becaufe  every  m.an  is  under  the  guidance  either  of  the  flrfl:  or  fecond  Cove- 
nant, and  power  of  either :  now  as  the  power  of  the  fecond  Covenant  is  to  draw  a 
man  out  of  himfelf  to  another ,and  fo  to  make  him  a6^  from  another :  fo  the  pow- 
er of  the  Firft  is  to  drive  a  man  into  himfelf  by  terrors,,  and  fears,  and  hopes,  and 
rewards,  and  fo  to  enable  him  to  a6Vfrom  hijufelf  3  hence  'tis  im-polTible  but  they 
rhufl:  a£l  ever  from  thcmlelves. 

And  2.  Becaufe  though  many  good  Gifts,  and  moral  vertues  may  be  faid  to  be 
fupernatural,/.^.  above  the  power  of  Nature  to  work,  yet  never  above  the  im- 
provement of  nature :  for  let  God  work  never  fo  m.any  good  things  in  men ,  na- 
ture, i  .e  an  ill  ftomack  when  difeafed,is  ftrongeft ,  there  Nature  turns  all  into  the 

humor. 


ten  Vtr^im  Opened  and  Applied. 

humor ,  and  lo  a  man  dye?  at  bfl: ;  fo  rhe  povver  of  fin  in  Namre  being  more 
powerful  than  any  Grace  which  by  common  work  is  given  it,  ever  turns  that 
Gracemtoitfelf,  and  leads  it  into  captivity,  bondage,  artd  fervice  of  it  felf  ;  fo 
that  there  is  never  a  Grace  but  'tis  made  to  ferve  fome  iuft,  is  in  Jehu^  in  Judas ^ 
&c.  and  God  complains, //W. 43. 24.  Sothislfiy  is  thecafeof  thoufahds  unre- 
generate,  who  can  do  many  good  things ,  butfromthemfelves,  which  God  hich 
wrought  to:  and  hence  many  a  child  of  God  hath  been  longhindred  fromcon- 
verfion,  and  others  not  converted  at  all ,  becaufe  they  have  thought  wicked  men 
whom  God  minds  to  damn,  are  fuch  a.s  have  no  good,  nor  60  no  good ,  or  if  thev 
do,  chey  have  it  not  from  God ;  but  'tis  not  fo  with  me  ,  for  I  have  and  do  man) 
good  things,  which  I  acivnowledg  come  from  God,  and  I  thank  God  I  am  not  as 
other  men.  Now  m. ark,  *ds  true ,  n.ikedlyconfidered  no  good  could  come  from 
unregenerate  men,  but  yet  the  Lord  gives  power  to  many  to  doj,  fo  the  Lord  hath 
done  to  thee,  and  thou  haft  been  thankful  for  it.  And  this  is  com.mon  ,  many  ac- 
count themfeives  great  imner;,  but  yet  they  can  believe:  many  fay  they  dan  do 
little,  but  their  delire  and  will  at  vvoril  is  to  do :  tell  them  thefe  are  not  right,  un- 
lefle  they  come  from  the  Lord,  they  will  fay  the  Lord  doth  all,  and  they  acknow- 
ledgit ,  and  fo  I  believe,  and  'tis  true,  btit'tis  not  fuch  a  work  of  the  Lord  as  is 
peculiar  tpthe  Eledt ,  becaufe  when  the  Lord  hath  wrought  thefe ,  you  zdi  only 
from  the  Ti,and  hence  never  feel  a  Want  of  thefe ,  for  the  Lord  never  yet  wrought 
any  Grace  in  his  people  ,  but  after  they  have  had  it ,  and  tafted  of  it,  he  hath 
more  or  leffe  deferred  them  ,  and  fo  hath  made  them  feel  a  want  of  it ,  and  made 
them  fetch  it  again  with  lighs,  and  groans,  and  tears ;  how  it  hath  never  been  foi 
with  thee. 


SECT.  in. 

THut  h*s  mo^  f^(^f>^^  to  mm ,  mi  agreeable  to  his  namre  to  aB  only  from 
himfelf:  As  it  was  with  the  Prodigal,  he  deiired  his  Stock  in  his  own  hands, 
and  while  any  thing  lafted,  he  would  never  com.e  home;  and  hencethofe,J(?/>»6. 
28.  what  [hall  we  do  to  workjhe  mrkj  of  God :  and  when  Chrift  fpake  of  Faithj  they 
were  tlumbled  there,  infomuch  that  divers  did  forf  ike  him. 

1 .  Becaufe  mans  acting  from  himfelf  is  beft  able  to  attain  his  own  ends,to  which 
you  know  a  man  is  gently  and  necelTarily  carried :  for  no  man  out  of  Chrift  ,  but 
his  own  ends  drawliim. ;  now  Chrift  crolfeth  a  mans  own  ends,and  to  live  on  him 
is  to  live  on  him  that  will  confound  them  of  their  own  endsj  or  eile  no  life  there  : 
Hence  they  live  from  themfelves.  As  'tis  with  a  Crafts-man ,  or  Artificer ,  pro- 
pounding the  gain  or  credit  they  may  get  by  being  excellent  in  their  Trade ,  may 
by  their  own  ftudy  and  frequency  of  adts,  grow  dexterous ,  and  very  skilful  at  laft, 
and  hence  delight  in  it ,  fo  here,  profefifion  and  pra6life  of  Religion  miy  be  a  mans 
trade  which  he  may  drive  for  his  own  ends  and  gain  ,  and  hence  m^ay  dclire  to  be 
excellent,and  by  endeavour  be  excellent,  and  profit  exceedingly  in  many  excellent 
endowments  :  hence  he  a6ls  and  works  for  himfelf,  Rom.  1.14. 

2.  Becaufe  a  m.an  naturally  knows  not  how  to  fetch  it  from  Chrift  from  Heavens 
Rom.  10.  3.  Hence  'tis  with  the;a  as  vvith  a  Child  caft  off  by  the  Father ,  and  put 
tofome  hard  Mafter,  becaufe  they  have  no  Father  to  maintain  them ,  they  m.uft 
live  as  they  are ,  and  do  as  well  as  they  can.  A  man  comes  to  pray ,  knows 
not  how  to  fetch  ftrength  from  Chrift,  and  he  muft  pray,  and  hence  prayes  as  well 
as  he  can. 

^  Becaufe  it's  fo  hard  athing  to  live  upon  another,  it's  eafic  and  fweet  to  a 
fpirituai  heart,  but  moft  difficulc  to  any  carnal  heart ,  John  6.  Chrift  tells  them 
they  muft  eat  his  flefti,  they  fay,  who  then  can  hefnved ,  and  many  departed.  Men 
had  rather  ma^e  holes ,  and  keep  water  in  their  own  houfe  ,  than  have  it  far  to 

E  3  fetch,  ^ 


CofisL  3, 


5 


o 


T'he^^  arable  of  the 


ConcL  4« 


itich  ,  and  when  they  come  to  fetch  ic,  to  beftovv  iuch  ftrengch  in  drawing  of  it. 
4.  Becaufe  every  man  thinks  he  loves  andcarej  for  himlelf  belt,  and  lees  no 
God  nor  Chrift  caring  for  or  loving  of  him  more  than  himfclf ;  Hence  a  man  plots 
for  himfeif,  and  liveubr  himfelf,  and  all  from  himfelf.  As  when  Jofephs  Bre- 
thren faw  their  Brother,  then  they  came  down  and  lived  upon  him,  before  they 
came  to  him  indeed,  but  with  their  mony,  to  live  of  chemfelves.    And  thus  it 

I  Was  with  the  young  man,  Sell  all  and  have  riches  In  Heaven  i  No,  he  loved  him- 
felf,  and  cared  for  himfelf  better  than  fo;  hence  would  not  commit  and  give 
away  all  to  Chriii:. 

I      5.  Becaufe  whatever  a  man  doth  from  himfelf,  either  'tis  good, or  be  thinks  it 
fo,  or  hopes  if  not,  God  will  accept  it.  Some  evil  in  it  perhaps,  but  he  hath  his 
allowances  which  will  make  it  go,  fome  good  delire^  or  Faith  in  Chrift,  and  hence  | 
hopes  if  not  thinks  God  will  accept  of  what  comes  from  himfelf.  As,  ^rov.i  i  .1.  \ 
Allamanswaiesarerlght  inhlsorvnejes.  And  truly  Nature  and  Satan  have    ever' 
been  Im.iLators  and  Apes  of  God,  to  forge  and  make   Grace  like  true  Grace, 
hence  deceived.    This  being  pleifing  to  men,  is  the  practice  of  moft  men,  yea,  all 
men  out  of  Chrift.  And  this  is  one  great  part  of  the  inward,  fecret,  fubtil,  fpiri- 
tual  whoredom  of  the  foul .    Thus  men  may  force  forrow,  when  yet  there  is  little 
true  forrow,  and  fo  in  other  cafes. 


SECT.  VII. 

THat  all  thefe  works  though  good  In  themselves ,  jet  are  mofl   vile  before  the 
Lord ;  as  Chrift  fpeaks  of  the  Pharifees,  Its  abomination  in  the  fight  of  God, 
which  is  glorious  before  man,  Luke  16. 1 5. 

1.  Becaufe  hereby  the  foul  deprives  Chrift  of  the  end  of  his  coming;  for  all 
men  having  lolt  the  ftock  and  power  to  live,  the  Lord  hence  will  truft  no  man 
with  it  again  ;  hence  puts  jt  into  a  furer  and  better  hand,  that  thither  poor,  blind, 
dead  creatures  might  fly  for  life,&  whentheyare  there,live  there  like  bees  on  their 
hony,  Jo/j;?  6.27.  &  17.23.  He  might  never  have  looked  after  you,  and  will 
you  defpife  him  now  ?  "What  folly  and  unkindnefle  is  this,  that  when  your  pits 
are  dry,  and  bottles  empty,  and  fouls  miferable  here,  you  will  noc  (I  do  not 
fay  fip}  when  water  runs  by  your  door,  but  not  live. 
2. Becaufe  whatever  come^  from  felf,its  ever  for  felf  .A  man  can  do  nothing  from 
himfelf,  but  his  laft  end  is  felf.  As  'tis  with  water-works,  they  rife  no  higher 
than  rhefpring,  Gen.\T^.^,ThisBahellhavehmlt^  Ban.Af.^o.  And  a  man  that  hath 
but  comm.on  Grace,  look  as  by  vertue  of  that  Grace,  or  gift  of  God,  he  may  ait 
for  God,  becaufe  it  came  from  God ;  fo  nature  and  fin  being  more  powerful  than 
that  Grace,  hence  he  never  fo  ails  for  God,  butin  the  laft  place  a8:s  for  it  felf, 
I  as  in  '^ehu :  And  fo  a  man  makes  himfelf  his  own  Go  J. 

I  3 .  Becaufe  whatever  a  man  doth  from  himfelf,  he  will  grow  proud  of  it,  Rom. 
1 4.  Not  ofvporks^  left  any  man  (hould  i^oa/l.  Hence  Joal?  fenr  to  David  to  take  the 
\  City  that  he  might  have  the  Crown.     This  robs  Chrift  of  the  Glory. 

4.  Becaufe  whatever  work  is  not  done  by  vertue  of  the  Lordjefus,  isadeid 
work,  which  a  living  God,and  a  living  Chrift,  and  a  living  Spirit  loath,  Heh.^.i-^. 
Sprinkle joHr  Confciences  from  dead  works.  Deadly  works  are  fins,  dead  works  are 
good  works  done,  but  not  from  the  principle  of  the  life  ofFaith,  butlifeof  Na- 
ture. Now  as  Confcience  is  the  principle  of  the  life  of  Nature,  fo  Chrift  is  the 
principleofaChriftian  life,  C0/.3.  i  je^»  5.10,11,12.  For 'tis  not  fan6lifica* 
tion  that  is  the  principle  of  life ,  but  the  life  it  felf  that  flows  from  ic,  as  from 
union  of  foul  and  body,  the  foul  is  not  the  life  but  the  principle  of  ir,  hence  as 
foon  as  its  out,  the  body  is  dead  :  So,  &c.  And  do  you  not  find  it  thus,  when- 
as  you  do  many  duties,  how  tedious,  vvearifom  arc  they  ?    yet  muft  be  done, 

this 


r  '    '    I 

ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 

this  is  a  dcAd  work.     What  comforr,  vvhat  peace  is  there ,  when  you  have  done 
them  ?    becaufe  not  from  life. 

5.  Becaufe  whic  conies  from  felf,  cones  from  all  fin,  'tis  dipt  and  dyed,  and 
tainted  and  poyfoned  with  all  fin  in  a  manner,  ivho  can  bring  a  clem  thing  out  of 
an  unclean  ? 

6,  Becaufe  when  a  man  will  ^  from  himfelf,  and  not  fuffer  Chrifl  to  a6l  for. 
him,  he  will  not  have  Chritt  to  reign  over  him,  he  puis  down  the  Kingdom  of 
God  that  fhould  be  within  him.  For  when  a  man  profefleth  Chrift  is  King  of  his 
Church,  he  is  now  a  King  in  name;  When  a  man  feels  an  impoflibility  to  rule 
himfelf,  and  hence  dcfireth  and  chufeth  Chrift  to  rule,  now  Chrilt  is  a  King  by 
choice  :  When  the  foul  after  this  choice,  depends  on  Chrift  for  what  he  chofe 
him  for,  and  the  Lord  works,  now  Chrift  is  a  King  indeed.  Now  if  you  will 
not  have  the  Lord  to  reign  over  you,  you  will  be  faund  enemies  to  the  Lords 
Kingdori]. 


5i 


SECT.  V, 

HEnceit  will  follow,  The  foul  is  to  M  wholly  and,  only  from  the  Lord,  fefm 
Chrift^  and  whatever  fruits  of  love  It  jhews  to  Chrlfi ,  to  bring  them  forth 
from  ChrlJlMVhich  doth  not  only  concern  them  that  never  yet  knew  Ch[ift,and  yet 
pride  up  themfelves  in  what  they  have  and  do,  but  thofe  that  be  in  Chrift  in  a 
fpecial  manner.  For  J<?/?«  15.2.  Every  Branch  in  me  that  brings  n6t  forth  fruit, 
'TisnoL  meant  of  one  indeed  in  Chrift,  for  he  fhal I  bring  forth  fruit,  but  every 
branch,  i.e.  by  outward  profelfion,  fo  that  it  brings  not  forth  fruit,  but  appears 
fair,  and  deceives  man^  God  willcaft  away  :  And  without  me^  even  ye  Difciples  can 
do  nothing, 

I  •  Hoiw  is  the  fotilto  aUfrom  Chrifi  only^  when  it  hath  life^  ejpecially  the  eteB  ? 

2,  By  what  means  may  this  be  done-^  to  get  and  keep  this  chafilty  ? 

Firft,  How  is  the  foul  to  acifrom  Chrifi  alone  when  there  Is  fanBlficatwn  within  ? 

I .  If  the  foul  feel  no  power  to  a<5l  from  Grace  received,  as  Saints  fomtimes  do, 
either  after  Gods  deferring  them,  or  their  forfakin^  God  long,  or  after  fome 
hardning  fin  ;  then  'tis  clear  the  foul  in  this  cafe  is  ( though  not  in  a  way  of 
carelefTenefs }  to  depend  upon  the  Lord  Jefus,  that  he  would  quicken  and  help. 
As  JDdvid  after  his  grolfefall,  Lord  create  in  me  a  clean  heart.  And  7/^.63.17. 
fVhy  hafi  thou  hardned  our  hearts  from  thy  fear  ?  Oh  return!  In  this  cafe  the  foul  is 
not  to  bring  the  foul  to  God,  but  God  to  the  foul.  As  many  a  Chriftian  cannot 
prize  nor  love  the  Lord  nor  his  vvaies,  he  is  not  to  fay,  I  will  bring  my  foul  and 
oifer  ic  to  him ;  but  look  to  the  Lord  that  he  would  raife  upmy  dead  affe6tions 
again.  As  the  Centurion  of  his  Servant,  Sfeak^  the  word,  &c.  Chrift  marvelled 
at  his  Faith.  Men  think  when  they  feel  nothing,  that  they  muft  and  can  work 
it  out ;  and  hence  comes  one  of  thefe  three  things. 

1.  Either  the  foul  cannot  love  Chrift  when  it  fees  fuch  Lawes  it  cannot  fubmit 
to.  And  hence  a  Chriftian  once  faid  to  me.  If  the  leaft'  thing  was  left  for  me 
to  do  of  my  felf, /I  could  not  love  Chrift ;  but  now  that  when  brought  low  and 
can  do  nothing,  he  brings  all  the  help  we  need.  This  makes  the  Spoufe  go 
to  the  bofom  of  her  Husband,  Ffal.  1 1 6.6,7.    Or  elfe, 

2.  It  cannot  do  it ,  for  corruption  in  a  Saint  is  too  hard  for  his  Grace,  /  am  but 
a  child,  and  thy  people  many,  i  Kings  3 .7.     Hence  he  muft  be  ftrong  in  the  Lord. 

Or  3.  If  it  do,  it  never  hath  any  peace  in  what  it  doth,  the  duties  never  fo  well 
done.  Whereas  otberwife  the  pooreft  duty  done  from  Chrift,  witneffe  Heb,  1 1 . 
4,5.  as  a  child  begot  of  the  Father,  he  will  own,  but  other  children  not.  If 
any  poor  tired  heart  that  hears  me  this  day,  thou  haft  been  making  thy  Brick,  and 
promifes  and  vowes  will  not  help ,  now  away  to  the  Lord,  if  ever  help  now  ^tis  I 
when  moft  helpleffe.  ^  2.  If' 


CmcL  $i 


Quefi.i, 
Qnefi.z, 
Quefi.t, 
Anfw.l, 


3^ 


"The^^  arable  of  the 


Obj. 


2.  If  you  can  do  any  thing  favingly  good,  rhe  foul  is  bound  now  f  bythepow- 
e:  of  Faith  )  to  Hi:  up  it  Iclf  to  adt,  though  not  to  truft  to  it  alone,  for  fomtimes 
the  foul  hath  the  regenerate  part  uppermort,  and  the  prevailing  Spiric  ofGod, 
Ffal.  21.3.  vvhich  comes  to  him ,  and  gives  it  power  to  a6l  before  the  foul  come 
to  it.  Now  a  man  is  bound  to  a6l,  becaufe  'tis  from  Chrift  no, v.  Hence  Timo- 
thy was  to  (}ir  up  the  gifi,'^  Tim.i.<5.  Hence  complained  of  them  I  fa,  6^.%. 
Nofjefiirs  up  himfelfto  take  hold  on  the  Lord.     Amanmurt  ftir  up  himfelf  to  be- 

1  lieve,  as  well  as  other  Graces,  hence  the  Klngddm  of  Heaven  Is  taken  with  violence^ 
'and  though  corruption  is  ftronger  than  Grace,  yet  Grace  allifted  vvidi  the  Spirit, 
is  ftronger  than  it,  which  is  never  quire  out  oF  the  foul,  but  'cis  in  the^foul,  i  John 
4.4.  Stronger  is  he  that  Is  in  you.  And  'cis  faid  profeffedly,  He  purgeth)hii:}felfy  and 
heepethhirnfelf^  theevilone  toucheth  him  not^  i  John  5.  18.  But  mark,  truii  not 
barely  to  this,  but  when  you  do  this,  withall  remembe: ,  Lordlcannocholdout 
in  this  unlefle  thou  doft  help  me :  But  know,  I  fa.  26.  The  Lord  is  the  rock^  of  my 
flrength.  And  if  you  by  the  Spirit  mortifie-^^c.  Rom. 8.1 5.  Therefore  ever  hold  up 
failes,  but  look  for  a  wind.  And  if  a  man  be  not  to  do  this,  then  when-anyfinful 
!  temptation  comes ,  if  a  man  do  not  find  the  Spiric  and  ftrengrh  ready  at  hmd  to 
help,  if  he  be  not  to  ftir  up  himfelf  againft  it,  he  is  to  fuffer  himfelf  to  be  carried 
down  by  it.  Hence  a  man  may  negleit  all  duties  a  long  time,  if  he  do  not  find  the 
Spirit  alfifting,  if  fo  be  a  man  muft  not  ftir  himfelf  up,  and  fof'will  fomefayj  a 
man  may.  May  ?  What  {hall  I  fay  to  fuch  fluggiili  foul,  but  fieep  on  ?  But  know 
it,  the  Lord  will  awaken  thee,  when  you  lliall  fay.  Oh  that  I  had  improved  the  Ta- 
lent I  had/  And  if  you  do  find  Chrift  in  fuch  a  condition,  know  it  they  be  but  the 
laft  vifits  of  Chrift  before  he  departs.  You  can  do  more  than  you  do,  and  the  Lord 
willhaveyoudoit. 

But  I  cannot  do  it  for  good  ends  without  Chrift. 

Yet  do  the  thing  as  far  as  you  can,  elfe  if  you  owe  another  a  debt,  and  will 
not  pay,  becaufe  not  for  a  good  end,  thatexcufe  will  not  ferve:  So  you  owe  the 
Lord  your  lives,  your  fpirits,  your  abilities  j  lay  them  out  for  the  Lord,  though 
evil  be  in  them,  be  humbled  for  that.  Is  this  good  requital  to  fay  you  find  your 
hearts  dead  in  prayer,  and  God  muft  do  all,  and  there  leave  it  ? 

3.  You  are  to  exped^  and  look  for  povyer  from  the  Lord  Jefus  in  the  ufeof 
means,  all  known  means :  For  Faith  fetchech  all  from  Chrift-,  hence  we  muft  go 
thither  \^' here  Chrift  is  to  be  found,  and  he  dwells  in  his  Houfe,  in  his  Ordi- 
nances :  Therefore  there  you  muft  depend  upon  him.  As*ti>  with  a  Merchant, 
he  wade^  not  over  the  Sea  for  Pearls,  but  gets  into  his  fhip,  and  there  he  fits  ftill, 
fohere,  Mat.i^.  The  Kingdom  of  Heaven  is  like  a  Merchant  man.  Hence  you 
that  know  you  can  do  nothing,  being  under  a  fpirit  of  conviclion,  and  hence  do 
nothing,  under  a  fpirit  of  flotn  and  negle^  of  means,  byvertue  of  a  fpirit  of  pre- 
fumption,  and  f^y  Chrift  muft  do  all,  I  fay  you  take  not  the  right  courfe  for  the 
Lord  to  help  you  in.  The  Lord  will  never  be  a  flave  to  thy  {loth,  but  thou  ft^ak 
be  like  a  fhrub,  never  to  fee  good  when  it  comes,  and  ftialtdie  in  horrour  with 
this.  Oh  I  might  have  done  more/  Hence  you  areworfe  than  thcother,  that 
think  if  a  man  fafts,  prayes,  watches  againft  his  diftempers,  mourns  for  want  of 
Chrift  and  Grace,  and  followes  God  hard  here,  he  is  a  Legal  Chriftian  :  Why, 
thefe  are  but  his  own  works ,  and  this  is  not  living  on  Chrift.  I  confe.'.e 
bare  ufing  them,  or  trufting  to  them  is  not,  but  he  that  lives  not  on  Chrift  in  ufe  of 
means  ( thefe  and  all  other  means )  to  find  Chrift,  or  enjoy  m.ore  of  Chrift,  ftiall 
never  have  him.  Neither  do  I  know  wbat  turning  Gods  Grace  into  wantonnefle 
is,  ifthkbenot;  and  under  a  conceit  ofhberty  to  be  a fer van t  of  corruption.  I 
know  not  whether  it  be  thus  with  any,  but  if  I  did,  I  would  pity  them. 

4.  If  the  foul  cannot  every  moment  live  on  Chrift,  /.  e.  for  every  particular  acl, 
have  a  diftindt  adl  of  Faith,  for  this  cannot  be,  yet  every  fit  feafon  that  it  can,  it 
ought  to  look  up  to  the  Lord  for  life  and  frcfti  ftrength.Pray  as  'tis  '^dw  %s£^?fi!,eve- 

ry 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


ry  fit  feafon.   And  as  he  brings  forth  fruit,  fo  he  goe?  for  fruit  in  feafoh,  PfaL i  .^ . 
And  when  the  foul  doth  this,  the  Spirit  df  the  Lord  helpSjVvhen  the  adiscea- 
fed. 
Now  the  fit  feafons  are, 

1.  Atbeginning  of  any  a^lion,  as  prayer,  hearijig,  readings  Allthetiui^a 
man  is  in  his  journey,  or  in  his  work,  he  is  carried  on  by  the  aSt  of  Faith  at  firft 
fettingout:  The  reach  of  Faith  is  long,  and  continues  all  prayer?,  allthe  duty 
throughout,  the  a^toffaithisfhort  t  Now  the  Lord  looks  to  his  people  accord- 
ing to  the  firft. 

2.  When  our  zSt  begins  to  die ;  as  Mofes  lifted  uf  his  hands,  md  when  they  wire 
heavy,  ^(«r<?»^i/H5!<yfupporced  them  again. 

3.  Whenamanfeelshimfelfftrong,nowapttobe  felf-confident  5  now  Lord 
for  an  humble  heart .'  And  thus  you  are  to  live  on  Chrift,  which  if  done,  would 
make  a  Chriftians  life  glorious,  and  give  infinite  content  to  the  heart  of  Chrift. 
But  here  is  the  mifery,  either  hearts  are  full,  and  need  riot,  or  ilorhful,  and  are 
not  for  living  fo.  That  truly  I  do  not  wonder  to  heir  and^ee  fo  many  withering 
trees',  as  though  blafted  by  wrath ,  becaufe  you  fetch  not  all  out  of  thisftockr; 
and  Chrift  is  fueh  a  ftranger,  becaufe  youarefofeldom  with  him  to  aft,  andbrlrig 
forth  fruit  to  him. 


33 


:    SECTe    VL 

COnfider  of  the  means  to  a6t  fropi  Chrift  Jefus,  and  indeed  herein  lle^  tht  1 
skillandlifeofaChriftian  ,  and  this  is  the  complaint  of  many  a  Soul,| 
Chriit  is  full,  and  he  is  not  for  himfelf ,  but  for  thofe  that  want ,  arid  1  come  to 
him  when  I  wantt  it ,  and  yet  I  find  no  help ;  and  hence  many  are  brought  to 
think  either  it's  in  vain  to  come  to  Chrift^  or  elfe  I  have  no  Faith  in  Chriftj  I  will 
therefore  premife  thefe  three  things. 

1.  Thatafalfe,  double,  treacherous,diiloyal  heart  to  Chrift  cannot  expe^  to 
receive  any  thing  it  comes  for  unto  Chrift.  As  'tis  with  a  Woman  ^^thac 
though  others  do  not,  yet  her  Husband  knows  fhe  is  fallen  in  I^^gue  with  fome  0- 
ther  man,  he  will  be  ftrange  to  her,  and  will  not  do  any  thing  for  her.  Johnt.  du 
He  k^ew  what  was  in  man  |  ^s  'tis  in  grafts,  James  i .  7, 8.  Let  not  a  double-mint 
ded  man  think  to  receive  any  thing  at  the  hands  of  the  Lord.  For  that  is  the  nature 
of  man  under  the  power  of  any  luft,  it  makes  all  ferve  it,  eveii  Chrift  himfelf, 
which  he  will  never  do,  I  am  weary  ofyourfiew  Moons  ,  faith  fhe  Lord ,  and  you 
faft,and  pray,  and  have  no  anfwer ,  for  you  faft  for  Debate  •  and  therefore  I  take 
a  man  confidered  as  broken  off  from  the  power  of  his  lufts,  not  otfe  that  feels  him- 
felf under  the  power  of  it,  for  fuch  an  one  may  be  delivered  from  it,  fuch  a  Ibul 
as  can  fay,  much  ado  have  I  had  to  feel  my  fin ,  and  to  be  willing  to  part  \vich  it, 
but  now  I  am ;  here  is  the  Sou!  I  fpeik  of. 

2.  That  the  Lord  in  the  difpenfation  of  Grace  to  his  people,  is  wholly  free  to 
give  it  when  he  will :  for  a  man  that  works  for  his  wages ,  muft  in  juftice  have  his 
wages  when  his  work  is  done:'but  he  chat  begs  for  his  living  muft  be  corttent  to  ftsy. 
We  live  by  Faith,  and  free  gift ,  not  by  works  arid  deferts,and  hence  muft  wait  arid 
ftay,  Mic.  7. 7.  Hence  let  not  any  man  think  fertfibly  to  receive  vyhat  he  goes  for 
to  the  Lord  Jefus  prefently,  as  many  feel  a  want  of  Grace ,  and  think  the  Lord 
hath  promifed  to  help ,  and  now  how  would  it  iriake  for  his  honour  to  give ,  but 
find  if  nOt ,  and  hence  grow  fad  or  difcouraged^  and  think  it  is  in  Vain  to  feek  ?  noj 
nOjChrifts  hour  is  not  yet  comejwhen  you  think  it is,y<D^»  z^Mfhoseris  tiotjetsomt 
and  hence  many  get  nothing  becaufe  they  lie  out  of  the  way  of  the  Covenant,  t^iW 
to  chink ,  oh  the  Lord  owes  me  nothing,  and  I  deferve  the  cotiirafy. 

5.  That  no  man  is  to  look  to '  receive  all  that  which  he  comes  to  iht  Lord  for, 

F  but 


34 


"The  ^^  arable  of  the 


Means  i . 


buc  only  fo  much  as  is  fiL  for  him :  a  man  feels  much  ftraiaiefle,  and  he  would 
have  many  enlargements  i  he  finds  much  deadnefs ,  and  he  would  have  deep  and 
over-flowing  affeclions,  and  he  comes  to  the  Lord  for  it ,  and  the  Lord  gives  fomc, 
D(5th  he  -on  ?  do  you  no:  findit  ?  can  you  fay  you  feek  the  Lord ,  and  attend  on 
the  Lordinvain  with- chcfc  Hypocrites,  Mat,  3.1^,  True,  but  yet  me  chinks 
more  would  be  better.  How  do  you  know  that  ?  I  think  fo,  that  it  wouldbe  more 
for  his  honour:  you  think  fo,then  ic  feem.s  you  have  one  eye  more  than  Chrift,  and 
that  he  is  very  careleife  and  foolifli  in  railing  his  own  honour :  Oh  abhor  thofe 
thoughts ,  he  gives  you  fuch  a  coat  as  is  fit  for  you,  fuch  a  fail  as  fits  your  boat,  fuch 
{hoes  as  fit  your  feet,  PfaL  21.  5.  Honotar  andMajefty  hafi- thou  fitted  for  him: 
therefore  do  not  look  to  receive  any  more  than  is  fit  for  you,  and  know  it,  that  is 
beft  for  you.  The  Phyfitian  prefcribes  than  which  is  fit ,  not  that  which  h  moft 
deiired  of  the  Patients :  if  they  will  not  accept  of  this ,  he  will  not  look  after 
them,  I  Cor.  12.-7, 8. 

.4.,  i  hink  not  10  get  any  thing  from  the  Lord  Jefus  with  eafe ,  I  jnean  to  the 
flefhly  part :  it  hath  been  an  old  complaint,  I  go  to  Chrift,and  fifh  all  night,and 
can  catch  nothing :  and  why?  hereisthecaufe,  they  cannot  get  it  eanly  ,  and 
therefore  they  cannorgeticat  all ,  yea  there  'tis.  H<?^.  i-i.  6,  This  is  one  of  the 
two  main  h.7n  ales  of  Faith  ^  he  u  a  rewarder  ef  all  them  that  diligently  feek^hlm^ 
not  negligently  :  and  hence  at  their  firft  converfion  how  dothChrirts  Fruits  over- 
flovv,  and  his  Jordoft  rife  above  the  banks :  and  what  a  deal  doth  a  chriilian  gain,yet 
not  afterward :  fo  in  time  of  great  trouble ,  oh  'tis  becaufc  you  feek  him  diligent- 
ly :  Therefore  in  prefcribing  m.eans,  do  not  fay  this  is  hard,  and  fo  depart  as  thofe 
did  upon  the  very  fame  ground,  John  6, 60. 


SECT.    VII. 

The  Meanes  are  thefe* 

I ,  T  Abour  for  a  comprehending  knowledge,  what  is  the  love  of  Chrift  to  thee : 

X^  there  is  a  double  knowledg  of  Chrifts  love. 
,   1.  That  he  loves  me,  and  this  very  appreheniion  fetchcth  in  warmth  and  life 
iW^jhe^^m,  Ifi  thy  favoHr  iS:  life. 

2.  Whatthatipve  is,  and  that  in  all  thedimenbons  of  it :  and  beloved  this  is 
that  which  fills  a  man,  Efh.  3.  18,  ip.  that  as  'tis  wich  Women  when  the  fulneffe 
of  the  Husbands  k>ye,is  feen,  it  knits  the  heart  invincibly  to  him,and  makes  her  do 
any  thing  for  hijnsfo  Iqere.  And  as  we  (ay  of  Trees ,  if  the  Tree  begins  to  wither 
and  dye,  the  only  way  is  not  to  caft  water  on  the  branches,  or  to  pray'^for  water  and 
devys  frorn  He3ytn;0H  them ,  but  water  the  root.  Love  is  the  next  root  of  all 
Grace,  love  C^ri(^,  and  you  will  never  be  weary  of  doing  for  Chrift ,  love  him,and 
he  will  love  you,  Pr(yv,  8.17.  Now  what  kindles  love  fo  much  as  this  comprehen- 
ding knowledg^f  the  Lord  Jefus ,and  his  love,this  will  make  a  man  a  burning  Bea- 
con of  love,  make  a  manjnelt  into  love ,  which  is  as  ftrong  as  death ,  much  water 
cannot  quench  it,  2  Cor.  5.14.  Love  ofChrlfl  confhrams ,  Gal,  $.6.  Faith  works  hy 
love :  Faith  is  our  feet  whereby  we  come  to  Chtift,  Love  is  our  hand  whereby  we 
work  for  Chrift :now  let  any  Chirurgeons  fervaiitcome  to  a  Chirurgcon  with  a  bro- 
ken arm,  and  tell  hina  he  can  do  no  work  for  hi.m,  therefore  dcfire  him  to  give  him 
ttrength  to  do  it,  come  faith  he,  let  me  heal  your  arm  firft :  no  by  no  m.eans ;  let 
mc  firft  do  your  work,that  fo  you  may  heal,and  I  may  feel  my  arm  to  be  vvhole ;  It 
can  never  be :  So  'tis  many  a  Chriftians  courfe  ^  Lord  let  me  do  thy  work ,  and 
hence  he  cries.  Lord  give  me  ftrength,  and  then  falls  to  do  it ,  and  cannot  without 
pain ,  bee  aufe  his  love  is  broken.  Many  fay,  I  will  go  to  Chrift,  anda6t  for 
Chrift,  and  then  I  will  think  the  Lord  loves  roe,  but  never  find  it:  firft  fee  a>id  com.-  . 
prchcnd  the  love  of  the  Lord;  And  truly  this  is  the  reafon  why  no  heart,  no 

flxength 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


1^ 


tlrenqch  to  x&.  for  oocl,unleiTe  it  be  in  a^-vvcirifoin  manner ,  and  why  ?  oh  love 
is  out,  and  why  is  th.it  out  ?  why  'tis  not  comprehended  by  the  eye  of  Faith ,  it's 
delpifedby  fome,  other  things  are  Tweet  to  them  ,  or  it's  forgotten  by  others;  men 
remember  not  what  once  they  were ,  and  what  the  Lord  hath  done  ^  'tis  feen  a 
little,  and  henc€  a  little  life  and  toength ,  but  'tis  com.prehended  by  few.  O  fin- 
ful  times  /  O  unkind  world  /  never  was  m.y  heart  fo  dead  faith  one,  never  fo  ftrait- 
ned  and  iliut  up  faith  another,  never  fo  feeble  in  all  duties  faith  another ;  why5yo  u 
fee,  and  tafie,  and  Tip  of  ihis  love,  but  you  feed  not  heartily,  abimdantly  on  it.  Ne- 
ver didd  thou  think  fo  little  of  this  love  ;  for  though  Chritl  will  conveigh  rich 
Grace  to  his  people,  yet  it  lliall  be  by  love.     Chrillians  will  come  to  ChriH:  ,•  and 
when  they  receive  and  feel  the  good  they  come  for ,  they  will  think  of  Chrifts  love 
and  that  he  iove^  them,no  firft  come  unto  the  Lord  Jcfus,  being  once  come,  know 
he  will  not  calt  thee  away,  John  6, 37.  then  think  of  this  love  ;  ftay  here,firft  feed 
here  and  you  may  a61: ,  and  then  the  Lord  will  conveigh  ftrength  and  power ,  and 
in  able  you  hereunto  :  For  though  when  a  mantrufts  to  his  love  as  Peter  with- 
out Faith  ,  a  m.an  will  fall  becaufe  he  trufts  to  an  arm  of  flefh  :  yet  when  Faith  im- 
ploies  love  ,  the  work  is  very  great.    As  a  Father  hath  a  child  who  muft  keep  at 
homie  with  him ,  but  he  hath  never  a  Steward  to  lay  out  that  eftate  for  him  that 
hemems  to  give  him,  but  when  an  able  Steward  ,  now  he  gives  his  Son  richly. 
So  here : 

Quel}.     How  jhall  I  compreheftd  it  ? 

Anfrv.  Firtt,  the  Apoitle  prayes  for  it.  Secondly  ,  fee  what  'tis  by  his  defcrip- 
tion,  and  meditate  on  it. 

1.  The  bredth,  i.e.  the  fame  love  wherewith  the  Lord  comprehends  all  Saints, 
as  Abraham-,  dec.  thou  art  as  dear  to  the  Lord  as  he  or  any  in  Heaven  ,  nay  it  may 
be  did  coft  more :  not  a  cro{re,not  a  mercy,  but  it's  common  (for  fubftance  Jun- 
to all  Saints. 

2.  The  length,  from  eternity  to  eternity,  nothing  can  part,  nothing  fliall  part; 
all  other  things  are  but  Summer  Swallows  that  build  with  us  for  a  time. 

3.  The  depth  ,  that  the  Lord  fliould  look  upon  thee  when  in  thy  Peft-houfe, 
vvhen  no  eye  pittied  thee ,  when  as  low  as  the  Grave ,  nay  as  low  as  Hell ,  nay 
lower ,  for  they  in  Hell  would  come  out ,  thou  wouldft  not.  Never  think  to  fee 
what  infinite  love  is ,  till  thou  feelt  infinite  wrath. 

4.  The  height,  to  be  as  happy  as  Angels,  and  more  to ,  nay  to  be  all  one  with, 
Chrirt,and  in  Chrifl:,and  loved  with  the  fame  love  Chrift  is,  John  17. 2  3, 25^ 

5.  when  thou  ieeflit  thus,  yet  it's  the  love  of  Chrift  that  paffeth  knowledg 
As  children  cannot  tell  how  Parents  love  them ,  Will  you  do  thus  ?  'Tis 
with  many  Chriif  ians  as  'tis  with  many  Trees ,  the  Tree  is  good  ,  and  the  foil  is 
good,  and  rain  ,  dews,  fun.  Husband-man  good,  yet  it  begins  to  dye,then  now  no- 
thing is  wanting,  but  only  to  be  fet  a  little  deeper ,  that  it  may  take  more  root 
of  thefoyl.  And  fo  here,  there  is  nothing  wanting  in  many  a  Chriftian  ,  but  to 
be  fet  a  little  deeper,  and  to  take  more  rooting  in  the  Lords  love.  Faith  roots  in 
felf  in  Gods  love,  and  now  profpers  by  love.  The  eye  is  but  little ,  yet  can  com- 
prehend a  mighty  world  quickly  :  mans  mind  is  but  little ,  yet  can  eomprchend, 
though  not  the  infinitenefle,  yet  an  infinite  love.  If  there  be  this  light  of  glory, 
fee  by  it  all  your  poor  fad  hearts  that  conceive  nothing  but  terror  and  holineffe  in 
God ;  _  if  you  fee  it  not,  know  it  here  is  your  work  now  ;  for  the  firft  \york  is  to 
get  Faith,  then  to  gee  love ,  then  to  a6l  from  Faith  by  love.  Now  the  Lord  hath 
Wrought  the  firft,  and  thou  an  bufie  a  doing  the  third  work ,  not  remembring  the ' 
fecond.  ' 

2,  Content  not  thy  felf  with  feeling  a  want  of  fupply,  but  labour  to  feel  a  need 
of  fupply  from  the  Lord  Jefus ,  for  many  a  Chriftian /eels  a  want  of  Grace  from 
Chrift,brokennefre,d"£-.  fees  he  hath  nothing,  and  is  fometime  by  fits  troubled  for 
the  want  of  it :  but  he  can  be  well  content  though  he  have  no  fupply,having  fomie- 

F  2  vvhat 


Means  2, 


\yh?z  elfe  to  eafe  and  concent  him,  he  feels  no  need  of  fupply ,  fo,  as  he  cannot  be 
without  it,  thit  his  Spirit  fails  unleiie  the  Lord  jefus  in  mercy  give  it ,  and  there- 
fore muft  have  it,  there  is  a  neceliity  of  ir.  Hence  he  never  finds  fupply,  and  won- 
ders at  it  why  'tis  fo  : ;  and  here  'tis,  here  is  his  woiuid  ,  and  fo  brings  up  an  ill  re- 
port of  the  Lord,  faying  he  is  lo.ith  to  give  ,  and  of  the  Ordinindes  of  the  Lord, 
'tis  in  vain  to  feek,  and  truly  fo  it  is  to  feek  fo  :  for  let  thy  condition  be  never  fo 
miferable,  ifthou  fee'eft  a  need  of  fupply  ,  the  Lord  will  m.ake  bare  his  arm,  and 
workwonders,brin§Keivenoutof  Hell,  joy  out  of  for  row,  and  light  out  of  the 
thickeft  darknefle,  and  floods  out  of  dry  ground,  Jfai.  41 .  17,18.  when  the  ground 
is  dry  and  perched  away,  no  moilfure  left ;  now  the  Lord  pours  out  water  on  this 
foul,  Jfai.  44.  3 .  Hek  4.  ult.   Many  come  to  the  Lord  for  Grace  ,  and  find  it  not, 
m.ethinks  I  hear  the  Lord  fpeaking  thus  to  his  people,  I  love  you  dearly,  and  I  am 
content  to  give  you  any  thing  you  need,  but  you  do  not  need  my  Grace,  m.y  Spirit, 
my  prefence,  i.  e.  you  feel  not  a  need  of  it ,  for  if  you  had  it  now  ,  you  would  not 
prize  it  m.uch,  nor  keep  it  long:  my  precious  Grace  m.uft  not  be  fpilt.     Many 
know  their  wants  and  diftempers ,  and  know  there  is  no  help  in  them.felves ,  and 
fee  all  fulneiTe  in  Chrifti  and  hence  com.e  to  him-,but  find  none,becaufe  they  can  be 
content  though  the  Lord  deny :  no  nor  never  lliall  unlefTe  you  feel   the  woe  of 
your  wants,  that  your  Spirit  fails  if  the  Lord  fend  not  in  fupply,  Ifai.  57. 16.  I  will 
not  contend^  lefi  the  Spirit  fail.     Hence  there  God  promifeth  to  dwell ,  to  fend  and 
create  peace  and  comfort :  for  what  is  the  reafon  that  Chriftians  at  firft  beginnings 
feek  peace  and  mercy,  and  have  abundantly  then  ?  why  truly  I  was  long  tim.e  be- 
fore I  had  any  thing,  but  when  m.y  fpirit  began  to  fail,  and  I  gave  all  for  gone,and 
could  hold  out  no  more,  now  the  Lord  helped  and  pictied  m.e ;  but  where  are  thofe 
comforts ,  and  that  prefence  of  the  Lord  now  ?  Truly  now  you  think  the  worft  is 
paft,  and  would  be  glad  of  the  life  of  Chrifl ,  and  Grace  from  Chrift  ,  but  if  nor,, 
you  have  a  little,  your  ftate  is  fafe  ,  and  focan  lie  without  putting  your  felf  to  a 
neceflity  of  it.     Is  it  not  thus  ?  is  not  this  your  very  wound  ?    if  it  be ,  for  the 
Lords  fake  then  get  it  healed ,  and  do  as  people  in  Cfartfts  time  ,  thofe  that  were 
well,  and  had  not  defperate  Difeafes,  commonly  came  nor  to  him  ,  bur  v^hen  the 
Difeafe  was  defperate  ,  you  know  the  Fam.e  of  Chrill  being  fpread  abroad,  then 
they  brought  their  (ick  and  laid  them  before  his  merciful  eyes ,  then  they  looked 
for  the  laying  on  of  his  hand,  or  a  word  of  his  mouth,  and  all  were  he;iled  :   fo  do 
you,  you  have  heard  of  the  Fame  of  Chriil ,  and  feen  others  humbled,  others  par- 
doned ,  lay  thy  lick  Soul  f  but  look  that  it  be  Tick  J  before  his  eyes,  and  fo  look  for 
one  word  of  his  mouth,  as  the  Woman  of  Canaan^  he  may  deny  for  a  time,  yet  fhe 
muli  have  it ,  and  the  Lord  will  fay  ,  Be  it  unto  thee  accordingto  thy  Faith  ^   not 
according  to  thy  deferts,  thou  wilt  have  it,  I  muff  give  it ,  thou  dyeft  without  it, 
behold  I  live  to  revive  thee,  and  therefore  to  give  u.    You  com.e  to  Prayer ,  and 
Word ,  and  want  m.any  things ,  but  find  them  not._  Oh  come  therefore ,  Lord  I 
m.uft  have,T  cannot  go  without  fupply.    Not  but  that  a  Chriittan  mull  wait ,  and 
be  content  hum.bly,bur  nor  carelefly :  Therefore  thinkAvithin  thy  felf, 

1 .  what  is  there  that  I  need  but  this,  the  prefence  of  God,the  life  of  God  ^  &c. 
Is  ir  not  enough  in  Heaven,  where's  no  wealth  nor  comforts  elfe  ?  and  is  it  not- 
fufl'clentnow? 

2.  May  I  have  it  on  this  condition,  [  I  muft  have  it ,  I  am  refolved  not  to  go 
vVitheut  It]  Rev.t.^..  17.  if  you  will  come,  take  it.  Are  the  termes  fo  fweet  ? 

3.  Do  wicked  men  thirii  more  and  more  after  their  lufts,and  is  Chrift,  and  his 
Grace,  and  his  Prefence  no  better,  that  I  have  enough  of  them  quickly  ?  God  for- 
bid there  fliould  be  fuch  a  heart. 

4.  Doth,  the  lealf  {in  fo  exceedingly  go  to  the  heart  of  m.y  God,  and  fhall  ITuf- 
fer  icnot  only  to  a6f  here,  and  tempt  here,  but  remain  alive  here  ? 

. .  5.;  Is  not  the  Lprd  after  all  love  iliewn  me,  worthy  of  inhnice  f  not  a  little  J  hp- 
nourf i^om me  ?  ancj.doth  he  deferve  all,  and  muft  I  notjfliali  I  not  giveit  him  be- 
fore 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


fore  I  dye  ?  it  mut-i:,  ic  Ihail  be  fo.  Now  when  here  you  feel  a  need  ,  know  it  that 
you  are  at  the  very  door  of  relief :  I  conceive  rhis  is  the  gre.^c  door  at  which  Chrift 
enters  into  the  foul.  The  root  of  Faith  {}.  e.  the  author,  object,  and  foundrion  of 
Faith  J  is  out  of  a  mans  felf ,  the  door  of  Faith  which  opens  to  all  treafures  is  in  a 
mans  felf :  This  door  is  not  any  good  in  us,  for  then  we  lliould  have  fomewhat  to 
boart  of,noi"  fin  in  us,for  that  ftiuis  out  God  from  us;  nor  knowledg  of  wanr,for  that 
the  Devils  have ,  but  fenfe  of  want,  which  when  the  Saints  have,  new  the  door  is 
opened  for  the  Lord  Jefus  in  all  his  fulneile  to  come  in.  Now  if  jeu  know  thefe 
things  J  hleji'ed  are  jott  ifjou  do  them. 


57 


SECT.    VIII. 

TO  all  the  Churches  of  the  Lord  Jefus  here  planted  in  thefe  Weftern  parts  of 
the  Worlds  to  m,aintain  your  Chiirch-chaftity  and  Virginity,  you  have  a  name 
of  it  ffbroadjpure  chaite  Virgm-churches,  not  polluted  with  the  mixtures  of  mens 
inventions,  not  defiled  with  the  company  of  evill  men  :  pure  Ordinances ,  pure 
People,  pure  Churches,  which  is  the  caufe  of  the  fcolfs  and  enmity  of  fome,  but  of 
the  deiire  and  joy  of  others.  O  if  there ,  how  happy  I  ?  and  how  bleffed  they  ? 
Take  heed  you  do  not  defile  your  felves  again.  Open  whoredoom  is  too  groir,too 
iham.eful ,  to  yeild  to  mans  inventious ,  to  open  the  door  for  all  comers  into  the 
Church  :  but  take  heed  of-  fecret  whoredom.s  and  departings  from  Chrift  ,  for 
think  of  this  fpeech  when  you  fee  me  dead,  that  of  all  Churches  in  the  World ,  the 
Lord  Jefus  carries  a  moft  jealous  eye  over  thefe  for  whom  he  hath  done  fuch  great 
things;  and  I  know  if,  he  takes  exceeding  ill  yourfecretwantonneife  and  whore- 
doms of  heart ;  the  Lord  hath  kept  you  hitherto ,  look  you  maintain  it ,  for-  you 
may  be  foon  defloured  again ,  few  Churches  retain  their  purity  long ,  aged,  gray- 
haired  purity  is  feldom  feen.  I  will  tell  you  of  tho.  feveral  Temiptations  (  forae  at 
leaft)  that  m.ay  prevail  to  the  defilement  of  you. 

Firft,  Spiritual  defilement  is  forfaking  of  the  Husband,  a  total  fecret  forfaking  of 
Chrift;  for  hereis  the  temptation  to  it,  viz..  Gods  withdrawing  himfelf  in  his 
Ordinances  from  his  Ordinances.  For  three  forts  of  Temptations  make  men  fall 
back. 

1.  By  Perfecution,  and  there  many  fall  ('though  forte  hold  out  J  as  in  the  ftony 
land. 

2.  By  Peace,  and  here  many  fall  like  the  thorny  ground  ;  like  Saylors  that  in  a 
ftorm  at  Sea,  every  man  is  ready ,  and  will  be  puliing  his  rope ,  but  when  a  calm, 
then  go  to  their  Cabbins,  and  there  fall  afleep ,  and  here  many  fall  in  this  place, 
and  others  ffand  it  out. 

3.  By  the  Lords  withdrawing  from  them, as  thofe,  /l/^.  3.14.  and  here  the 
great  ones  fall.  Many  come  to  enjoy  Ordinances ,  and  perfecution  vext  them 
not,  world  it's  bafe,  it  troubles  them  not,and  they  think  to  find  much,  but  ^o  not, 
butthc  Lord  withdraws ,  and  they  can  get  no  good,  hereupon  their  falfe  hearts 
difcover  themJelves ,  they  draw  back  from  God ,  and  lie  ftill,  whereas  Saints  cry 
the  more  after  him,  and  look  the  more  into  themfelves ,  and  find  out  the  caufe  of 
it,  and  then  the  Lord  helps  them,  Ifal.6y,  17.  Oh  take  heed  of  this. 

1 .  Shall  I  forfake  the  Lord  that  hath  done  thefe ^reat  things  for  my  Soul  ? 

2.  Shall  I  now  do  it  after  I  am  fo  near  Heaven  ? 

3 .  Shall  I  forfake  him  when  he  departs  from  me  but  for  a  time  it  may  be,  when 
as  he  followed  m^e  whe^n  I  departed  long  from  him^  ? 

4.  Is  it  not  Hell  to  dye  without  him,  and  fhall  it  not  be  Death  to  live  without 
him? 

5.  Doth  he  depart  without  a  caufe,  he  hath  no  caufe  to  follow  me ,  I  have  all 
reafon  to  follow  him,  the  Lord  grant  you  may  do  fo. 

F  3  Secondly, 


l^fe  $, 


3S 


; 


The  ^^ arable  of  the 


Secondly, Sec  ret  defilement  is  by  negle^i^of  privAie  communion  with  himi  this  is 
vvhorifliin  aWife.  Here  is  ibonger  Temptation  to  neglc6t  private  Payer  and 
Meditation,  partly  by  want  of  room,  partly  by  multitudes  of  buHncfTei',  and  work, 
and  cares  hereabout,  that  being  weary  in  the  day,  fleepy  at  night,  buiiein  the 
morning.  Prayer,  Meditation,  daily  examination  arefentaway  as  Paulisiom  faUx^ 
we  will  fpeak  with  thefe  at  fom.c  more  convenient  feafon  ;  and  hence  ftraitneile 
of  heart  toward  Chrirt ,  andnom.eans  dogood.  Oh  Beloved ,  have  youfuch  a 
Husband  as  Chrittin  Heaven  that  loves  thy  looks ,  thy  company,  thyhgh'^ ,  thy 
fpeeche^,  and  will  you  ncgled  him  thus  ?  what  no  love  ?  2.  Is  he  no:  broken 
with  this  whorifli  heart  ?  3.  Is  that  fpeech  worth  any  thing  with  you ,  We  [hall 
ever  he  with  the  Lord,  doth  ic  comfort  you  to  think  of  being  ever  with  him ,  and 
now  negle6l  him  ?  where  are  your  hearts? 

Thirdly,Secret  defilement  is  by  bringing  other  lovers  into  the  fam.e  bed,the  famx 
heart  with  him  :  and  here  the  Tem.ptationtothis  is  rtrong  ,  formof-t  men  have 
j'ioft  and  funk  in  their  Eftates,  and  it's  hard  to  live  lower  than  we  did,  and  this  is  a 
grief,  and  here  'tis  poffible  to  recover  eftate  again  ,  and  here  ^rief  for  iofle  hath  a 
ventby  greedinelTe  and  purfuit  after  more.    In  other  places  men  had  avery  com- 
fortable ertate,  hence  rejoyced  in  what  they  hid,  and  did  not  greedily  defire  more; 
but  now  want  makes  m^en  hungry  and  greedy :  and  now  when  a  man  hath  thought 
and  lookt  about  him.,  and  feen  what  he  may  gain  by  his  labours  of  many  acre? ,   by 
his  Goats  and  Cattel  in  fo  many  year ;  now  he  cafts  himfelf  into  the  world  ,  and 
'  alfo  will  not  forfake  C  hrift  utterly,  but  bring  both  into  the  fame  heart,Chrill  fhall 
1  have  fomelove,romc  de{ire,but  the  world  as  much  ,  and  fo  the  heart  is  divided : 
I  and  hence  fome  fet  high  prizes  on  their  corn,  commodities,  cattel ,  others  look  for 
j  large  wages,  &c.  and  yet  Chrift  too.     Hence  men  cry  out  of  the  world  becaufe  it 
I  hinders  them  from  Chrift,  and  yet  bring  it  into,and  hugg  it  in  their  hearts*!3ecaufe 
j  they  m.uft  have  it  in  the  bed  with  Chrift.  It  was  the  fpeech  of  one,  that  he  never 
{heard  of  any  Sainc  in  Scripture  given  to  covetoufnefs,  fome  to  one  lin,  fom.e  to 
j  another,  but  none  to  that;  I  have  read  of  Lot,  but  God  fired  him  out  of  his  eft  ate  at 
j  laft :  and  that  is  all  I  would  fay  to  this. 

j   Fourthly,Secret  defilement  is  by  decaying  in  love  to  thofe  whom  Chrift  Ioves,and 
I  thofe  are  his  Saints ,  and  Temptation  is  ftrong  in  this  place  to  this :  i.  Becaufe 
I  we  have  multitudes  of  them  ;  Even  Gold  it  felf  being  fo  common  as  to  pave  our 
I  ftreets,  is  defpifed.     2,  Becaufe  there  wants  a  common  enemy  to  drive  them,  to- 
I  gcther.     Take  feveral  m.en  that  never  knew  one  another ,  yet  in  tim.e  of  War 
j  they  will  love  abundantly ,  and  then  encourage  one  another ,  andean  with  joy  lie 
together :  fo  'tis  here,  hence  arife  your  petty  Duels  and  jars  in  Churches,  furmi- 
I  fings,  cenfurings,  &c.  and  the  reafon  is  this ,  there  is  little  love  to  Saints,  and  for 
I  want  of  this,  men  fli all  not  know  whether  you  beChrifts  Difciples  or  no.   Be 
i  thy  Brethren  Saints  or  not  ?  bear  they  the  Image  of  Chrift  or  no  ?  if  they  do  not, 
(why  doft  not  convince  them  ,  adm.onifh  them?  and  if  they  will  not  be  better, 
j  away  with  them  :  If  they  be, Oh  be3r,Ohlove,Oh  tender  them,as  thoulookeft  the 
Lord  Jefus  fhould  tender  thee.  And  therefore  lee  the  Image  of  Chrift  appear,and 
thenfee  it,  and  then  love,  and  then  no  m^ore  breaches  will  follow:  if  not ,  the 
Lord  can  and  will  foon  fend  Wolves  to  make  Sheep  run  more  together. 
Fifthly ,Le':ting  a  new  Generation  of  Harlots  into  Chrifts  bofoT:,!  mean,not  great- 
ly caring  for  Pofterity,  that  they  may  know  and  ferve  this  God,  for  after  this  Gene- 
ration is  paft,  our  children  arc  to  follow,  and 'tis  very  rare  that  they  prove  right,  yet 
j  it  may  be  fo.    Hearken  therefore  you  Parents ,  if  God  brought  them  over  for  this 
end,  and  if  they  never  know  God,  what  a  fad  thing  would  it  be?  or  if  they  be 
brought  forth  to  pull  down  the  Temple  of  God.     Oh  therefore ,  i .  Be  careful  of 
a  pious  education  of  them  in  Schools ,  in  private  ,  and  take  fome  courfe  for  that 
I  end  before  others  come  over,  this  will  draw  them.    2.   Oh  make  many  Prayers 
j  for  them.     3 .  Set  Faith  awork  in  Gods  promife;  as  he  faid,  he  would  not  abate  the 

Lord 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


59 


Lord,  ('though  he  gave  it  him  in  pp)  of  that  one.  Leave  in  record  what  the  Lord 
hath  done  for  you,  that  the  Lord  may  be  with  them ,  and  that  all  chefe  Churches 
may  be  the  glory  of  Chrift,  and  then  you  fliall  enter  into  the  Bride-chamber  of  the 
Lambatlal^. 


CHAP.     VII. 

(Concerning  a  Chrijiiam  "Duty  of  bein^  con- 
Bantly  and  continually  ready  to  meet  (^hrtfl^ 
and  to  enjoy  Commumonypithhim. 


2..    'Took^their  Lamps. 

SECT.    I. 

MUch  duft  is  riifed,  and  much  Difpute  is  made,efpecially  by  Popifh  In- 
terpreters, Wh.it  rhe  Lamps,whai:  the  Oyl,  what  rhe  Veflels  (liould  be  ? 
The  gener.al  conceit  of  moli  of  them  is :  that  by  Oyl  is  memc  good 
vvo:  ks,  iind  by  La.^ips  Fnith  ;  anfvverable  to  their  own  conceit ,  thac  not 
Faith  but  good  works  chiefly  Ove :  Whereas  if  we  confider  the  tiling  rather  e  con- 
ft'/i,thntby  lighced  L^t.V'S  are  meiint  good  works ,  or  external  fhining  profelTion, 
according  corhitof  Chritt,  Mat,  $.  Let yonr  light  fojhlne  before  /y,e?i  ^  &c,  anc' 
that  by  Oyl  {houid  be  me^nt  F.iich ,  becaufe  'tis  inward ,  and  is  th  nourifhment 
of  works  and  outward  prc-'efllon.  And  in  this  fenfe  fom.e  of  our  Divines  do  take 
this  Scripture^and  the  ^^)&?»??*/?jlikewire,  who  underftand  by  Lamps  lighted,  good 
Works;  by  Oyl  a  good  in  tendon  :  To  which 'tis  anfwered  by  CAHvunght^  (  that 
burning  and  fhining  light  of  our  Times  J  that  rather  by  Lamps  lighted  is  to  be  un- 
derltood ,  tvatchful  minds  aln>(ty  lifted  up  In  attending  for  the  coming  of  Chrljl; 
according  as 'tis-s/^fr.  13.  And  I  doubt  not  but  this  is  one  thing  aimed  at,  that 
they  toak^  their  LampSy  l.  e.  were  watchful  for  Chrifts  coming.  But  when  I  weigh 
other  circumftances ,  methinks  there  is  fomewhat  elfe  more  plainly  and  principal- 
ly intended ,  of  which  I  fcarce  read  any  Divine,  but  he  gives  a  hint  of ,  viz..  that 
by  lighted  Lamps,  and  taking  of  them,  is  meant  nothing  elfe  but  thereadineffe  of 
the  Churches  to  meet  and  to  have  fellowfiiip  with  the  Lord  Jefus.  And  my 
Rcafonsarethefe: 

1.  Becaufe  the  Lord  Jefus  to  teach  his  people  watchfulneffe ,  and  to  put  them 
to  a  narrow  fearch  of  tbcmfelves ,  borrows  a  limilitude  from  the  cuftom  of  thofe 
Times,  wherein  their  Marriages  were  celebrated  in  the  Night ,  and  hence  tfie  Vir- 
gins (the  only  children  of  the  Bride-chamber ,  and  fome  think  their  number  never 
exceeded  Ten  J  being  to  walk  cue  in  the  Night ,  took  their  Lamps-  and  when 
they  had  kindled  their  Lamps,  (ufually  the  laft  thing  that  is  done  J  now  they  are 
ready  to  go  out,  and  this  is  that  which  Chrilt  aims  at. 

2.  From.  L«%i3.  35.  Let  your  loyns  be  girt  ^  and  lamps  hpirnlng;  it's  evident 
that:  thereby  is  ireanr  nothing  elfe  but  readinefife  to  m.get  the  Lord  vvhen-ever  he 
comes;  for  when  loyns  are  girt,  then  one  is  fit  for  travail,  but  feeing  'tis  in  the 
Nighfe,  hence  lamps  mud  be  burning  too. 

3 .  Becaufe  'tis  faid  plainly,  ver.  i  o.  when  their  lamps  were  kindled  again ,  they 
that  were  ready  went  In ;  I  know  the  Word  is  called  a  lamp  for  our  feet,  Pfai.  up. 

and 


! 


,o 


Anfjv* 


Tthe  Parable  of  the 


and  fo  by  lamps  may  be  meant  minHs  enlightened  and  "kindled  by  the  word.  The 
eminent  pEofcffion  and  excellencies  of  the  Church  is  like  a  lamp,  Jfai.  (52.  i.  and 
more  particularly  may  be  her  e  included  and  aimed  at :  but  in  this  yerfe  lamps  are 
fpoken  of  in  general ,  including  light, OyljVeffels;  and  hence  I  give  this  general 
Interpretation  here,  intending  Particulars  ifneed  be  afterward:  So  that  now  I 
fhall  only  raife  this  Point. 


SECT.  II. 


of  con- 
with 


Dod^e  "^Hat  all  thofe  that  are  Efponfed  mto  Chlfl  ,  onght  to  he  in  a  conflant  o't 
JL  tinual  readmffe  to  meet  Chrifi ,  and  to  have  immediate  communion 
Chrlfi. 

A  Woman  may  be  Efpoufed  to  another ,  and  yet  fhe  may  be  fometimes  not 
ready  to  meet  him,  her  foul  apparel  is  on.  So  here ,  therefore  'tis  not  enough  to 
be  efpoufed  unto  Chrift,  but  being  efpoufed  ,  now  you  ought  ro  be  in  a  continual 
I  readincflfe  to  clafpe  the  Lord  in  your  arms  ,  and  to  lay  your  heads  in  his  bofomc  in 
Heaven  °  this  is  commanded  by  Chrift ,  Mat.  24.  44.  This  was  the  mighty 
power  of  Gods  Grace  in  Patil^  when  others  were  weeping  to  think  of  his  Bonds, 
why  do  you  breakjny  hearty  I  am  ready  not  only  to  he  bounds  hut  to  dje  for  Chrlfi ,  and 
fo  doubtleffe  to  be  with  Chrift  ;  much  more  ready  to  meet  Chrift  when  ever  he 
fhall  come,  ready  to  welcome  Death,  much  more  ready  to  welcome 
Chrift,  Acls  21.13.  This  alfo  is  the  end  oi  Johns  Miniftry,  Lnke  1. 17. 
To  m^ke  ready  a  people  prepared  for  the  Lord ,  to  meet  with  Chrift  on  earth ; 
Now  he  is  gone ,  our  work  is  to  prepare  a  people  to  meet  the  Lord  in  Heaven. 
Hence  this  is  put  in  as  the  difference  between  Vei&ls  of  wrath,  andVeflels  of 
Glory :  t!:ie  om  are  fitted  for  deftru6lion ,  the  others  arc  fitted ,  prepared, 
or  made  ready  for  Glory ,  and  the  glory  of  a  chriftian  is  chiefly  to  enjoy  fellowjfbip 
immediatly  with  Jefus  Chrift.  There  is  many  a  foul  dear  unto  Chrift,  and  efpou- 
fed to  him,  and  hath  his  heart  affeded  to  think  of  the  good  time  that  is  coming, 
when  we  fhall  everbe  wich  the  Lord  :  but  ask,  are  you  ready  yet  for  to  go  to 
him,  though  it  be  through  fires,  waters,  thorns,  forrows ,  death  it  felf?  who  can 
fay  yes  ?  but  (fay  mens  hearts)  ftiut  the  Lord  out  a  little  longer ,  let  not  the  door 
ftand  open  yet ;  yet  this  muft  be  :  And  therefore  for  explications  fake,  let  m.e,  1. 
iliew  you  when  the  Soul  is  in  a  readinefle  for  the  Lord  Jefus.  2.  The  reafons  why 
there  muft  be  a  continual  readineffe. 


SECT.    m. 

T  7  T  J  Hen  is  the  Sml  In  a  readme jfe  to  enjoy  Chrlfi  ? 

V    V      As  there  are  four  things  which  make  a  chriftian  unready ,  {o  this  rea- 
dineffe  confifts  in  Four  things  contrary. 

I .  That  which  makes  a  chriftian  unready  for  him,  are  thofe  ftrong  fears ,  and 
jealouftes,  and  damping  doubts  of  the  love  of  Chrift  to  him.  The  foul  happly 
hath  made  choice  of  him,  is  content  with  him ,  melts  into  wonderment  and  love 
to  think  that  he  fhould  love  him  :  what  m.e  ?  and  Chrift  hath  writ  him  on  his 
heart,  and  on  the  palms  of  his  hands  ;  hnt  Jfrael  faith  ,  my  Godhath  ferfahen  wf, 
my  Godhath  forgotten  me,  I fal.  49. 14.  Is  itpoflible?  is  it  credible?  one  that  hath 
been  fo  vile,  one  thatftill  hath  fuch  a  heart,for  him  to  'io.t  his  heart  on  me  ?  furely 
no  :  hence  the  Soul  is  afraid  to  dye,  and  defire>  too  much  to  live  (HU:  and  the 
more  he  thinks  of  that  time,  and  bleffcdnefle  of  following  the  Lamb  where-ever 
he  goes;  the  more  he  fees  and  fears  this  may  poffibly  never  be  my  portion.-  there 
may  be  fome  falfenefs  in  my  heart  towards  him  that  I  never  yet  faw  ,  fome  fecret 

knot 


ten  Virgins  Opened 


knot  that  was  never  yecunlofed;  and  hence  not  yec  re idv.  Hence  many  achriftian. 
faichjif  I  had  alitcle  more  aflurancejlec  him  come  when  he  vvill:Thus  feme  think  it 
was  with  Hez,ekiah,  who  chough  he  had  walked  before  God  vvith  a  i^erfeB:  hean^  yet 
bitterly  complained  that  he  was  aito^^Ifal.'^S.pertomm^o  therefore  then  the  foul 
is  prepared  &  ready  for  him.jwhen  he  hath  fome  comfortable  affurance  of  the  love 
of  Chritt  towards  him,  that  ir  can  fay,  if  I  live  he  loves  me  ,  though  he  kils  m^  by 
Death,  yet  I  know  that  he  love?  me :  nay  ,  then  he  loves  me  mo^t,  when  h*e  puts 
an  end  to  my  lins,and  to  my  forrows  too  ?  And  therefore  now  faith  as  one  reaciy  to 
receive  a  Prince,  now  let  him  come  to  me ,  or  fend  for  me  when  he  will :  why  fo  ? 
fVho  cm  feparatefKcfiomthe  love  ofChrtfl  ?  Rom.  B.  5  5.  That  look  as  'tis  with  a 
Souldier  that  is  to  go  to  war,  where  many  bullets  and  arrows  are  like  to  fall  about 
him,  and  hit  him  while  he  hath  no  armour  on;  call  him.  to  the  Captain,  and  he 
will  fay  he  is  not  ready  yet,  but  when  he  hath  his  armour  on  of  proof ,  and  fuch 
armour  that  heknovvslet  him  receive  never  fo  many  wounds ,  yet  he  fhail  efcape 
with  his  life,  and  triumph  with  his  Captain  afterward  :  Now  give  him.  but  his 
watch-word  he  is  ready,  though  never  fo  weak,  yet  I  am  furel  fhall  efcape  vvith 
my  life,  nay  noc  fo  much  as  hurt.  So  achrilHan  wanting  his  affurance ,  wants  his 
armour ;  he  is  weak,  and  powers  of  darkneffe  will  affauk  him ,  and  he  is  flain  by 
them,  now  he  is  unready  /  butifaffured,  though  weak  and  feeble  ,  he  is  now  at 
Chrifts  watch-word,  I  knovy  I  fhall  liyc,  I  may  fall,  but  I  fhall  rife  again,  this  puts 
courage  and  fpirit  into  a  cHriftian  ,  Dan,  3. 17, 18.  HeL  11.-35.  Others  were 
tormented,  (  and  fo  ready  )  zr^^r  accepting  deliverance  i  r^h:^  £0}  to  obtain  a  better 
RefurreBion ,  which  they  are  faid  to  fee  by  the  eye  of  Faith ,  and  this  was  by  poor 
weak  Women ;  therefore  labour  for  this,  elfc  not  prepared.  The  Lord  would  have 
his  people  look  death  and  dangers  in  the  face ,  and  triumph  in  forrows ,  and  not 
faint-hearted  ,  (  which  cannot  be  done  without  this)  that  the  world  may  fee  that 
there  is  more  than  men  in  them,  2  C0K4.  i^,  17, 18.  and  5.  i .  who  would  be 
without  this  ?  yet  may  we  riot  complain,  as  Chritt  of  his  Difciples ;  Oh  fdoUfh  and 
flow  ef  heart  to  believe  all  that  is  ivritten ,  fo  many  promifes  yet  not  affured  ,  fo 
mariy  experiences  yet  nor  ertablifhed,  and  therefore  not  yet  prepared  and  ready 
for  the  coming  of  the  Lord.  A  man  that  hath  a  fair  eftate  and  houfe  befallen 
him,  fo  long  as  he  is  in  Suit  for  it,  dares  not  dwell  in  it,  but  makes  a  (htft  where  he 
is  .•  but  then  he  is  ready  when  qnietpoffeflion  is  given  him.  So  get  the  Lord  to 
paffe  fentcnce  for  affurance  of  your  everlafting  habitation,  then  are  you  re^dy  to 
dwell  therein. 

2.  Then  a  m.an  is  unprepared  for  the  Lord  Jefus  his  coming,  while  he  wants 
affections  fuitable  to  the  Majefty ,  and  according  to  the  worth  and  love  of  the 
Lord  Jefus :  Suppofe  a  Woman  knows  her  Husbands  I©ve,  yet  if  fhe  have  loft  her 
love  to  him,  or  if  fhe  love  him,  'tis  only  as  fhe  loves  another  man ,  not  according 
to  the  worth  of  her  Husbands  perfon,  or  the  greatneffe  of  his  love  .•  Is  iKe  fit  now 
to  appear  before  him,  when  no  heart  to  receive  him?  fo  although  you  queftion 
not  Ghrilts  love  to  you,  &  thank  God  you  doubt  little  of  it,ycc  where  is  yoiir  heart  ? 
your  love  to  him  ?  have  you  not  loft  your  love,  your  firft  love ,  or  fecond  love  ?  if 
you  have  love,  is  it  not  divided  to  other  things,  as  Wife,  Child,  Friends,  hopes  of 
provifion  for  them,  and^coo  much  care  hereupon  for  that?  or  if  you  do  love  him, 
'tis  with  a  carnal  love,  he  hath  no  more  than  a  luft  hath  had,  and  it  may  be  notfo 
much ,  'tis  with  a  cold  love ;  now  you  are  unfit  for  him :  hence  the  Lord ,  Luke 
21.34.  Tak,e  heedyonr  hearts  be  not  overcharged,  I  Pet.  4.7.  Now  therefore  then 
the  foul  is  prepared  to  meet  Chrift,  when  if  the  foul  hath  loft  its  affedlions,  it 
recovers  them  our  of  the  hands  of  all  creatures  that  ftole  them  away  from  Chrift  -, 
and  hence  Z)^z/?W  prayes ,  Oh  [pare  that  I  may  recover  my  ftrength  i  and  when  it 
breaks  out  with  fuch  love  unto  Chrift  as  is  fitting  for  him ,  2  Tim.  4=  8.  There  is 
the  righteons  Judge  ready  to  give  the  Crown  5  vyheri  Chrift?  appearing  is  loved, 
/.  e.  they  are  fo  taken  with  him,  as  thit  they  love  the  looks  of  himj  it  would  rejoyce 

G  '       my 


42- 


"The^  arable  of  the 


myhearcto{ee,whichihall  make  others  tremble  to  behold  him;  Oh  it  mult  be 
a  dear  love,  a  fpring  of  running  love  without  meafure ,  for  this  is  the  difference 
between  affe(Slions  of  Saints  and  Hypocrites  to  Chrift,  the  one  arifeth  like  a 
morning  dew  which  is  foon  lickt  up  by  the  Sun,  Hof.  6. 4.  the  heat  of  aflfed^ions 
after  other  things  licks  it  up]  but  the  love  of  Saints  to  Chrift  is  like  a  fpring  which 
rifeth  to  everlafting  life  :  a  fpring  is  but  little,  but  yet  the  farther  it  goes,  che  wi- 
der 'tis,  till  atlaft  fwallowed  up  in  the  Sun,  and  there  is  no  nieafure  of  water :  fo 
Saints  have  but  a  little  love  5  but  the  longer  they  live,  the  more  enlarged  for 
Chrift ,  and  there  is  no  meafure,  but  all  is  too  little,  they  never  can,  never  do  love 
enough,  fo  that  look  as  'tis  faid  in  another  cafe ,  Pfalm  102.  13,  14.  'Tfs  time 
for  thee  to  bmlduf  Jemfalem  -,  i.  e,  to  return  to  thy  people  in  thy  Ordinances ,  for 
they  love  the  ftones',  fo  then  it's  time  for  Chrill  to  come ,  and  then  the  fet  and  fit 
time  is  come  for  a  people  to  meet  with  Chrift  out  of  .Ordinances ,  when  the  fet 
time  is  come  when  they  love  Ordinances ,  and  love  Chrift  much  more.  When  a 
man  is  gone  beyond  Sea,  and  all  his  Friends  and  ertate  are  at  home ,  they  long  for 
him,  and  he  is  left  among  enemies :  why  comes  he  nor  to  them  ?  why  fend  not 
they  for  him?  why  theyknow  heisfickly ,  and  cannon  live  on  the  dyec  of  the 
country  ;  hence  he  is  unfit  to  come ,  but  when  that  is  once  come  to  palfe  that  fie 
can  live  only  on  it,then  he  is  ready  when-ever  they  fend:fo  when  men  cm  live  with, 
and  be  content  alone  with  Chrift  and  his  Love,  now  they  are  fit.  With  what  face 
can  a  man  appear  before  Chrift,  when  he  requires  nothing  but  love ,  and  he  hath 
not  that. 

3.  Then  a  man  is  unready  for  Chrift,  whiles  he  negle6ls  the  work  of  Chrift,for 
fuppofe  a  man  hath  fome  inward  love  to  Chrift,  yet  neglecls  &  hath  no  heart-^e-db^ 
the  work  of  Chrift :  he  is  as  yet  no  more  fit  to  meet  Chrift ,  than  a  Steward  vyho 
hath  had  much  betrufted  him,  to  improve  for  his  Lords  ufe ,  and  he  hath  let  all 
feafons  go  wherein  he  might  have  traded  for  him,  and  gained  fomcwhat  to  him.. 
How  can  he  appear  before  nim  when  no  fair  accounts  to  be  feen ;  fo  the  Lord  hath 
betrufted  thee  with  many  Talents,£ime^,ftrength,means,^c.  &  you  are  not  Lords, 
bur.  Stewards  of  all  thefe.  Now  do  you  not  let  m.any  fair  feafons  and  winds  blow 
by,  you  have  ( if  efpoufed  to  Chrift  )  every  man  fome  work.  Now  how  can  you 
ftand  before  Chrift:  if  that  be  negle6led.  Oh  thus  'tis  with  many  chriftians  j 
hence  thofe  fad  alarums  of  confcience  ^  and  fhakings  of  Gods  Spirit ,  after  many 
loofe  diyes  dipt  in  fome  good  duties.  What  doft  thou  that  others  do  not  that  ne- 
ver ftiall  fee  Gods  face  in  Heaven  ? 

Now  therefore  then  the  foul  is  ready  for  the  Lord ,  when  'tis  daily  at  it ,  finifh- 
ingGodswork:  hence  Jo^»  17.  5.  I  have  fimjhed  my  jporkj  nomglorifie  me:Qhixik 
hath  given  us  our  lives,  work,  dayes-work,  every  hours  work ,  for  Chrift  hath  ever 
employment ;  now  though  a  foul  may  livelong  ,  and  cannon  finilli  its  lives  work, 
yet  if  it  finifli  its  dayes  work,  or  hours  work ,  it  may  have  comfort  then  if  the 
Lord  fhould  come.  Thaclook  as 'tis  with  a  Marriner  when  he  hith  his  Fraight, 
now  let  the  wind  come  to  drive  him  out  of  the  Haven  ,  he  is  ready  to  depart :  fo 
here,  Z  Pet,  i.  8,  9,  10,  1 1.  If  ye  do  thefe  things  ,  a?i4  abound ^  an  open  entrance 
fmll  be  m'mlfired  unto  joh^  /.  f .  when  a  chrift  ian  is  ever  adding  for  Chrift,  and 
adding  one  Grace  to  another  in  his  courfe  ,  then  heisfo  ready  that  an  open  en- 
trance is  made  for  him :  Therefore  look  after  this.  'Tis  with  moft  ProfeiTors  com- 
monly, as  'tis  with  a  Woman  that  loves  her  Husband ,  and  begins  to  drefle  her 
felf,  but  fo  much  bufinefle  to  do ,  thacfhe  doth  it  but  by  ftarts  ^  hence  call  her 
never  fo  lare ,  fhe  will  fay  ftie  is  not  yet  ready ,  ftie  hath  fo  much  to  do  ilie  can- : 
not ;  fo  'tis  here :  Or  as  'tis  in  a  houfe  where  all  things  are  in  a  lumber,  and  many 
things  wr^pt  up  and  puE  into  holes,  fo  long  as  all  things  be  in  a  lumber  ,  there  1% 
no  readineffe.  So  many  a  foul  hath  a  heart  fit  co  receive  Chrift,  but  all  things  are 
in  3  lumber,  in  a  confuhon,  out  of  place  and  order ,  and  hence  not  yet  ready  -co 
entertain  Chrift ,  but  when  this  work  is  done ,  then  ready «  Oh  betimes  do  this 
work,  fet  things  to  rights  in  your  fouls.  4.  Then 


ten  Vtrgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


~^i- 


4.  Then  a  man  is  unreidy ,  when  having  done  his  work  he  grows  pufc  up  with 
ic:  for  lee  all  the  three  former  be  wrought  in  the  foul,  if  now  the  foul  be  puft 
up,  thinks  highly  ofitfelf,  attributes  any  thing  to  it  felf :  as  he  faid  in ,  another 
cafe,  they  are  too  many  for  the  Lord;  foheis  too  big  for  the  Lord.     And  truly 
this  we  111  all  find  it's  pretty  eafie  to  be  mean  in  our  own  eyes,  after  we  have  been 
indeed  careleffe  and  vile  before  the  Lord ;  but  when  the  Lord  hath  mightily  affift- 
ed  ,  enlarged,  affured,  enabled,  comforted,  quickened,  now  to  be  as  nothing,  this 
is  difficult.     \{QnctKmxor\  his  death-bed  had  this  Temptation  of  Meritino-. 
When  Hezjehlah  was  Tick,  he  was  caft  down ,  but  when  well ,  and  God  gave  him 
gre.it  Treafure?,  his  heart  was  lifted  up;  now  he  was  unfit.    Now  therefore  when 
a  chriftianis  ready  to  give  all  to  free  Grace,  and  to  adore  that ,  now  he  is  ready  for 
the  Lord,    Pfalm   108.   i.  My  heart  is  prepared,    I  mil  fing  and  give  praife. 
Gods  laft  end  is  to  bring  the  foul  to  the  praife  of  the  riches  of  his 'Grace ,  not  only 
to  enjoy  God  as  Adam.  Now  the  great  reafon  why  Chrift  come?  not  to  his  peo- 
ple prefently  after  they  are  efpoufed  to  him,  'tis  to  make  them  ready  to  attain 
that  end.     Henceheleaves fins, temptations ,  forrows,  dcfertions ,  on  purpofe 
thacthey  may  at  conclufion  lookback ,  and  fee  if  ever  faved, pardoned,  it's  Grace. 
Now  cferefore  when  the  foul  is  brought  ro  do  this  5  when  he  hath  this  rent  in  his 
hand ,  now  the  Lord  is  ready  to  receive  him  ,^nd  ic  too,  and  he  is  prepared  for 
the  Lord  :    he  that  hath  not  his  Rent  ready  ,  himfelf  is  not  as  yet  at  all  ready  to 
meet  with,  and  fee  his  Landlord.    So  that  you  think  you  boaft  not,  Oh  the  Lord 
fees  you  do,  or  have  not  hearts  fo  enlarged  towards  Grace  as  you  fhould ,  it's  cer- 
tain you  are  yet  unready  then,  but  when  empty,  and  poor,  and  caft  down,  and  ma- 
keft  an  infinite  matter  of  a  fmall  fin,  and  fetteft  a  high  price  on  a  little  love  much  | 
more  on  infinitc,now  you  are  prepared :  Hence  I>avtd  falls  a  praifing  when  nearjco 
death ,  and  the  Lord  near  to  come  to  him. 


45 


SECT.  IV. 

i  .nPHe  law  of  Refpe(51:  and  Love  requires  this  of  us  i  when  Peter  wdlild  expreffe 

JL  his  love  unto  Chrift,  Luke^^.'^^i.  he  pi-ofelfeth  he  was  mt  only  ready  to  go 

to  prifoK,  i^fit  to  dye  with  him*    Chrift  hath  poor  refpe6t  and  love  if  men  will 

notf6  much  as  be  alway  ready  to  receive  Him;  it  certainly  argues  a  carelefle  heart 

that  fleights  Chrift,  that  is  not  ever  prepared  to  receive  Chrift. 

2.  Becaufe  the  time  of  Chrifts  coming  is  then  when  we  leaft  look  for  him,  verf, 
i  5 .  Hence  a  chriftian  ought  to  be  ever  ready  to  receive  him.  Many  of  eminent 
parts,  when  the  Church  had  moft  need  of  them,  then  are  cut  down :  Many  at  their 
firft  converfion,  before  they  or  others  almoft  cckild  tell  what  to  make  of  them,  the 
Lord  hath  cropt  them  in  the  bud.  Men  find  their  hearts  unfit  and  unready,  they 
think  hereupon  that  hereafter  they  ftiall  get  their  hearts  into  better  order  and  tune, 
when  thefe  bufineffes  are  over,  but  yet  will  live  at  liberty  a  little  while :  why  then 
it's  moft  likely  is  the  Lords  time  of  coming,  even  now  when  they  think  leaft  of  it, 
Luke  12.40. 

3 .  Becaufe  th6  Lord  hath  fet  apart  every  one  that  is  efjfoufed  to '  the  Lord  Jefus, 
only  for  the  fruition  of  Chrift,  and  ufe  of  Chrift ,  i  Cor.  ^,hU.  Toh  are  Chrlfls^fid 
Chr'tfl is  Gods.  A  Woman  that  is  not  chofen ,  nor  ^^i  apart  for  the  fellow- 
ftiip  of  a  Prince ,  fhe  may  go  how  fhe  will,  and  do  what  fhc  will,any  bafe  drudgery 
work  ;  but  ihe  that  is  chofen  to  be  next  unto  him ,  and  only  to  behold  and  love 
him,  fhe  is  not  to  plead  fti6  hath  fo  much  bufineffe  to  do,  and  fo  many  Friends  to 
fpeak  with,  that  ftie  cannot  make  her  felf  ready :  fhc  is  fet  apart  for  a  better  pcr- 
fon ,  and  for  more  noble  employment.  So  here  men  of  the  world  not  lovea  of 
God,  nor  chofen  and  fet  apart  for  him,may  do  what  they  will ;  but  when  the  Lord 
hath  chofen  and  fet  you  apart  of  purpofe  for  this  end,  Ephef,  i .  4.   Chosen  to  be  holy 

G  2  before 


Keafo»s, 


44 


The  ^^ arable  of  the 


fe  1, 


kfore  htm  in  love  y  i.e.  to  ftaiid  ever  in  his  prefence  before  liim  ,  with  a  fpirir  of 
dearettlove  unco  him.  Hence  the  Lord  bath  taken  the  Qre  of  ail  things  elfe, 
1  Pet.  5.  7.  that  we  might  mind  and  do  tiiis  thing  ;  If  in  danger,  he  will  deliver, 
ifin  want,  he  will  provice,  if  weak,  he  will  ftrengthen  ,  only  no.v  be  ready  for 
the  Lord  ,  Ffalm^S.  10.  Forget  thy  Country  ,  itnA  thy  Fathers  hufe ^  [0  jhall  the 
Lord  defire  thy  bemty.  You  are  not  now  free  to  love  and  follow  whom  you  pi eafe, 
the  Lord  hath  bound  you  to  himfelf  by  love ,  and  you  have  bound  your  fclf  by  pro- 
mife  X.6  the  Lord  again  :  Therefore  now  a  chriliian  after  once  efpoufed  to  Chrid, 
is  better  than  all  the  world,  being  the  Bride  cf  the  Lamb  ;  and  he  hath  a  better 
and  greater  good  for  to  enjoy:  therefore  he  lliould  fcorn  ajid  abhor  to  march 
himfelf  to,  or  to  do  any  thingfor  any  other  creature;  and  therefore  merhinks 
fhould  fit  as  one  upon  a  watch-tower,  looking  out,  and  telling  the  clock  now  day  is 
ne.ir,  waiting  only  for  Chrift,  Oh  let  it  be  fo  :  If  in  Heaven  ,  you  fh.ill  have  only 
Chriil: ,  Oh  prepare  for  him.  much  more  now.  As  a  Woman  that  is  Matchc  to  a 
rich  man,  all  the  fervants  attend  on  her,  and  follow  her,  ilie  is  wholly  and  only 
for  her  Husband  :  fo  it  ihould  be  here. 

4.  Becaufe  he  hath  prepared  and  made  all  tlrngselfe  ready  for  the  foul,  it's 
hard  if  he  hath  prepared  a  place  in  Heaven,  and  Grace  in  Heaven,noL  to  prepare  an 
heart, and  make  it  ready  for  him.,  '^ohn  14.  i,  2, 3.  his  Kingdom  was  ready,  long 
ago,  and  his  Father  ready  to  accept  and  entertain  thee,  and  his  heart  loves,  and 
defires,  all  are  ready  after  thee :  hencebcready  to  meet  with  him.  1  am  my  Be- 
loveds. 


SECT.    V. 

HEnce  fee  the  great  unkindneffe  of  many  a  foul  imm.ediatly  after  his  efpoufing 
to  Jefus  Chrift  ,  who  having  once  given  himfelf  to  Oirift  ,  and  received 
comfort  thereby  ,  prefently  grows  more  careleffe  than  before  be  was  matcht  unto 
the  Lord  Jefus^  who  lliould  now  ftand  in  a  holy  watchfulneffe  and  readinefle  to 
receive  Chrift ,  as  'tis  F^alm  85.  S.  Let  them  not  turn  again  to  folly.,  becaufe 
they  are  very  apt  fo  to  do.  Manyfiiy  when  in  fome  diftreife,  and  after -long 
waiting,  if  the  Lord  would  pitty  once,  then  happy.  I;  I  would  gix'e  away  any  thing, 
all  I  have  unto  him:  well,  the  Lord  pitties  the  foul  when  in  its  low  eftate,  and 
then  it  bleffech  God,,  but  like  the  Israelites.,  foon  forgets  his  works,  his  lov  e ,  and 
after  great  .-peace  from  God ,  com.es  greateft  carelefnelTe  :  can  this  ftand  with 
Grace,  and  Chrift?  very  hardly  J  but  yet  it  may,  for  there  are  Two  things  that 
imakefor  it. 

:  I.  Becaufe  at  firft  convcrfion  there  is  much  feeking  of  Chrift,  for  healing  the 
borrourandfmartofftn,  as  well  as  for  the  curing  of  the  wound  and  fear  of  fin: 
hence  when  efpoufed,  and  horrour  being  paft ,  that  wheel  being  broken ,  a  man 
draws  mor^  heavily  now ,  and  negle6ls  feeking ;  now  the  Knife  is  out  of  his  heart 
he  cries  not  fo  earneftly. 

2.  Becaufewhenefpoufed,  and  much  affe6led,  cora.m.onlya  m.antrufts  to  his 
affe6tions,\vhenhehath  afulneffe  of  them:  hence  the  Lord  lets  Satan  prevail, 
Luke1^,'i^^yl,■'i^,  Satan  hath  defired  to  winnow  thee  m  wheat.,  and /.(faith  Peter  ) 
am  ready  to  dye  with  thee  ;  bun  you  fee  he  fell ,  and  then  when  the  Lord  looked 
upon  him,  he  wemma  and  wept  l/kterly  :  How  fham.efully  haft  thou  fallen ,  fliould 
anylove  him  more  than  you  if  evef  he  pitty?  well,  for  his  Nam.e-fake  he  hath 
done  it.  Bur  howoft  haft  thou  broken  Covenant?  how  forgetful  of  the  Lords 
kindnelTe  ?  The  Lord  looks  upon  thee  this  day ,  why  haft  thou  fo  foon  forgot  me, 
and  forfaken  m.e  ?  have  I  not  cook  thee  from  the  Dung-hill ,  nay  from.  Hell  ?  and 
VYhereas  I  had  fo  manythoufindstofet  myloveon,  1  chofetbee;  and  whereas 
thou  couldeft  not  love  m.e  when  I  offered  my  felf,  thou  couldeft  not  return  me 

love 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Apphed. 


love  attain  ,  I  gaveic  therefore  co  thee ,  yev^  and  hwe  given  myfelf  to  chee  for 
ever:  HaR  thou  thus  forgotten  me,  when  as  I  take  little  wrongs  from  chee  mofe 
heavily  than  great  ones  from  others  ?  Oil  that  this  might  make  you  go  out  and 
mourn  bitterly :  fo  if  ever  you  have  rafted  chat  love  as  Peter  did  ,  Chrifts  looks  will 
humibleyou. 

Hence  fee  the  reafon  why  fomeGodiy  People  dye  fo  uncomfortably ,  and  with 
fuch  dirtrelfe  of  fpirit ;  why  they  have  not  lived  in  an  expedtation  of  Chrift ,  and 
hence  they  cry  out  of  themfelves,  not  knowing  whither  they  go,  infomuch  as  fome 
have  not  been  comforted  by  all  former  experiences,  and  by  all  prefenc  confolations 
of  Minifters  :  Oh  no ,  *cis  now  too  late  to  fpeak,  they  thank  them  for  their  love, 
but  God  hath  otherwife  thought  of  them  ;  yet  if  any  hope  be  given  them  'tis  ever 
pickc  out  froai  forae  VYord,  and  they  cry ,  Oh  I  thirll:  for  a  little  mercy ,  and  then 
dye  ;  and  what  is  the  reafon  of  it  ?  what  need  I  fpeak?  Themfelves  will  tell  you, 
and  have  done  it ,  Oh  I  have  lived  thus  and  thus  before  you  ,  but  my  hearc  in  fe- 
crec  hath  gone  after  the  world,  &c.  I  have  negle6led  the  Lord  (ecrecly ,  I  have  fel- 
dom  thought  of ,  or  prepared  for  Death ,  and  I  had  thought  to  have  been  better, 
but  tjie  Lord  hath  met  with  m.e,:  I  know  violence  of  Difeafe  may  do  it  fomctime, 
but  I  Leak  how  ^is  rnany  tim.es ;  whereas  otherwife  an  open  entrance  fliould  be 
made,' 2  Fet.  i.  8.p,io,i  i.  And  as  it  hath  been  with  fom.e ,  fo  take  warning  left 
it  be  fo  with  you  ;  you  may  be  faved  alive ,  yet  to  futfer  wrack  on  the  Ihoar  is  un- 
comfortable ,  and  know  it  if  your  confciencebe  awake,  it  cannot  but  be  fo.  There- 
fore do  not  conclur'e  they  were  damned  without  Chrift ,  but  they  were  not  made 
ready  for  Chrift ;  and  it  may  be  your  time  draws  nigh ,  and  what  have  you  to  fay? 
now  a  world  for  half  an  hour  will  a  dying  diftreffed  m.an  fay. 

Is  of  a  Four-fold  exhortation ,  to  all  thofe  efpecially  that  the  Lord  hath  cfpou- 
fedtohimfelf. 


Ufe 


CHAP.   VIII. 

<^  Four-fold  Exhortation  to  ^elieyers. 


UfeV 


SECT.  I, 

T  O  quicken  up  all  thofe  doubting,  drooping, yet  fincere  hearts,  that  V[i\xc\i  Exhort*  i. 
queftiontheloveof  Chrift  to  them,  Now  to  ufe  all  diligence  to  make 
their  Calling ,  and  Eleclion,  and  the  love  of  Chrift  fure  to  chem ,  not  but 
that  ic's  fure  on  Chrifts  part ,  but  make  ic  fure  on  your  pare  too ;  elfe  how 
can  you  be  in  a  readinelfe  to  m.eet  the  Lord  Jcfus ;  while  the  ftrong  man  keeps  the 
Palace ,  the  Goods  be  in  peace ;  but  when  Chrift  hath  once  driven  Satan  out  of  his 
Throne,  then  nothing  fometimes  but  war,buc  doubts  and  fears;  Satan  told  God 
CO  his  face.  Job  ferved  him  for  nought ,  much  m.ore  will  he  accufe  the  Soul  it  felf  : 
and  fom-e  Divines  think  the  very  firft  ingredient  of -Satans  poyfon ,  and  theiirft  af- 
fauk  on  Chrift  himfelf.  Mat,  4.  was  by  feeking  co  make  him  doubt  of  his  Sonftiip, 
Ifthoa  he  the  Son  of  God^  &c.    And  his  wiles  are  here  very  great ,  that  hence  ve- 
ry few  living  chriftiins  have  any  fecled  comfortable  evidence  of  Gods  eternal  love 
to  them  in  his  Son  .•  and  hence  many  fad  events  follow.    HovV  can  any  bleffe  the 
Lord  for  chac  love  which  he  knows  noc  of  ?  many  cimcs  'ciswich  a  mans  doubts 
drooping  from  his  mind,  as  *cis  wich  his  concinual  dropping  on  his  Lungs,  there  is 
a  daily  confuming  of  what  once  was ;  that  many  a  chriftian-  doubts  away  his  life, 
his  heart,  his  ftrength,  and  when  all  is  wafted  ,  glad  now  to  return  to  chat  where  I 

G  3  hel 


A6 


ObjeB. 


Means  i. 


l^he  ^^ arable  of  the 


he  lliould  at  firft  have  begun.  And  hence  in  one  word ,  he  is  made  every  day  un- 
ready for  Chrift.  Oh  therefore  quiec  not  yourfelvesin  that  eftateaslfear  tod 
many  do  (at  leaft  for  a  rimej  it's  one  of  the  moft  dangerous  eftaies  that  can  be,ro 
be  troubled  with  weak  fears ,  and  yet  rert  in  uncertain  hopes  •  but  bring  it  to  a 
conclufion,  Is  the  Lord  Jefus  mine  or  no  ?  and  if  he  be  yours ,  and  his  love  yours, 
fee  it,  that  you  may  trample  on  the  neck  of  death,  and  triumph  over  hell,  and  the' 
grave,  and  long  to  be  with  the  Lord ,  and  love  the  appearing  of  the  Lord,  and  go 
away  with  joy  unfpeakable  and  full  of  glory  out  of  this  world,  as  to  your  Wed- 
ding, and  if  there  be  any  hope  of  getting  it,  who  would  be  without  ic?  Some  of 
you  it  may  be  have  a  long  time  been  carclcffe  in  fceking  for  it,  hence  want  it,  fome 
of  you  have  been  traders  with  the  Lord  lon^,and  yet  doubt ;  Yomeof  you  have  not 
clear  evidence,  but  content  your  felves  witnout  being  thankful  to  the  Lord  for 
what  he  hath  done  for  you ,  hence  ttill  doubt.  Others  have  gray  hairs  on  your 
head,  or  at  leaft  are  near  your  Graves ,  the  battel  is  near ,  your  armour  is  not  on, 
you  are  not  yet  ready,  and  fo  ftill  doubt.  I  remember  what  Chrift  faid  of  Maries 
Box,  jhe prepared  that  for  his  burial^  it  may  be  that  thcfe  Truths  may  be  prepared 
for  your  approaching  departure ;  and  therefore  light  your  Lamps  at  this  fire,  and 
light  of  the  Lords  love  to  you,  and  fee  that  indeed  he  loves  thee. 

But  why  do  you  perfwade  to  this, till  the  Spirit  comes  and  fpcaks  it  ?  How  can 
I  fee  it  ? 

I .  'Tis  true  the  Spirit  only  can  do  it,but  yet  the  fame  Spirit  that  feals  the  Ele6t, 
the  fame  Spirit  commands  the  Ele6l  not  to  fit  Idle,  and  dream  of  the  Spirit,  but 
to  ufe  all  diligence  to  m  ake  it  fure ;  and  you  ftiall  never  have  it  (  unleffe  you  lay/ 
hold  on  a  Fancy  for  it )  on  thofe  terms. 

1.  Though  there  is  an  immediate  witnelfe  of  the  Spirit,of  the  love  of  Chrift,  yet 
it  doth  moft  ufually  and  firftly  witnefle  by  means.  And  hence  I  l"hall  give  you 
means  looking  only  to  the  Spirit  of  Chrift  to  fee  them  on.  Evangelical  Precepts 
have  a  power:  For  Gofpel-miniftration  of  the  Spirit  confifts  not  only  of  ftories 
andpromifcs,  but  commands,  and  the  Elcdt  feel  them :  Hencecarnal  men  un- 
der the  Law,  yet  pretending  Gofpcl,  will  profeflc  the  Law  is  preached  when 
they  are  prelfed  to  any  Evangelical  duty,  becaufe  they  feel  not  the  power  of  the 
Gofpel,  bein»  not  yet  under  it.  And  the  means  I  (hall  mention,  are  only  gene- 
ral to  eftablim  the  hearts  of  fome. 

Make  a  fad  enquiry  firft  of  this ,  Whether  the  Lord  hath  loved  thee  for  his  own 
everlafting  Names-fake  or  no,  for  if  the  Lord  hath  loved  Thee  for  this  caufe,then 
thy  great  Obje6lion  will  be  anfvvered ,  and  that  deep  valley  will  be  filled.  How 
can  the  Lord  love  me  that  am  thus  vile  before  God ,  and  fallen  from  God  ?  why 
if  the  Lord  for  his  own  fake  hath  loved  thee,  then  as  no  good  in  thee  moved  him  to 
love  thee,  fo  no  fin  which  he  did  know  was  and  would  be  in  thee  can  quench  that 
love ;  and  if  he  hath  manifefted  his  love  to  be  grounded  on  this,  though  but  once, 
thatfameName  when  thou  changeft  is  not  changed,  but  is  ftill  as  dear  to  him, 
and  ever  before  him  to  move  him  to  love  thee  ftill ,  Rom»  1 1 . 2.  The  Apoftle  an- 
fwers  a  Cavil ,  ?f///  God  cafi  tMAj  his  pofle}  no  faith  he,  none  that  he  fore- 
knew ;  and  who  are  thcfe  ?  i^rf*  5.  A  remnant  according  to  Grace  as  with  us^  i.e. 
God  hath  for  his  Grace-fake  chofen  and  called  without  refpedl  of  any  thing  elfe: 
Hence  that  is  to  be  underftood ,  i  Sam,  12.  21, 22.  For  there  are  two  forts  of 
people  in  the  Church;  i.  Servants.  2,  Sons,  JohnS,^^,  Hence  there  is  a  dou- 
ble love  the  Lord  manifefts  to  men. 

I  *  Some  he  loves  as  fcrvaiats^  that  as  we  hire  fome  men  to  do  our  work,  and  give 
them  meat  and  wages,  and  then  turn  them  out  of  doors,  or  let  them  go :  fo  God 
hath  work  to  be  done,  for  his  Son  and  Saints ,  and  for  many  reafons  hires  wicked 
men  to  it,  cither  by  giving  them  reward  in  this  life,  or  hopes  of  reward  hereafter, 
and  when  the  work  is  done,  and  ufe  made  of  their  Gifts ,  Graces ,  Spirits ,  then 
turns  them  out  of  doors. 

Buc 


ten  Vtrpns  Opened  and  Applied. 


47 


But  2.  Some  helove^  as  Sons ,  even  the  molKooliili  and  weak  in  the  world 
fomecimes :  hence  not:  for  any  fervice  they  can  do ,  but  for  his  own  fake  he  will 
give  them  an  Inhericance,  and  love  the:Ti  as  fons,  becaufe  he  will ;  chefe  abide  ever 
in  the  Lords  love :  Hag^^r  and  IjhmaelcAR  oat^SArah  and  Jfaac  Itay  in  the  Family. 

How  jhall  1  k^ow  that  ? 

I .  If  the  Lord  loves  thee  for  his  Name-fake,  it  will  draw  thee  to  that  fellow  Aiip 
wirhicfelf,  that  whic-ever  thou  wanteft ,  thou  wilt  feek  for  it  hence,  by  prefent- 
ing  chat  Name  of  God,  that  for  his  own  fake  he  would  fupply :  I  know  the  Lord 
loves  for  Chriits  fake,but  why  fhould  Chrift  help?  for  his  Name-fake:  For  thus  ma- 
ny hypocrites  rhink  when  they  fee  Gods  anger  againft  them  for  their  fin,  they  fcek 
to  remove  that  fin,  and  when  that  is  done,  think  God  is  at  peace ,  and  now  all  is 
well.  They  fee  the  Lord  is  delighted  with  the  obedience  of  his  people  ,  hence 
fall  to  that  work ,  and  now  think  the  Lord  is  pleafed  with  them.  But  if  ever  the 
Lord  loves  any  man,  he  will  firft  flop  his  mouth ,  whether  Jew  or  Gentile,  Rom. 
3.15?.  and  make  him  on  his  Knees  know  there  is  no  reafon  for  it ,  nay  all  rcafon 
againft  it.  Now  hath  not  the  Lord  brought  thee  to  this  ?  and  hence  having  no- 
thing to  quench  Gods  anger^  but  Chrift,  haft  held  up  him  before  God,  and  having 
nothing  to  move  Chrift,  haft  held  up  his  Name  before  him ,  and  here  haft  refted 
thy  wearied  heart  looking  to  him ,  if  any  Grace  be  begun  in  thee,  that  he  would 
peffe61:it;  ifnone,  that  he  would  begin  it;  if  unfit  and  unworthy,  to  prepare 
thee  for  it,  only  for  his  own  good  pleafure :  this  is  one  evidence  of  it.  As  'tis  in 
fome  Seals ,  you  can  hardly  perceive  in  the  Seal  what  is  engraven  there ,  but 
fet  it  on  Wax,  you  may  fee  it  evidently .-  fo  here ,  hardly  can  you  fee  the  Lords 
love,  look  on  thy  heart  if  it  loves  him ;  his  choice,  fee  if  thou  chufeft  him,  hi  s  love 
for  his  own  fake ;  ifthoucleaveftvTithdeareft  affection  to  this  love  forirs  own 
fake,  there  thou  art  faife,  Prov.  18.  lo.  Themmeofthe  Lord  is  aflrong  Tower,  &c. 
and  this  not  only  at  firft  converfion,  butever  after  all  duties,  all  enlargements, 
£«,r^.  I  <5.«</f.  And  this  doth  evidence  love. 

1.  Becaufe  if  thou  had'ft  the  righteoufneffe  of  Angels  thou  would'ft  think  it  a 
good  evidence,  but  this  of  Chrift  is  a  thoufand  times  dearer. 

2.  This  is  a  fetting  of  God  againft  himfelf,  i,  e,  to  anfwer  himfelf ,  and  hence ' 
Saints  in  all  their  ftraights  and  forrows,  hither  had  recourfe ;  I  fpeak  not  now  of 
Temporal  Bleffings,  but  of  Everlafling  love ,  and  all  the  Fruits  of  it ,  that  here  it 
hangs.  Now  I  fay  you  are  built  in  a  Rock  higher  than  all  powers  of  Darknefs;  now 
a  Key  is  put  into  thy  hand  to  unlock  all  Gods  Trcafure ;  now  thou  art  in  the  very 
lap  of  love  wrapt  up  in  it,  when  here  thy  heart  refts:  and  if  not  Beloved,  the 
Lord  would  never  let  thee  lean  thus  in  his  bofom:  and  therefore  if  this  be  thus, 
fee  it,and  wonder  his  Name  harh  moved  him  to  love  me. 

2.  You  fhallfind  this,  if  the  Lord  for  his  Name-Cake  loves  thee ,  there  is  not 
any  Ciirriage  or  pal^iigeof  Providence  of  him  to  thee ,  but  he  gets  himfelf  a  Name 
firft  or  lalibyit :  for  if  this  be  Godsend,  every  paffage  of  Providence  is  but  a 
means  to  this  end :  hence  he  will  attain  this  end  by  every  zSt  of  his  Providence 
towards  thee :  hence  you  ftiall  find  that  thofe  very  fins  that  diftionour  his  Name,  ' 
he  will  even  by  them  (and  if  by  chem,by  all  things  elfej  get  himfelf  a  Name  :  he  f 
will  be  fo  far  from  cafling  thee  out  of  his  love,  that  he  will  do  thee  good  by  them. 
Thofe  very  fins  that  God  damns  others  for,  he  will  make  to  humble  thee ,  empty 
thee.  Pharifees  perfecuted  Chrift,  and  loft  all  for  it ,  Paulyvus  lo,  and  it  humbled 
him  all  his  life ,  Not  vponhy  to  he  called  em  uifoflle ,  hecmfe  Jperfeattedthe  Church 
of  God,  and  it  made  him  lay  up  all  his  wealth  in  m.ercy,  I  v^a^  received  to  mercy ^ 
iTlm.i,  Af^ry  fins  much ,  and  God  forgives  much,  and  Ihe  loves  much; 
others  finned  much ,  and  God  hardened  much ;  Judas  betraies  Chrift, 
and  repents ,  and  hangs  himfelf,  and  flies  from  him ;  Peter  denies  him ,  and 
vyecps ,  and  hence  he  is  the  firft  that  Pre.icheth  him.  And  this  is  certain, 
in  the  beft  Hypocrite ,  fins  left  in  him ,  either  never  make  him  better ,  but 

blind 


Qnefil 
Anfw, 


48 


The  'Parable  of  the 


Mems 


blind  and  harden  him,  and  he  hath  his  diftin6lions  of  infirmity,c?'f .  that  he  fleiohcs 
rhcm  day  by  day ,  till  all  kis  dayes  are  run  out,  orifanygood,  'tis  no  more  than 
Judas ^  or  Cmn^  fome  legal  terrors  ,  or  other  light  flafhes  of  comfort ,  but  to  be 
more  humble  indeed  ,  &c.  this  he  findeth  not.  Now  is  it  not  fo  with  thee  ? 
Doth  not  thy  weakneflfe  ttrengthen  thee  with  Pad  ?  Doth  not  rhy 
blindnefle  make  thee  cry  for  light?  and  thofe cries  have  been  he.ird ,  out  of 
darknelTe,  God  hath  brought  light.  Thou  haft  felt  venomc  and  rifings  of  heart 
againft  Chrift,  and  do  they  not  make  thee  loath  thy  felf  more  ?  that  thou  thinkert 
never  any  fo  beholding  to  Grace  ?  do  not  thy  falls  into  fin  make  thee  more  weary 
of  it,watchful  againft  it,Iong  to  be  rid  of  it  ?  and  fo  fin  abounds,but  Grace  abounds: 
Why  fhould  this  be  fo  ?  for  his  Names-fake,  becaufc  he  will  love  thee;  hence 'tis 
fo  great  and  unm.atchable,  that  he  will  make  thy  poyfon  thy  Food,  thy  Death  thy 
Life,  thy  Damnation  Salvation ,  thy  very  greateft  Enemies  thy  greater  Friends. 
And  iience  Mr.  Fox  faid ,  he  thanked  God  for  his  fins  more  than  for  his  good 
works.  I  have  marvailed  at  Gods  dealings  with  his  people  ,  they  depart ,  and 
ftay  long,  and  care  not  for  returning  again ;  in  that  time  a  mighty  power  teacheth, 
humbleth,  brings  back,  when  they  never  thought  of  it.  Oh  the  reafon  is ,  God 
will  have  his  Name  :  now  if  thus,  your  affurance  will  be  ftrong  and  conftanc ,  but 
if  you  build  thus,  I  have  done  this ,  &c.  I  have  that,your  affurance  will  not  ftand; 
therefore  look  and  fee  if  it  be  not  thus  with  you. 

Take  heed  you  do  not  build  your  affurance  from  a  mingled  Covenant  of  Works 
and  Grace,  for  this  is  the  frame  of  divers  when  they  lye  under  the  firft  Covenant 
[  only  of  doing,  they  will  not  take  thi  s  as  any  evidence,  as  they  have  no  reafon  fo  to 
I  do ,  Rom.  9. 3 1.   Nor  when  a  man  lie*  under  the  Second  Covenancof  Believing 
barely,  and  if  it  be  a  dead  Faith,  they  have  no  evidence  or  reafon  fo  to  do.     Hence 
they  mingle  the  Covenants,  and  think  thus.    If  I  can  believe  in  Chrift ,  and  per- 
form univerfal  obedience  to  all  the  commands  of  God,  Ifhall  be  fafe  j  hence  fQi 
upon  the  obfervance  of  both,  and  finding  they  can  never  do  them,  efpecially  the 
latter,  hence  are  ever  troubled ,  and  never  have  aay  fetled  peace.     Hence  thofe 
Galatians  'Tml  writes  to ,  perverting  and  mingling  the  Covenants ,  were  trou- 
bled, GaLi.j.dc  5.12.  Not  fbeloved)  but  that  whoever  beleeve,  and  performs 
univerfal  obedience  Evangelically  to  the  whole  Law,  he  cannot  but  do  well ;  and 
he  that  doth  it  not,  but  lives  in  any  one  fin ,  let  him  evidence  his  Faith  if  he  can. 
But  Ifpeak  when  a  man  fubmits  to  it ,  [ub  forma  feieris ,  if  I  can  do  it ,  and  be- 
caufe  I  cannot  do  it,  hence  doubt.    Hence  gather  your  evidence  of  Gods  love  pri- 
marily and  chiefly  from  your  fubje6tion  to  the  Second  Covenant ,  GaL  6.  16. 
Peace  on  them  that  walk^  accordlhg  to  this  rnk  )    ioi  Adams  rightecwfneffe  that 
did  tye  him  to  God,  it  brake ;  hence  no  life,  nor  evidence  from  that ,  but  Faith 
is  an  everlafting  invincible  Grace,  upheld  by  the  mighty  power  of  God,  and  hence 
here  will  be  everlafting  evidente  and  peace,  i  Pet.i.^'  fvhom  though  we  fee  mtj 
jet  helieT.nng  roe  re  Joyce,     Objection.     Is  aChrlflianthenfree  from  theLawt   Anf, 
Yes ,  he  is  free  from  it  as  from  a  Covenant:  hence  though  it  be  broken  by  him, 
he  is  not  caft  out  of  Covenant,  or  favour,  but  he  is  not  free  from  it  as  a  Rule,  from 
which  if  he  fWerves  he  is  to  call  himfelf,  not  Gods  love  into  queftion :  Why  ?  be- 
caufe  it  hath  pleafed  the  Father  in  another  Covenant  to  offer  life,  give  life  ,  and 
hence  only  to  evidence  life.    What-ever  the  Law  requires  I  have ,  at  that  inftant 
I  did  believe,  I  performed  k  in  a  Saviour  by  Faith :  and  that  I  my  felf  may  do  cve- 
Iry  tittle  of  it,  I  come  unto  a  Saviour  for  it  by  Faith  ;  fo  that  when  Satan  objects 
you  have  no  Chrifi:,  nor  love  of  a  Chrift,becaufe  no  Faith,and  no  Faith  becaufe  you 
cannot  do  this  or  that.    Anfwer,  I  cannot  do  it  inde@d,I  never  undertook  it  to  have 
I  life  or  love  thus,  but  I  have  done  it  in  another ,  and  I  can  do  all  things  by  Chrift, 
I  If  he  will  help  me,  under  whofe  Grace  I  lie ,  and  hence  will  be  fo  far  from  doubt- 
ing, that  I  will  rejoyce  in  mine  infirmities ,  that  I  am  a  fit  fubjei^  for  the  power 
I  and  Grace  of  Chrift  to  fhew  it  felf  upon.  Thus  retire  to  the  Second  Covenant  ever 
*  if 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


if  ever  you  wo.ild  gee  any  fccleH  peace.  And  froril'  negleil:  of  this  flows  a  world 
of  unpeiceiblenefle  in  many  a  fpirit,  ever  complaining,  and  why?  IcannOc  do 
this  or  cLit,never  peace  novv ;  bur  cannot  ydu  lye  under  the  Lord  th'ac  he  would 
help  r  keep  here ,  and  keep  your  peace  here. 

But  mam  a  Chrlftian  that  retires  hither  hath  fjofeace ,  tmdfo  have  J  done ,  jet  find 

none  ? 

It's  then  upon  a  double  ground  which  vouare  to  avoid:  either,  i.  Becaufe 
you  have  Faith,  but  you  imprifon  your  Faith,  you  put  out  the  eyes,and  fhackle  the 
feet  of  Faith,  for  Faith  will  conquer  and  triumph  over  all  fins,,  and  fetrs  of  the 
world,  if  at  liberty,  i  John^.^.  likeaMiftcrin  a  Ship,  if  he  cwnot  fave  the 
Ship  one  wav,  let  him  have  liberty,  he  will  by  another.  As  if  it  be  Obj>(fted ,  You 
have  departed  from  Chrift,  \vhat  have  you  to  do  with  him  ?  Tie  return  faith'  Faith 

,  to  my  firit  Husband.  Ok  Butheis  angry  with  you.  -^«/._  If  he  be  angry  for 
my  departure  from  him ,  I  wilt  not  provoke  him  more  by  liaying  here,  who  knows 
but  he  may  repent?  Ok  But  you  cannot  go  to  him  with  all  your  heart.  ^»f,v. 
True,  yet  Tie  look  to  him  to  draw  me.  Ok  Bur  you  feel  nothing.  u4»p  Yet  I 
will  wait.  Ok  But  you  will  wait  in  vain.  ^«/.  Stilll'le  look  /ie  would  ke^p  me 
from  that.  Now  (lop  at  any  of  thefe,  trouble  comes,  fufter  it  to  iTiifc  it  will  find 
reft.  As  *cis  with  the  Anchor ,  let  it  down  but  little,the  fhip  drives ,  but  let  it 
down  at  full  length,  it  will  ride  in  ftorms;  then, 'tis  wre'Uing;  of  Faith  th«t  gets 
theBlelfing,  where  oppofition  makes  the  Soul  take  fafter  holdj  as  it  was  with 
Jacok  The  Wo  man  of  Canaan  got  it  thus. 

Or  2.  'Tis  becaufe  they  look  for  another  Mnd  of  Faith,  and  hence  dvn  not 
this ,  as  the  "J eves  the  Mejsiah ,  they  made  account  to  have  received  him  tn-ftate, 
and  he  came  low ;  fo  men  look  for  a  fuperlative  Faith,  but  vvant  it.  But  thus  t  he 
Soul  efpoufed  to  Chrift ,  fo  long  as  Marriage-Covenant  lafts,  ftie  may  conclude  of 
love. 

Do  not  fear  the  love  of  Chrift  is  not  toward  you ,  becaufe  he  hides  his  face,  and 
departs  fom.e  times  from  you;  Husbands  rem.ain  fo  when  they  depart,  and  leave 
thehoufefor  m.any  a  day  ,  and  'tis  fimple  to  fay  he  is  not  my  Husband  now.  So 
here  the  Lord  loves  his  people,  yet  departs,  JfaU  54.  i}^,3)4>5,5,'7.  and  truly 'tis 
very  hard  when  inward  blows,  and  fad  defertions,  and  outward  aiiferics ,  and  no 
Chrift  found,  though  fought  for.  ButhovV  fhatl  I  th^n  ktiovv  and  difcern  His 
love?  ^nfw.  Many  thinjs  might  be  laidthis  way ,  only  one  thing  obferve,  whe- 
ther thy  love  remains  ftill  to  him  for  himfelf ;  for  it's  a  rule  that  moft  commonly 
a  chriftians  pureft  and deareft  love  appears  in  Chriftsabfence  from  him.  As  'tis 
with  Friends,  v\hile  with  us  we  love  them. ,  but  when  gone,  we  feel  that  love 

j  mo.e  quick  than  before.  Jemfalem  lies  in  the  duft ,  and  now  the  very  duii  is  be- 
loved/p/k/.  102.13,14.  and  if  it  be  fo,  it's  certain  we  love  him  becaufe  be  loved 

I  us,  and  we  continue  to  love  him,  becaufe  he  continues  to  love  us ;  now  look  then 

I  ifthy  love  do  riot  appear ,  1.  In  mourning  for  his  abfence.  2.  In  longing  for 
his  prefence.     3 .  In  blelling  him  for  a  little  that  is  left  of  himfelf ,  as  feeing  fuch 

>want  of  him ;  and  is  not  this  for  him.felf  to  have  his  compafiy  again  ,  that  though 
God  gives  thee  all  other  things,yet  vA/hen  thou  com.eft  ro  confider  the  Lord  is  gone, 
this  ftrikes  near,  as  when  Chrift  departed  away ,  John  16.  5  ^6.  But  becaufe  love 
may  be  benummed,  and  lye  dead ,  therefore  try  it  a  tiTie  of  parting ,  and  put  thy 

!  heart  thus  to  it ;  if  he  be  none  of  thine ,  then  take  thy  fill  in  thy  fin  ,  and  forfake 

I  him :  no  Beloved,  here  you  lliall  fee  the  heart  will  yeild  and  melt ,  John  13.3,4, 
5, ^,  &c.  and  it  will  fay,  Lord  let  m.e  never  fin  more  againft  thee,  though  never  fa- 
ved  by  thee.  And  take  it  for  a  ru!e,  do  not  think  the  Lord  hath  left  off  his  love  to 
you  when  you  depart  from  him. ,  and  he  from  you :  but  lying  in  your  Departures, 
Oh  that  is  fad  ;  but  return  again ,  it  comJorts  the  Lords  heart ,  efpecially  when 
'tis  for  himfelf,  riot  for  pe^ce  and  falvation,  but  though  he  never  faves  me,  Oli  yet  I 
will  look  after  him. 

H  Look 


4P 


Oi'jeci: 


11    * 


Means'^, 


Means  4. 


Me  am  5, 


Anfw. 


Look  to  the  tender-heartednefle  of  the  Lord  Jefus,  for  if  Beloved)  all  the  doubc^i 
of  Chriftians  arife  chiefly  from  this  head  ,  from  a  hard  opinion  of  Chriil,  which! 
Satan  fuggell^,asatfirft,  (7f«.  3.  5.  that  fo  they  might  take  in  his  vvare>.  Cods 
people  do  not  know  the  tender-heartedneflfe  of  the  Lord  Jefus ;  Satan  prelencs  him 
only  in  wrath,  when  any  threats  are  fpoken,  all  thefe  are  mine  faith  the  foul ,  &c. 
And  now  if  any  Woman  lives  with  a  man  that  is  of  a  hoggifh  churliili  difpolition, 
llie  will  be  ever  doubting  of  his  love.  Men  do  not  know  it  I  fay,  and  hence  when 
any  mifery  or  trouble  comes,  they  grow  jealous  of  him  ,  which  the  Lord  takes  ex- 
ceeding ill,  Vent.  1. 27, 

Queft.     Hovp  jhdl  I  know  that  tender-heartednefs  of  Chrlfl  ? 
A'/ifw,    By  his  carriage  towards  men  when  he  was  here  on  earth ,  for  now  he  is ; 
in  Heaven  in  Glory,  and  we  know  not  what  his  difpolition  is :  therefore  his  life  on  j 
earth  was  the  living  looking-glaffe  of  his  heart  for  ever.  In  Four  Things. 
,1.  Never  any  came  to  him  that  he  caft  away ,  whatever  their  forrows  or  fins 
were,  but  healed  them  every  one  if  they  came  to  him  with  their  miferies:  for 
in  he.iling  their  miferies ,  he  did  but  fhew  his  readinefle  to  heal  them  of  their  fin- 
hence  Maithew  applies  that,  Mat.  8. 17.  He  bare  our  Infirmities. 

2.  When  men  came  to  him  for  by-ends,  not  for  himfelf  chiefly,  he  rebukes 
them  for  it,  and  fhews  he  was  more-ready  to  give  himfelfjthan  bread  to  them,  J<?^ 
6,  27. 

3 .  Thofe  tkat  were  loft,  and  fick,  and  miferable,  and  came  not  to  him,  he  wenC 
up  and  down  to  feek  andfave  them,  xhtlofi  Sheep^  Luke  19.  10,  r 

14.  Thofe  that  w'ould  none  of  his  love ,  he  pittied  and  had  compaifion  on  their 
mifery  and  fin;  as  on  them  that  were  fheep  without  a  fiiepheard;  he  mourned 
for  the  hardnefl.e  of  their  hearts :  he  wept  over  Jerufalem.  Now  iook  upon  Chrift  j 
the  fame  ftill :  thou  comeft  to  himin  iccret  to  take  away  all  iniquity,  to  give 
thee  himfelf ;  tell  me,  doft  think  the  Lord  if  here  would  reje6t  thee  ever.  2 .  But 
I  dare  not  receive  him.  Anf.  Thou  wilt  cake  Bread  from  him  daily,"  and  he  is 
more  wiUing  to  give  himfelf.  3 .  Thou  canfl:  not  come  to  him,  nor  hi  nd  him  ,  but 
only  fometimes,  nor  fee  him;  well,  but  then  he  will  feek  thee  out.  4.  Oh  but 
Loft  rejedl :  yet  he  pitties  thee  ftill.  O  think  of  this  com.paflion  of  Chrift ,  and 
make  him.  as  if  prefent ;    'tis  a  fpecial  means  to  cftablilli  the  heart  in  Believing. 

Learn  to  know  when  you  are  bound  not  to  give  way  to  your  fear  of  Gods  love  ; 
for  fometime  it  is  the  cafe  of  many  a  precious  foul ,  that  he  hath  clear  evidence  of 
Qods  love  to  him :  and  what  is  there  againft  it  ?  nothihg  but  a  fear,  what  if  I 
lliould  be  deceived  when  all  is  done  ?  and  hence  the  heart  finks  exceedingly.  As 
fome  Women  that  have  ffecial  love,  ifonce  they  cake  a  jealoufie  of  their  Huf- 
bands  love,  it's  never  removed;  So  here. 

How  ihall  I  k^noyv  this  ^ 

Firft,  If  thofe  fears  thou  haft  drive  thee  farther  from  Chrift ,  it's  clear  you  are- 
then  to  caft  them  off :  thofe  fears  that  caufe  fin  are  finful ,  but  to  be  driven  from 
Chrift  is  finful ,  Luke  5.  9,  10.  Lord  depart  from  me  y  I  am  finful-.  fear  mt 
faith  Chrift,  i  Sam.  12.  20.  they  were  ready  to  caft  off  all,  I  ear  not  ^  faith 
he;  thmkof  this,  what  *tis  you  get  by  nurfing  up  thofe  fears,  they  hinder  your 
joy  in,  and  your  love  to  Chrift ,  your  blelTmg  of  Chrirt,  caufe  a  dead  difcouraged 
heart :  nay  though  they  drive  you  to  Chrift  one  way,  if  they  drive  you  from  Chrift 
another  way  by  queftioning  his  c.-'.  re  i  concluding  agiinft  his  Truth,  never  doubt 
they  arevile,  A/^^8.  25.  wl'^y  did je  fear  O  ye  of  little  Faith.  So  far  therefore  as 
fear  drives  us  to  Chrift,  'tis  good,  otherwife  to  be  cut  oif. 

2.  If  the  Lord  hath  drawn  thy  heart  to  come  to  Chrift ,  and  when  undone,  eve- 
ry way  fccrctly  f  erfwaded  thy  heart  that  thou  ftialt  have  help  if  thou  come,  and  by 
coming  haft  received  healing  Vertues  of  thy  lufts  and  vile  ane6tions  from  the  Lord 
Jefus,  fear  not  now  ,  'tis  a  hn  to  fear  1  ftiall  not  have  help ,  as  Mark^  5«  3  3«  the 
Woman  with  the  Bloody-ifiue ,  ilie  was  afraid  fhe  had  prefumed ,  hence  came 

trembling. 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


trembling,  but  the  Lord  rold  her,  Norp  fe4r  »ot -,  be  It  knto  thee  according  to  ihj 
Faith '  only  thy  ffue  ii  but  begm  to  heal.  Whxi  fay  you ,  have  you  never  come  to 
him,  never  received  any  healing  from  him?  thitishird.  Surely 'tis  fo  ,  that  I 
would  not  be  in  my  luft  again  for  a  world. 

If  none  of  thefe  prevail,  but  the  Lord  fallows  thee  with  fears  on  fears ,  ais  wave 
on  wave,  then  fee  if  there  be  not  fome  guile  of  fpiric  in  thee ,  /.  e.  fome  fin  you 
have  or  would  give  way  to  if  you  had  aflurance  of  Gods  love.  It  was  the  fpeech  c'f 
one  to  me,  next  to  the  Donation  of  Chritt ,  no  mercy  like  this,  to  deny  aflurance 
long ;  and  why  ?  for  if  the  Lord  had  not,  1  iliould  have  given  way  to  a  loofc  heart 
and  life,  but,  &c.  fo  if  the  Lord  iliould  deal  fo  with  thee ,  it  may  be  thou  would'ft 
lye  in  thy  fins,  if  thou  had'ft  peace  there,  and  it  may  be  you  have  had-it,but  finned, 
and  not  confefled,  nor  lamented,  not  oppofed :  Tlius  it  was  with  D<€vid ,  Pfalm 
32. 1, 2,:? ,4.  Hence  when  he  confefled,  the  Lord  forgave  in  his  Confcience  his 
fin.  Men  will  withdraw  their  love  from  their  Wives  if  it  make  them  wanton, 
and  deal  fharplywiit^h  them:  fo  one  that  never  reftored  ,  could  never  get  peace; 
{ome  ever  complaining,  never  fetled,  becaufe  they  have  their  Truces  with  fin, 
and  would  have  peace  vrith  Chrift,  and  it  cannot  be.  And  this  is  a  rule  I  have 
long  held,  in  them  that  have  clear  li^ht  of  the  Gofpel],  long  denial  of  aflurance  is 
like  fire  to  burn  out  fome  fin ,  and  then  the  Lor^  will"  fpeak  peace ,  Jffdg,  10,16, 
And  therefore  take  this  counfcl,  and  God  will  tell  thee  thy  fin,  if  thou  art  defi- 
rous  that  he  ihould  find   it  out,  but  get   this  mercy  from  bim,   Zach. 

Bring  thy  heart  to  a  ftraioht ,  either  to  reject  or  receive  him  to  be  thine ,  he  is 
offered  to  be  King,  and  Saviour,  and  Lord,  and  Husband ;  now  thou  (halt  have  his 
heart,  his  hand,  his  Spirit,  his  Father,  his  Kingdom,  his  Ordinances,  his  Angels, 
himfelf  if  you  receive  him,orelfe  if  not,  you  fliall  lofc  him ,  and  then  wocfto  thee 
when  any  mercy,  anymifcry,  any  Ordinance  befalls  thee ,  forallftiall  fuck  thy 
Blood,  confume  thee,  and  fit  thee  for  eternal  ruine:  and  thenwifli,  Oh  that  I 
had  taken  him ,  but  then  too  late ;  therefore  receive  him  or  rejedl  him:  Oh  I 
cannot ;  that's  another  matter :  However  wepropound  thefe  Evangelical  com-  f 
mands  that  may  come  with  power,  and  therefore  know,  that  if  they  do  not  now, 
they  fhall  arife  again  in  time. 


Means  61 


Means ']■> 


SECT.  IL 


ExhsrtoT., 


THis  is  not  all  chat  which  makes  you  ready  for  Chrift ,  unlcfle  your  love  is  fee 
and  fixed  on  him  :  and  therefore  look  that  it  be  ready.  I  doubt  not  but 
^th'at  there  is  glowing  in  your  hearts,  fome  love  to  the  Lord ,  ic  cannot  be  that  all 
fliould  be  quenched ,  that  all  his  kindncfle  fhould  be  forgotten ,  but  remcmbred 
many  tirties  with  fome  affliction :  but  know  it ,  if  it  be  fo ,  your  lamp  is  not  yet 
in  your  hand,  nor  your  Souls  ready  to  meet  the  Lord :  For  loak  as  *tis  with  a 
mighty  Prince  thatfhall  fet  his  heart  on  fome  poor  fervant ,  and  he  requires  no 
portion  but  to  love  him  the  more ,  and  {h«  cannot  bring  her  heart  to  love  him 
more  than  other  mean  Fellows ,  isfhefitor  ready  to  beMatcht  unto  him?  So 
here:  henceyl/<«f.  10.  37.  Hethat  loves  Father  or  Mothery&c.  then  you  are  rea- 
dy \thcn  your  love  is  fit  for  fuch  an  Husband  ;  and  therefore  though  you  feel  fome 
love  under  the  allies  Cvvhen  you  ftir  up  your  hearts)  to  the  Lord  Jcfus ,  yet  if  it  be 
not  a  fit  love  bcfeeming  his  Excellency,  and  the  Glory  of  his  P^rfon,  when  you 
can  draw  out  buckets  of  love,  and  pour  ic  upon  other  things ,  but  fcarce  fetch  out 
a  drop  for  Chrift ,  and  yet  you  hope  that  will  fervcthc  turn ;  I  tell  you  no ,'  you 
are  yet  unfit  and  unready  for  him.  Look  as  it  was  with  their  offering  the  Tefti- 
monics  of  love  and  thankfulnefle ,  Mat.  1,1^.  foic*s  here.  And  therefore  my 
Exhortation  fhall  be  as  'tis  faid  in  that  Pfalm ,  C?iW  unto  the  Lord  the  ki^gdfms  of\  ^'*'*  '^*  7»  ^*  1 

H  2  the\  \ 


1 


Quefi<, 


"The^  arable  of  the 


An[w:> 


the  earth.  .Give  unto  the  Lord  the  honour  me  unto  his  Name :  So  give  to  the  Lord 
the  love  thac  is  due  unto  him,  that:  love  that  is  fit  for  him. 
what  is  that  love  the  Lord  would  have,  which  ii  fit  for  him? 
I  .Beloved,  I  bof  e  if  you  think  not  your  Blood  too  dear  for  Chrift,  you  will  not 
think  any  love  too  much  for  Chrift  :  Yet  beeauie  I  would  not  have  you  aim  at  an 
uncertain  mark,  and  llioot  at  a  venture ,  I  ("hall  fingle  out  that  love  which  I  ho^-e 
your  own  Coniciences  cannot  but  fay  is  fit.   And, 

I.  I  had  thought  to  have  fought  for  this  from  you ,  viz..  Give  the  Lord  Jefus 
but  that  love,  ho  more  love  than  thou  haft  given  to  chy  luft3,i-he  Lord  will  be  con- 
tented with  it,  i^o;;?.  6. 19.  As  )/e  have jeilded,  dec.  fonow;  but  that  it  m.ay  be 
you  may  think  this  love  too  bafe  for  him  ,  yet  give  him  but  this ,  and  the  Lord 
woutd4)C  contented  with  it,  and  accept  of  it ;  and  thofe  that  fhall  not ,  it  lliall  be 
their  Torment  in  Hell  to  think  of  this  word ;  Oh  that  I  had  given  the  Lord  Jefus 
that  love  I  gave  to  my  bafe  lufts,!  had  had  him,and  been  in  Heaven  with  him.  But 
I  wholly  preiTe  a  Second. 

1.  Do  but  love  him  as  heloveththee,  /.^."  you  cannot  anfwer  the  greatnelTe 
of  his  love,  but  do  it  for  your  mcafure  ;  If  you  cannot  pay  him  in  pounds ,  yet  pay 
him  in  pence ,  and  this  is  fit  for  him :  For  i .  He  is  worthy  of  love,  there  is  beau- 
ty in  him  why  thou  fhouldeft  defire  him  ;  there  is  none  in  thee.  2.  Thy  love 
fhall  have  a  recompence ,  2  Tim.  4. 8.  he  never  can  haverecompence  from  thee. 
3 ..  .  He  loves  thee  firft  with  his  own  love,  now  that  is  unreafonable  not  to  refle6t 
his  beams,  and  return  him  his  own  again  in  fimilitude ,  if  not  in  pa- 
rity. 

wherein  appears  the  love  of  the  Lord  to  me-^  that  fo  Imajfee  how  to  mmifejl  the  Uks 
love  to  him  ? 

He  hath  loved  thee  more  than  himfelf,  more  than  his  own  honour,  for  he  made 
himfelf  of  no  reputation ,  Fhil.'2i.j.  more  than  his  own  comforts,  he  left  the 
bofomof  a  Father,  and  bore  the  wrath  of  a  Father  for  thee;  more  than  his  own 
life,  he  faw  thy  neck  upon  the  block,  and  Gods  Axe  up  to  give  the  Bloody  Fatal 
ftroke;  and  he  came  in  thy  room,  and  loved  thy  life  more  than  his  own,  loft  his 
own  before  one  hair  of  thy  head  flnould  perifli ,  though  he  knew  thee  a  Traytor  to 
God,  and  an  enemy  to  himfelf,  Rom.  5. 10.  Rev.  1-5)^.  if  this  be  not  thus, 
woe  to  thee  living,  woe  to  thee  dying.  What  art  thou  but  a  fad  fpedlacle  hung 
up  in  thy  chains  in  this  world  for  Angels  in  -Heaven  to  fee  and  tremble  at ,  and 
for  Devils,  Sins,  and  eternal  Sorrows,  like  Fouls  of  Heaven  to  Prey  upon.  Now 
is  it  not  fit  that  thou  ihouldft  love  him  m.ore  than  thy  felf  ?  his  honour  more  than 
thine,  his  confolations  m.ore  than  thine  own,  his  Perfon  m.ore  than  thine  own , 
nay  more  than  thy  life  ?  Rev.  1 2.1 1.  I  have  known  them  whom  the  Lord  hath  re- 
vealed this  love  to,  that  have  thought  it  too  little  to  do,  and  hence  have  wi(h*d 
they  had  been  born  in  thofe  Times  that  they  might  have  laid  down  their  lives  for 
him:  Where  is  now  this  love?  Doth  not  felf-love  fwallow  up  all  ?  Lord,  what 
felf-feeking ,  felf-ferving,felf-minding,  felf-honouring,felf-pleafing,  and  the  Lord 
himfelf  and  his  love  forgot ,  as  if  chere  were  no  Chrift,  or  in  him  no  love. 

2.  He  hath  loved  thee  when  he  might  have  paffed  bythee,  and  loved  others 
that  m.idit  have  wone  the  Lord  towards  them  ( I  fpeak  after  the  m.anner  of  men  J 
rather  than  thee ;  mea  of  greater  place,  greater  gifts  and  parts ,  greater  pomp  in 
the  world,  but  ^w/.  p.  j^c^^  fhall  be  loved  ,  £/^»  hated:  he  hath  paffed  by 
Kings  with  their  Crowns,  and  now  fet  his  hedrt  on  thee  a  Babe ,  when  wife  ones 
know  him  not ;  foolifti,  when  prudent  ones  fee  him  not;  weak,  vvhenftrong 
and  mighty  receive  him  not.  Yea,  as  the  Apoftle  fpeaketh,  i  Gr.1.28.  Bafe 
things y  a)id  things  which  are  Kot.  God  hath  made  thee  nothing  in  thine  own  eies. 
Behold  his  love,  and  now  do  the  like  for  him.  It  may  be  fomtime  thy  carnal  eye 
fees  more  Glory  in  the  creature,  than  inChrLft;  more  in  the  honour  of  man, 
f  haniri  the  honour  of  a  Chrift,  &t.     And  hence  might'ft  fet  thy  heart  on  them  i 

rather  I 


ten  Virgins,  Opened  and  Applied. 


!}■ 


f  rarher  than  on  Chrift,  becauCe  ftrongly  teinpted  fo  to  do,  and  ic  may  after  feme 
fcourges  be  faved  an  lai^,  yenpafle  by  chem,  andfetthy  heart  only  on  him.  We 
judge  of  a  Friend  by  the  times  of  criall,  andofaChriftian,  by  a  time  of  temptati- 
on. Now  zB^Uam^  a  Witch  may  not  dare  in  time  of  temptation,  to  fall  into 
it.  Oh  get  one  itrain  higher,  and  go  oneftep  farther  than  a  Witch,  though  I 
might  let  my  heart  loofe  after  the  world,  I  will  not  love  it,  the  love  of  the  Lord 
deferves  it,  the  love  of  the  Lord  conftrains  m.e  to  give  my  love  to  him  and  not  to 
the  world,  though  I  might  hide  it,  and  have  pardon  for  it.  ■    ■  -  - 

3.  He  loves  thee  although  thou  vvrongert  him,  7/^.  43*22.  to  26.  when  he  is  fo 
I  wronged  that  he  is  ready  to  give  thee  up,  yet  Hof.  1 1 .  8,5?.  He  is  God  and  kdt  mm^ 

nay,whichis  more  wonderful ,where  fin  there  Grace  abounds.Hence  JDavld  makes 
this  an  Argumenr,  PfaLz^.ii.  Forgive  becaufe  'tis  great,  hndhznco.  Mofes^ 
\Deftt»Zi'9'  'Becaufe'tisaftijf-r^eckedfeofle.  ^  Oh  therefore  love  him.,  though  he 
fmites  thee,  though  he  forfakes  thee,  wherein  he  may  feem,  but  indeed  doth 
novvrong  tothee,  but  love  thee;  for  chaftifem.ent  is  part  of  the  portion  of  fon5, 
not  of  Balhrds,  Heb.  1 2 .6,8 .  But  do  as  that  w^om^n  when  iTie  cam.e  to  the  ftake, 
gave  away  her  cloaths,  fom.etoone,  fome  to  another.  Now  faremll friends^  and 
warU^  welcome  Love^  welcome  Chr'ift .  So  if  the  Lord  comes  to  take  away  all  from 
thee,  the  child  of  thy  body,  the  husband  of  thy  youth,  thewafe  of  thy  bofom, 
thecomiortsofthylife,  provifions  from  thy  family,  bread  from  thy  mouth,  bid 
fareweltothem,  give  them  into  the  Lords  hands,  and  no .v  fay,  welcome  Chrili 
Its  ufual  for  Chriftians  at  firft  converfion  and  efpoufing,  the  Lord  loves  them  dear- 
ly, and  tenders  them  ,  llaewsnothingbutlove to  them,  and  then  their  love  is 
freLh ;  afterward  come  hard  Frorts,  and  Winrer.ftorms,and  cold  blafts  of  difplea- 
fure :  Chrift  departs  from  the  Soul,  withdraws  himfelf,  hides  his  face  ,  and  fends 
fed  afflictions ;  now  the  Soul  apprehending  anger,  and  nothing  elfe,  it  grows  dif- 
couraged,  and  fo  dies :  when  if  it  could  ftay  and  wait ,  it  fhould  fee  all  from  love, 
and  doing  it  the.greateft  good.  Oh  remember  this :  he  doth  affliA  me,  he  doth 
depart  from  me ,  he  doth  fear  me  with  Hell,  yet  Tie  love  him  never  a  whit  the 
lefie :  Though  the  Lord  buries  all  the  Bleflings  he  gives  me,  yet  my  love  fhall  live^ 
and  if  itdo  fall  it  iliall  arife. 

4.  He  loved  thee  when  in  thy  low  eftate,  P/V.  1 3  <?•  2  3 .  even  w hen  as  no  eye  | 
pittied  tiiee ,  Ez.e\.  1 6.  nay  when  thou  wert  vileft,  at  the  height  of  thy  fm ,  under 
deepeft  depths  of  m.ifery,  and  rtraighteft  captivity ,  after  Friends  had  alm.oft  qea- 
fcd  to  counfel,  Word  and  Spirit  could  do  no  good  ,  after  Confcience  had  warfied 
thee.  Oh  love  him.  when  he  is  in  his  loweft  eltate  ,  when  his  enemies  perfecute 
him  5  and  his  feeming  Friends  forfake  him.  Before  you  came  to  this  Land,  you 
thought  Chrift  and  perfecution,  Chrift  and  the  meaneft  condition,  nay  Chrift  and 
death  would  be  fweet :  the  Lord  it  may  be  doth  or  will  try  your  love;  and  here 
you  find  Chrift  and  lofles  in  Eftate,  Chrift  and  crolTes  inyour  Family,  Chrift  and 
many  fears,and  toils,  and  cares.  Doyoulovehimnow  as  well  as  ever  you  did 
for  all  this  ?  Oh  never  was  my  heart  worfe  /  I  doubt  not  but  a  difcerning  Chrifti- 
an  may  fee  how  all  the  world  is  againft  Chrift,  nay  many  Traytors  in  his  own  Fa- 
mily, who  love  theba^g  more  than  Chrift.  Many  foolilTi  Virgins  who  love  their 
fleep  and  fioth  m^ore  than  Chrift ;  nay  the  hearts  and  Spirits  of  his  own  Friends 
declining ,  that  there  is  not  that  life  of  Chrift ,  that  prefence  ,  and  favour  ,  and 
power  of  Chrift  in  Hearts,  in  Prayers,  in  Lives,  and  no  complaints  of  this :  Now 
is  the  fitteft  time  of  love,  when  no  eye  fees,  vvhen  no  heart  loves  him ,  or  cares  for 
him,  /y^/w  Ii9.i2<?,  127,  Therefore  1  love  thy  commands^  when  he  is  fliut 
out  of  every  heart,  when  none  to  receive  him,  if  anylov?  it  will  appear 
now. 

5.  He  doth  love  thee  conftantly  ever  7  m.oment,  John  13.  1.2.  He  hath  thee 
every  moment  in  his  own  bofom,.  every  moment  thou  art  finning ,  and  he  is  par- 
doning.  Sin,  and  Satan,  and  Hell ,  and  wrath  are  every  moment  waiting  to  hurt 

H  3     •  the,e. 


14 


OhjeEi. 


The  Parable  of  the 


thee,  and  he  is  every  moment  watching  over  thee ,  redeeming  of  thee.  Every 
moment  (in  and  juftice  (^ry  againft  thee,  arid  yet  he  is  continually  maS^ffg  i»tercef- 
Jionforthee^  7/^1.27.2,5.  Every  moment  he  is  blelfing  when  thou  arc  fmnrng. 
Oh  the  unknown  love  of  the  Lord  Jefus .'  Oh  thefe  fits  of  love  are  not  fit  for  him. 
Love  him  every  moment,  delight  in  him  every  moment.  When  a  man  harh  a 
fire-every  moment  warming  him ,  but  ftill  is  cold ,  it's  a  fad  fign  that  Death  is 
near :  You  can  love  him  fometimes  in  a  Sermon,  but  foon  after  co  Id  again  ,  or  in 
a  Sacrament,  and  prefently  heart-dead  again :  or  after  anfwer  to  Prayers, and  fome 
fpcciaX-deUvefances,  and  then  the  heart  is  un-affe6>cd  again  y  and  fo  a  Untie  pang 
of  love  muft  content  Chrill :  if  he  ceafeth  one  moment  to  love  thee,  and  to  mani- 
feft  it  to  thee,  then  ceafe  to  love  him ;  if  he  ceafeth  not  to  love  thee  dearly  ,  never 
to  leave  thee.  Oh  then  ever  love  him. 

But  we  haveffich  dlftraEilons  and  cares  ? 

Men  in  love  will  follow  their  work ,  and  Women  will  do  the  Hufwifry  of  the 
houfe,  and  yet  love  is  ac  notimetofeektotheir  Husbands,  and  fhallthe  Lord 
have  leffe  ? 

5.  He  loves  thee  with  an  unmcafurable  love.  Rem.  5.  20.  where  /?«,  there  Grace 
hathaboHtidedx  hence f;*^.  2.  3,4.  I;^ove-,^nA great  loye^  verf.'j.  Exceeding  riches 
of  his  Grace :  For  there  is  in  Chritt. 

X .  A  created  love.  Onfi  man  loves  another  exceedingly,  as  Jonathan  did  Dat 
j  vid.  Now  he  hath  the  perfedlion  of  all  humane  or  Angelica!  love  towards  his 
Ipeoplcputinhim. 

2.  Incrcated  love,  infinite  Icvq  of  a  God ,  and  hence  'tis  immeafurablc.    He 
thinks  nothing  he  doth  too  much ,  nothing  he  gives  too  dear :  hence  when  world 
is  flain,Satan  caft  out^  when  he  is  out  fin  mutt  out ;  when  fome  fins  removed ,  the 
rctt  muft ;  when  they  arc  out,  then  death  muft ;  when  Death,  then  Hell.     And 
when  there  is  no  life,  no  Grace,  he  works  it  1  it  dccaics ,  he  reftores  it  •  it  cannot 
a(fi,  he  quickens  it ;  it  cannot,  doth  not  grow,  he  waters  it.    He  hath  given  thee 
the  earth,  and  the  daycs  of  peace  and  patience ;  thofe  are  too  Ettle ;  he  calls  thee, 
and  when  thou  canft  not  come,  draws  thee ,  and  gives  thee  pardon :  that  is  too 
little :  he  gives  earth  to  thee,  that  is  too  little :  (  world  is  theirs  )  he  gives  Hea- 
ven to  th^^ ,  that's  too  little  Cfor  they  are  made  Co-heirs: )  he  gives  promife  co 
thee,  that  ;s  too  little :  he  gives  himfelf,  and  Spirit  ^  and  can  he  do  m.ore  ?  Yes, 
wc  cannot  drink  in  all  that  goodneifc  and  love ;  hence  he  gives  eternity  to  thee, 
and  he  fhall  more  and  more  enlighten  thee  ••  not  only  let  thy  Soul  live  to  blcfie 
him,  but  thy  poor  body ,  and  every  duft  of  it  to  be  raifed  up, to  Glory  with  him.. 
What  the  Lord  promifed  to  Abraham:,  In  hlejfing  1  mli ^lefcythtt  portion  is  thine. 
Oh  now  love  him  without  meafure.    Oh  how  I  love  thy  law !  how  did  David  love 
It}  I  cannot  tell  j  butif  he  loved  the  word  of  Chriff,  then  much  more  the  pcrfon 
ofChriftjtheprefenceof  Chrift,  everlafting  fellowlhip  with  Chrift.    On  take 
heed  of  giving  Chrift,  and  meafuring  out  unto  Chrift  his  portion ,  his  allowance  , 
that  when  the  Lord  comes  to  you  for  more  love  (^as  he  doth  daily  j  you  give  him 
that  anfwer  which  many  do  in  their  pj^a6lice,  you  have  let  him.  have  as  much  as 
you  can, :  fothat  you  cannot  fpare  anymore  from  your  felves ,  from  a  bafe  world, 
frorrkWifc,  and  Child,  and  Creature,  from  a  florhful  courfe:  ysu  hope  the 
Lord  will  accept  of  that  little  he  hath.    I  confefle  a  little  water  in  a  Spring  is  bet- 
ter than  m.uch  that  co'iies  by  Land-floods,  but  be  fure  it  be  a  Spring ,  elfe  not  ac- 
cepted.   Beloved,  time  was  you  lived  without  Chrift,  did  nothing  for  him  »•  now 
you  do ;  and  what  thou  doft  this  year ,  did'ft  laft  year ,  and  no  more  :  what  love 
Chrift  had  yefterday,  the  fame  he  hath  to  day  and  no  more :    Will  you  thus  ftinc 
the  Lord  ?  Either  do  more,  give  more ,  or  m.ourn  you  cannot:  Oh  one  Hfc,  one 
heart  is  too  little  for  him.    It  hath  put  me  to  fad  fears  of  many  mens  eftates  ^  to 
fee  this  frame ,  a  world  of  fin  without  meafure  every  day  :   where  is  the  Chriftian 
that  loves  the  Lord  the  more  everyday  ?  how  can  any  then  fay  much  is  forgiven, 
whtn  thcydo  not  love  much.  7»  ^"^ 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied, 


!5 


7.  He  loves  thee  now  in  Glory  ,  there  hath  prepared  a  place  for  rhee,J(9i^»  14- 
1,2, 5.  where  he  long >  for  thee,  John  17.  24.  You  know /'/;<2r<%'/)'s  Butler  when 
exalted  to  his  place,  forgot  poor  J^/^p/?.     One  would  think  now  the  Lord  Jefus 
is  in  Glory,  and  hath  God,  and  Angels ,  and  his  Kingdom  to  content  him  ,  he 
fhould  never  look  after  fuch  a  worm,  fuch  a  poor  helpleile  creature  as  thee.     But 
as  the  High  Priert  c:irried  the  Names  on  his  brealt,  and  precious  iioncs,fo  the  Lord 
Jefus  hath  thy  Name  writ  upon  his  very  heart.     Oh  now  love  him  when  he  exalts 
thee  to  Glory  ,  to  give  thee  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven  on  earth,  with  peace  and 
quietnefie.     When  Germany  lies  in  blood,  and  Eaftern  Churches  flam  by  the  Dra- 
gon, devoured  by  the  T«ri^,  when  EngUnds  lights  and  lamps  are  going  out ,  no 
people  have  fuch  peace,  fuch  glory  in  io  fmall  a  time.  Beloved,  now  where  is  love? 
The  Churches  of  Chrift  never  loft  their  love  fo  much  as  when  they  had  their  peice 
and  have  been  1600  years  a  learning  by  AlHiiHons  and  Perfecutions ,  how  to  en- 
joy their  peace,  and  to  have  their  love  fmell  as  fweet  then,  as  when  beaten  mo  ft, 
and  yet  have  not,  but  like  the  Globe  without  the  Crolle  in  the  Emblem  roUino 
and  running  farther  and  farther  from  God  ,  In  Crme  qutes.    Oh  unreafonable  zo 
love  himieaft  whom J^e  tenders  moli    Doth  not  Prayer  grow  cold  for  the  Name 
ofChrift,for  the  Churches  of  Chrift?  then  love  grows  cold.    Doth  not  plenty 
of  means  make  thy  foulfleight  means :  vvhen  you  went  many  miles  to  hear ,  and 
hid  fcarce  bread  at  home.  Oh  you  thought  if  once  you  had  {uch  liberties/  but 
when  they  are  made  yours,  now  what  fruit.    Doft  not  fall  in  affe61:ions  to  Saints? 
Oh  love  dies,  Chrift  deals  not  fo  with  thee ,  and  who  knows  but  in  Rocks  and 
Mountains  of  the  Wildernefle  thou  maift  lament  thefe  evils  which  peace  breed  ' 
now  ? 

8.  He  loves  thee  fo  as  when  any  evil  toucheth  thee  ,  he  bath  a  feeling  of  it,  and 
is  grieved  at  it,  Jud.  10.  i^.  I[al.  63. 9^  nay  he  then  comforts  thee  moft,bothin 
them,  and  by  them,  Johft  14. 27.  JVot  as  the  world  gives  feace^  [ogive  1  it  to  yoa  : 
Oh  then  grieve  thou  for  thole  evils  that  betide  him ,  the  wrongs  that  others  offer 
him,  but  efpecially  the  unkindneflTe  thy  own  Soul  ftiews  him  ,  Mcrrkj^.  3.  He 
mottrned  for  the  hardnsjfe  of  their  heart ,  Eph.^.  29,  30.  Let  no  corrupt  commk^ 
nlcation  proceed  am  of  your  mouth  ,  zw^  grieve  not  the  Holy  Ghofl  ^  Heb.  5.  lo, 
^orty  years  long  was  I  grieved  becanfe  they  erred ;  I  confefle  you  will  Wrong 
him,  butwill  you,  muft  you  be  impenitent  too?  Did  his  enemies  grieve  him  on 
earth ,  and  lliall  his  Friends  grieve  him  in  Heaven  ,  and  no  forrows ,  no  fecret 
tears?  he  hath  lined  his  Blood  for  thy  (in,  it  {hall  never  condemn,  and  wilt  not 
thou  fl-'.ed  tears .?  Is  there  no  good  Nature  ?  Bat  what  is  there  no  fpirit  of  mourn- 
ing ?  It  may  be  many  a  day  and  week  haft  thou  grieved  him ,  and  not  a  ftgh  to  any 
purpofe  to  eafe  rhee  of  thy  tin,  but  what  hath  eafed  thee  in  thy  fin.  Oh  now  com- 
fort his  heart  cigain  after  thou  haft  moft  grieved  him ;  comfort  his  Spirit  that  is 
dying  :ighing  in  thee ;  as  he  comforts  thee  by  thy  troubles,comfort  him  by  making 
a  righcufe  of  all  thy  fins  to  be  more  humble,  more  vile,to  love  him.  the  m.ore ,  and 
love  thy  felf  the  lelfe ,  as  the  Prodigal  Son,  Luke  1 5. 18, 20,  24. 

9.  He  loves  rhee  fo,  that  though  he  departs,  he  will  not ,  doth  not  ftay  long 
from  thee,  though  you  may  think  it  long,  /^<.  54.7.  Hence  it's  wonder  to  fee 
when  heart  gone,  love  loft ,  life  loft ,  yet  fuddenly  thou  art  brought  down  on  thy 
knees  :  Oh 'd?;  the  Lord  chat  doth  it:  Thou  waft  in  forrow  of  heart,  he  did  not 
ftay  long,  but  came  and  comforted  thee  ;  thou  waft  in  thy  fins ,  it  was  not  long 
but  he  delivered  thee;  thou  waft  in  want  of  knowledg  of  him,  it  hath  not  been 
long  but  that  he  hath  revealed  the  Lord  to  thee  ;  thou  haft  been  in  aflflid^ions  and 
troubles,  it  hath  not  been  long  but  he  hath  heard  thee :  So  give  him  the  like  love. 
I  know  you  will  fall  from  him  in  love,  in  delight ,  in  care  ;  but  do  not  ftay  long 
from  him.  Sometime  thebaits  of  the  world  will  draw  thee  from  him  when  thou 
haft  thy  c  ife  and  peace,Oh  think  it  was  better  with  me  once  than  now ;  when  fears 
drive  thee  from  him,  yet  return ,  i  Sam.  12.21,22.  Oh  here  is  that  which  har- , 

dens/ 


•i^ 


The^F  arable  of  the 


Quefl., 

Anfw. 


dens  hearts ,  breaks  your  peice ,  and  grieves  the  Lord  fo  as  he  is  forced  to  fend 
many  fad  afftidions ,  becaufe  you  lie  in  your  falls :  Oh  be  nor  Jong^  no:  far  froni. 
him.  He  returns  to  thee  when  thou  art  moft  unkind  to  him :  return  when  he  is 
ever  kind.  He  returns  to  thee  though  he  hath  no  need  of  thee  ,  thou  hall  oF  him; 
He  wlllnot  leave  thee:  Oh  leave  not  him  / 

I o.  He  hath  from  before  all  worlds  loved  thee,  when  no  reafon  fo:  it,  Jer.  3 1 . 
1,2,^.  Thou  hal^  negle(*led  to  love  him  long,  all  thy  youth,  nayicmiy  be  all 
thy  life ;  Oh  you  beloved  of  the  Lord  begin  to  do  it  now,  whc  i  there  is  all  reifoi 
for  it ,  when  Heaven  calls  for  it.  Earth  calls  for  it ,  Ordinance?  plead  for  it,  Spi- 
rit faith  come  ,  and  calls  for  it  too.  It  may  be  thy  life  is  not  long.  Whit  not 
yec  ? 

But  horvjhall  I  come  to  do  this,  thus  to  love  the  Lord  ? 

The  Lord  only  can  plant,  can  water  this  Grace,  yet  becaufe  the  Lord  dorh  it  by 
mean^s,  I  will  give  you  fome  now. 

I  L  Labour  to  tind out  the  true  fweetneffe ,  and  to  calk  the  bicternefle  of  the  de- 
ceitful fvveetnefle  of  all  Creatures,  for  this  is  a  rule  in  reafon  ,  a  mans  affeilions 
;  like  l^reams  muft  run  fome  way :  and  'tis  a  rule  in  Theology ,  Ikp  the  affedlion? 
j  from  running  to  the  Creature,  and  in  a  lincere  heart  it  will  run  unto  Chriil,  Hof.  2. 
6,7.  if  it  be  from  all  creatures  :  Now  then  the  affe6\ion  is  turned  from  the  Crea- 
ture, when  it  finds  the  bitternelTe  of  the  deceiving  fwectnefle  of  it :  and  Second- 
ly finds  out  the  reilfweecneflfe  of  it ;  for  make  it  as  a  rule,  when  a  mans  heart 
cannot  love  Chrift  (unleffe  it  be  when  it  is  benumm.ed J  'tis  becaufe  he  hath  fome- 
vthat  elfe  to  joy  his  he  arc ;  now  let  the  Creature  yeild  you  no  more  joy,  and  Chr'ft 
hath  your  love :  indeed  you  may  and  muft  joy  in  the  real  fweetnefle  of  it,  and  this 
will  encreare,and  nor  diminifh  your  love. 

Quell.     fVhat  is  the  real  [weetnejfe  of  the  Creature  f 

jiiifw.  Chrills  love  :  Oh  fee  this,  if  Chrift  fhould  not  love  thee  ,  would  not 
thy  life  be  death  ,  thy  Salvation  from  many  dangers  be  Damnation ,  thy  Friends 
miferablc  comforters,  thy  joy  es  for  rows?  what  good  would  any  thin^  do  thee  if 
thou  hadft  thefe  thoughts,  all  thefe  I  have,  but  wrath  with  them  ?  What  comfort 
can  a  man  take  in  his  Feaft,  ifnews  were  then  brought  that  after  'tis  done,  you 
muft  go  to  the  ftaketo  be  burnt  ?  You  that  joy  in  your  paftime> ,  one  frown  of 
Chrift  would  blaft  all.  Oh  fee  this ,  Pfalm  63.  Thy  loving-kifidnejfe  is  better  than 
life ,  in  thy  favour  is  life.  Now  joy  for  this,  and  this  will  knit  your  heart  nearer 
to  him.  For  Jefus  fake  ponder  this  Point. 

Now  2.  TaftethebitternefTeof  thcfweetnelfe  remaining  now  'tis  diflilledj 
■  and  Satan  ftiews  a  Three-fold  fweetnefs ,  before,  in ,  and  after  the  enjoying  of  it. 
I  Now  I .  Before ,  remember  how  they  have  drawn  away  and  ^held  thy^  heart 
from  God,  done  thee  more  hurt  than  all  afflictions,  many  a  fweet  fmile  hadft 
i  thou  had  from  God,  but  for  them. 

2.  In  the  enjoying  of  it 'tis  fweet,  but  when 'tis  fweet  to  thee,  'tis  then  moft 
bitter  to  the  heart  of  God  -,  when  thy  joy  is  kindled ,  the  Lords  forrow  is  ftirred 
up  and  provoked. 

5.  After.  I.  It  will  draw  thy  heart  from  God:  and  2.  It  will  be  bitter  in 
thy  belly  at  laft.  Whatever  fweccneffe  draws  thee  from  the  love  of  Chrift ,  Oh 
it  will  be  bitter.  Ront,  6.21.  Chew  upon  this,  and  fee  if  any  thing  here  be  wor- 
thy of  your  loy ,  and  if  not,  then  return  to  your  firft  Husband. 
II.Tafte  the  allfufficicncy  of  the  love  of  cHriftra  Woman  that  is  not  content  with 
her  Husbands  love,  fl^e  will  not  love  him  as  'tis  fit.  So  when  other  things  miake 
love  to  us,  and  the  Lords  love  is  not  enough,  r^^f.  1.4.  Mors  than  wii^e -.  hence 
the  upright  love  thee.  Do  but  fit  down  and  think  what  this  is :  If  once  he  loves 
j  thee,  wnat-ever  he  can  he  will  do  for  thee ,  he  will  order  all  thy  life,  not  one  thing 
fhall  hurt  thee ,  every  thing  in  providence  fhall  work  for  thy  glory,  fins,  forrows, 
&c.  fp  as  thou  fhalt  fay  his  denyals  are  better  than  his  gifts ,  his  blows  better 

than 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 

thanfmiles,  his  withdrawings  better  than  his  prefence ,  thefei'etils  better  than 
joyes,  and  when  once  he  loves  me ,  he  will  never  leave  me  ,  that  come  life,  cbnie 
death,  I  am^fafe.  Ohtaftcthis/ 

III.  See  the  Lord  Jefus  now  as  he  is,and  in  truth  this  were  enough  to  make  any 
prophane  heart  love  him,  m.uch  more  a  Saint  efpoufed  to  him ,  but  the  Lord  hath 
hid  himfelf  from  their  eyes,  iliall  he  be  fo,  is  he  io  from  yours  ?  i  Pet-  i .  8.  when 
feeing  not  with  bodily  sjes ^  but  with  Faith.,  ye  love  him  ,  i  J&hn  5;  i,  2j  5.  we 
jhall  fee  him  as  he  is  .  Why  fuppofe  the  day  of  doom  was  come ,  Chriit  in  the 
clouds,  and  all  creatures  before  him.,  all  Angels  m.iniftringto  him,  in  all  the  Glory 
of  his  Father ;  Oh  then  the  love  of  Chrift  ,  Oh  one  fmile  ,  one  word  of  Chrift 
would  bs  precious.  Lord  that  mien  fhould  be  in  a  Dream  /  See  Chrift  a  little 
higher  let  in  his  Throne,  a  place  more  glorious,  though  lefle  feen,  in  all  the  Glory 
of  his  Father,  all  mighty  Angels  miniftring  to  him,  all  the  world  put  into  his  hand, 
doing  what  he  will,and  all  he  will ',  why  will  you  not  love  liim  now  ?  Is  the  Gofpel 
a  Fable  ?  fay  fo  if  it  be ,  then  love  him  not  if  you  can.  When  Simeon  ahd  the 
Wife  m.en  faw  him,  though  but  in  his  abafement,  they  honoured  him.,m.uch  more 
^now  if  fee  him  in  glory.  It's  a  queftion  whether  the  beams  of  the  Sun  are  fire : 
Some  demonftrate  it  thus ,  Take  a  Glafie  and  gather  together  the  beaqis, it  burns. 
Therefore  fo  if  you  would  fee  fo  as  to  be  affected ,  gather  together  the  beam.s  of 
his  glory  and  love ;  Thus  you  fee  th  e  means  to  get  fit  love ,  and  if  it  be  loft ,  Oh 
now  get  it  again,  left  the  Lord  ftrain  for  it,  elfe  you  are  not  fit ,  and  if  it  be  not  any 
love  that  fufficeth ,  much  lelTe  n©  love,  as  in  many  of  you :  but  conhder  i  Cor.  16, 
^2,  He  that  loves  not  Chrift ^  let  him  be  acmrfed :  Oh  that  this  m.ight  be  won  from 
you,  O  little  love  goes  out  to  Chrift,who  fees  it  not  ?  Ordinances  of  Chrift,  m.en  are 
weary  of  them  5  the  truths  of  Chrift,  defpife  them,  the  Servants  of  Chrift,  they 
quarrel  with  them.    Now  recover  your  Love,  the  Lord  help  you  fo  to  do. 


SECT.    III. 

TO  do  the  work  of  Chrift,  to  be  daily  at  it,  and  finifhing  of  it ;  for  look  as  it 
was  with  the  Head,  'tis  fo  with  all  the  Members  that  are  to  remain  a  While 
in  this  life,  they  have  fome  work  to  do  for  the  Lord;,  fome  comm.on,  fomefpc- 
cial  work ,  and  when  that  is  done,  now  they  are  ready  to  return  hom.e  a<7ain. 
Hence  John  17. 4,  5.  /  have  finijhed  the  tvork^^  and  now  he  ftands  at  the  door 
and  knocks,  and  is  ready  for  entrance ,  Nowglorlfe  me  mth  thy  felf  y  and  you 
ftiall  find  a  faithful  heart  will  neither  be  willing  nor  ready  to  go  till  this  is 
done. 

what  is  this  worj^  ]  am  to  do  ? 

I  have  anfwcrcd  this  elfc-where  at  large ,  yet  thefe  two  things  I  would  fay. 

1.  That  a  mans  chief  work  lies  not  in  facile  duties,  for  though  Grace  and 
Chrifts  Spirit  makes  duties  eafie,  his  yoke  e-afie ;  yet  there  is  a  contrary  Spirit  that 
will  make  them  hard  and  difficult  at  firft. 

2.  Leaft  I  {hould  leave  you  unfatisfied  altogether ,  we  fhall  find  a  chriftian  life 
is  carried  with  a  double  motion:  i.  InfeekingofGodinhis  Ordinances.  2*  Or 
in  walking  with  God  out  of  his  Ordinances,  thefe  are  joyned  together,  Gen.  6.8, 
9.  Noah  found  Grace,  hence  fought  it,  though  not  in  thie  eyes  of  the  world :  and 
hence  JVoah  walked  with  God.  Hence  we  fee  Chrift  was  fometime  in  the  Mount 
alone,  Sometime  abroad  going  up  and  down  doing  good.  Mofts  in  the  Mount 
and  in  the  Camp  too.  Now  look  as  before  a  man  is  juftificd,  his  chief  work  then 
is  to  feek  God  in  his  Ordinances  for  a  principle:  foa  foul  now  efpoufed  to  Chrift 
is  to  walk  with  Chrift  :  now  walking  implies  conftant  following  of  another ,  or  a 
continual  work;  fo  Chrift  hath  work  for  you  every  moment.  Hence  in  every 
company,  time,  place,  temptation,  enquire  thus ,  Am  I  hot  like  to  lofe  my  time, 

^^ I  my' 


n 


Exhort-  Si 


Qnefl. 
Anfn^ 


-«*^,_ 


S8 


The  T  arable  of  the 


my  heart,  Chrifts  honour  ?  What  work  hath  Chrift  for  me  to  do  ?  hold  here  ,  for 
here  lies  your  work.  Look  as  an  ambitious  man  asks ,  how  ferves  this  for  my  ho- 
nour ,  and  Satan  hovY  he  may  diflionour  Chrift ;  fo  do  you  ask,  how  you  may  ho- 
nour him,  Rom. 6-  ^9-  Asjouhave  given  jour  [elves  inflrnments  of  ImqHity  ^  &c. 
And  now  becaufe  we  live  in  times  and  places  wherein  men  have  fo  much  work  of 
their  own  to  do,  thatChriftisneglected,  wherein  very  few  walk  with  God.  Hence 
men  taking  mens  examples  for  patterns  and  copies  of  their  courfe ,  concent  them- 
feives  to  do  as  others  do :  And  this  being  aclofe  a6l,  mainly,  conhftingin  what  is 
unieen  j  and  becaufe  men  arc  apt  to  put  off  Chrift  wich  defires,  and  fervc  Satan  in- 
deed ,  and  becaufe  apt  to  refolve  all  Religion  into  fome  two  or  three  duties  or 
Graces,  and  becaufe  mens  hearts  are  catching  at  comforts  and  promifes ,  but  com- 
mands tedious  and  burdenfome  %  I  (hall  prefle  this  upon  rhefe  Motives ;  only  here 
let  me  premife  when  I  prelTe  you  to  this ,  'cisnotto  a  Covenant  of  Works,  as 
though  you  could  zdi  your  feives,  but  we  look  to  Chrifts  Blood  and  Spirit  to  fet  on 
things;  I  fpeak  to  them  under  Grace,  who  have  the  Spirit  without,  and  Faith 
within  to  a6t  and  carry  them  here.    But 

1 .  Whofe  work  will  you  do  ?  you  cannot  ceafe  to  do  Chrifts  work  j  but  you 
muft  do  your  own  work ,  (I  fpeak  not  for  idlenefle  )  /.  e.  you  muft  ferve  your  luft; 
now  coniider  what  good  did  thy  felf  ever  do  thee ,  nay  Satan  never  fuch  an  eneny 
as  thy  own  felf  •*  and  will  you  fall  down  to  fuch  an  Im^e  ?  Shall  thy  lufts  have 
content  more  and  rather  tha  n  Chrift  > 

2.  Conftder  the  Lord  will  take  care  and  charge  of  thee ,  to  do  thy  work  ,  to 
bring  about  thy  ends  for  thee,  do  but  thou  do  his.  Manha  "^^s  cumbred  about 
many  things^  hence  forfook  the  becter  part :  fo  men  negle6l,  forget  Chrifts  work, 
becaufe  of  fo  many  diftradions  of  their  own.  What  will  become  of  my  hundred 
Talents?  vvhatwill  become  of  my  Wifej  Child?  N'owdo  you  take  care  of  the 
Lords  work,  take  that  for  your  charge,  and  the  Lord  will  take  charge  of  you.  The 
beft,  reidieft,  and  only  way  to  have  your  own  ends,  is  to  feek  the  Lordsjand  forget 
your  own.  As  in  Solomon^  his  great  work  and  care  was  to  rule  a  State  well,and  the 
Lord  gave  all  the  reft.  Set  thy  face  to  the  Sun,  and  thefe  ftiadows  will  follow  you. 
The  Servant  takes  charge  of  his  Mafters  work,  and  he  need  not  trouble  himfelffor 
meat  and  drink,  and  ^  cfj^^?"-!?. 

Firft,  there  ftiall  not  any  evill  hurt  thee  ,  vvhereas  elfe  thy  good  things  ftiall, 
Ifa'u  27.  3^ 

Sseondly ,  All  Creatures  in  Heaven  and  Earth  ftiall  ferve  that  man  that  ferves 
his  God,  JIof.2.  21,23-.  whereas  elfe  they  groan  under  thee. 

Thirdly ,  Angels  ftiall  come  out  of  Heaven  to  guard  thee. 

Fourthly ,  Nay  the  Lord  Jefus  himfelf  ftiall  ftand  at  the  top  of  the  ladder,  that 
when  every  thin^  elfe  fhall  leave  thee,he  fhall  then  bring  the  beft  wine  at  the  laft, 
he  will  be  a  portion  to  ihee^Pfalm  16.  Phil.  3.8. 

3.  Confider  thai  the  more  difficult  any  duty  is ,  the  more  fweetneffe  fhall  you 
receive  if  you  break  through  it :  Men  plead  difficulty,  I  plead  gain.  Hence  he  that 
overcomes  fhall  eat  of  the  hidden  Manna  :  Hence  never  any  fo  comforted,honou- 
red  as  Chrift,becaufe  never  any  went  through  fo  hot  a  work  for  the  Father  as  Chrift, 
Phil.  2.  You  plead  the  difficulty  of  achriftian  life,  andtafte  not  the  fweemeffc  of 
that  life :  if  you  can  do  no  more  than  what  is  eafie,and  pleafeth  felf ,  the  Lord  will 
never  let  you  tafte  the  fweetnefle  of  pleaftng  him.  Have  you  not  fometiraes  found 
your  hearts  dead  to  Prayer,  yet  you  fell  to  it,and  then  would  not  but  have  took  the 
feafon  for  a  world.' 

4.  Confider,  let  theduty  be  to  Nature  impoffible,  yet  the  Lord  is  at  hand  to 
hdp ,  ■  even  when  no  ftrength ,  Ifd.  40.  29.  Nay  Heb.  11.34.  Out  of  weakneffe 
were  wade  firong .  If  you  had  no  Chrift,  no  Spirit ,  no  Promife>  to  sfture  you  of 
help,  you  might  then  ceafe^ing ,  and  fay 'tis  impo'fible  Ifliould  ever  overcome 
fuch  evils ,  attain  to  that  meafure :  but  when  Promifes  to  affure ,  and  Chrift  and 

-  Spirit 


ten  Virgjm  Opened  and  JppUed. 


S9 


Sj.idt  at  hand  ,  now  lo  plead  impoliibility,  is  to  reproach  the  Lord;  to  think  he 
will  fee  bis  people  to  make  Brick,  and  give  them  no  draw  :  nay  to  war  againil  God 
and  to  make  the  Lord  war  againi^  you  ,  Numb.  14.  You  know  how  rhey  cried  out 
of  im.polTibilities,  and  now  the  Lords  anger  role  when  they  were  ready  to  enter 
Canaan  :  So  when  men  are  ready  to  enter  upon  pofle  fionof  Chrift,  and  Promifes, 
then  impoflibil' tic;  appear.  Confider  therefore  what  the  Lord  hath  done  for  T>a- 
vid-iGideon^  Sam  [on  ^  who  went  out  in  the  rame  and  Spirit  of  the  Lord  ,  and 
\vere  helped :  If  you  were  under  the  Law ,  you  might  plead  this ,  but  under  Grace 
'ds  horrible  to  make  this  excule.  j 

5.  Confider  if  the  Lord  do  not  help  ('as  he  will  be  freej  yet  he  will  accept  thy 
will,  I  know  he  will  not  accept  the  wiflies  of  fervants,  yet  he  will  acce^^t  the 
will  of  Sons ;  neither  will  he  accept  the  will  of  Sons  in  a  work  they  might  have 
ftrength  from,  him  to  do,  and  go  not  to  him  for  it ;  bur  in  th.it  cjfe  he  will ,  as 
2Gr.  12.9.  1.6.  'tis  enough,  I  accept  thee  :  and  this  is  very  fweet ,  that  for  his 
ovvn  fake  he  lliould  be  pleafed  as  well  with  the  will  as  with  the  work/or  this  is  that 
which  troubles ,  I  would  have  help ,  the  Lord  gives  none ;  why  the  Lord  accepts 
of  in  as  if  thou  didil  it ,  as  in  Davids  building  a  Temple :  For  a  Chriftians  work  is 
done  two  wayes. 

Firft,  Sometimes  by  feeling,  when  we  feel  help. 

Secondly,  Som.e  tim.es  by  Faith  ,  by  going  to  another  for  it :  and  this  the  Lord 
accepts  mort  mercifully,  for  this  is  his  Vidory  over  all  Tin,  even  his  Faith.  When 
we  fee  a  duty  hard,  and  do  not  go  to  the  Lord  for  he!p,then  we  are  overcome  pro- 
perly ;  For  out  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart  the  perfon  acls  for  Chrift. 

6.  Confider  the  Lord  will  honour  thee  f  though  the  work  doth  not)  John  12. 
^6.  Him  will mj Father  honour^  both  in  this  life,  Rom.  2.  29.  and  in  that  to  come. 
Now  as  'tis  in  acting  parts,  'tis  no  matter  v\'hat  Fe!low-a6lers  think ,  God  is  the 
great  Spectator,  God  will  efleem  of  thee,  and  Confcience  fhall  witneflfe  as  much 
when  no  eye  fees,  or  when  men  fee  and  judge  amifTc  ,_yeL4he  Lord  approves , 
and  at  the  great  Day  before  Men  and  Angels,  and  all  the  world ,  1  Cor.  4.  5.  Then 
^dleveryman  have  praife  of  God :  and  hence  Mat.  25.  Chrills  judgement  is 
made  according  to  the  works  of  his  people  :  becaufe  then  they  fhall  not  be  com- 
pared with  themfelves  and  their  fins,  but  with  the  wicked:  and  hence  to  fet  out 
their  glory,he  reckons  up  all  they  have  done.  All  m.en  in  all  their  afts  feek  to  avoid 
{ham.e,  and  attain  honour :  now  if  you  did  know  a  way  for  all  men  in  the  world  to 
honouryou,  would  you  not  attend  it  ?  what  is  their  Dream.s  to  Gods  honour? 
Hence  not  one  ad  but  is  now  chronicled ,  Mai.  3. 16.  and  afterward  rewarded, 
I  Cor.  15.  58.  Oh  then  give  content  to  the  Lord. 

7.  Confider  the  peace  you  fhall  have  by  this  m.eans ,  both  while  you  live ,  and 
when  you  dye  :  what's  the  caufe  of  fo  many  doleful  clamours  of  Confcience ,  but 
a  loofecareleffe  heart,  the  Lord  is  negMed  ;  that  when  one  pleads  Faith^  it  will 
be  rcplyed,  the  true  Faith  is  the  Faith  of  the  Son  of  God.  Now  is  the  Faith  of 
God  a  carelefle  Faith,  a  fecure,  worldly  ,  impenitent,  dead  Faith  ?  you  may  fie 
dovTn,  and  rife  again,  and  fay  true,  yet  He  believe  ,  fo  you  may,  but  it  will  be 
withfuch  a  trem.bling  fpiric  as  you  will  ^nd  no  peace :  Neither  do  I  know  how  a- 
ny  can  keep  his  peace  otherwife,foj  there  are  children  but  Still-born;  if  born  a 
living  Son,  thou  wilt  live  to  God  ,  neceffarily  I  muft  do  it:  But  by  this  mems, 
Oh  there  is  unfpeakable  peace,  Mat*  1 1.  29,  30.  Hence  Patd,  J  have  finlfhed  my 
voorkj,  &c.  Johni^.  21.  to  24.  you  live  without  God,  and  walk  without  God,and 
Pray  without  God  ,  but  there  is  a  day  approaching  that  you  fliall  appear  before  the 
Lord  Jefus,  you  fhall  will>  then ,  Oh  that  I  had  lived  fo  and  fo  :  Ob  do  tbat 
now. 

8.  Confider  the  Lord  will  have  it  done ,  itmuft  be  done,  hence  Paul  Jdd^ 
Necefslty  lies  upon  me^  andvpoe  to  me  ^  &c.  the  Lord  fhould  be  forfworn  if  he 
fhould  not  bring  you  to  it ,  Luke  i.  73,  74,  75.  According  to  the  Oath,  &c. 
I  I  2  Belo- 


^o 


"The  Parable  of  the 


^nfw-^ 


Beloved  you  think  iaiie  defires  will  ferve :  no  ,  it  miirt  be  done  :  you  fay  I  c?.n - 
not ,  it  mutt  be  better  with  you.  And  hence  look  for  a  rod ,  and  that  the  Lord 
will  bring  you  into  great  alBidlion  till  all  is  removed,  and  fo  purge  you  ;  and  if  one 
affliction  will  not  do  it,  then  worfe  fhall  come  ,  he  loves  you  berter  than  fo.  And 
rem.ember  you  have  had  warning  this  day :  you  came  hither  for  the  Lords  work, 
and  now  your  own  juftles  it  out :  look  that  God  will  take  away  the  Kingdom,  from 
you,  orfetopprelTorsover  you,  or  fend  fome  flings  among  you:  and  then  fay. 
Oh  I  may  thank  my  walking  unworthy  of  God  and  Gofpel  for  this. 
"  p.  Confider  elfe  you  fhall  make  the  Blood  of  Chritt  flied  of  no  effeci: ,  2  Cor, 
5. 14, 1 5.  Now  wicked  men  need  not  fear  this  ,  no  Blood  Hied  for  them..  Will 
youdofo?  God  forbid:  The  Jews  have  killed  him  ,  will  you  drag  him  up  and 
down  the  flreets ,  tram.ple  on  his  Blood ,  and  put  him.  to  open  lliamxe. 

10.  Confider  your  time  is  but  lliort,  and  you  have  done  but  little  vvorV,  and  'tis 
not  long  but  that  your  Crown  iliall  be  put  upon  your  head.  It's  noted  ciEmch 
Gen.  5.  that  he  walked  with  God  three  hundred  years,  (and  that  having  Sons 
and  Daughters ,  having  Family-contentments,  and  incumbrances,)  and  he  lived 
the  iliortett  tim.e.  I  am  fure  Angels  are  content  to  come  out  of  Heaven  to  do 
the  work  of  God:  what  not  do  it  here  ?  P^/^/ thought  himfelf  born  too  foon  be- 
caufe  for  a  time  he  lived  without  Chrift.  Oh  but  now  makctryal ,  and  you  will 
find  it  the  fweeteft  life ,  that  you  will  fay  ,  why  have  I  negle6l:ed  this  fo  long? 
and  if  thou  doft  not  find  feven  times  m*ore  peace  therein  than  in  all  the  n'orld,  ne- 
ver fet  foot  here. 

Hopp(hall  I  thus  do  the  worhj}f  Chrlfi  ? 

I.  H^'lthout  ChrifiyoH  can  do  nothing ,  John  1 5.  5.  The  Sun  runs  ftiil  becaufe  it's 
lig/ic  of  it  felf  5  fo  when  the  Lord  is  in  you ,  you  will  do  fo.  Hence  go  not  out 
to  any  diaty  in  your  orvn  ftrength ,  for  then  you  will  either  not  do  it ,  or  not  hold 
out  in  it :  No  man  can  hold  out  at  his  work  that  feeds  not  abundantly  on  his  m.eat, 
fo  here ;  and  here  note  but  thefe  two  things. 

1.  Do  not  only  in  Ordinances  do  thus,  but  out  of  Ordinances  then,as  in  parti- 
cular tim.es  of  tryal  (for  the  Lord  will  not  give  you  in  an  Ordinance  as  much  Grace 
as  fhall  ferve  you  out  of  ir  )  lift  up  your  hearts  to  Chrift,  and  fay  as  Chrift,  Father 
the  hour  Is  come^  now  glorlfie  thy  N&me^  John  12.28.  So  Lord,  here  is  work  to  do, 
but  a  dead  heart  is  upon  me,  Lord  glorilie  thy  Nanie.  I  have  feldom  feen  but  the 
Lord  either  helped  then ,  or  at  fom^e  other  time  when  thou  didi^  come,  and  then 
the  Lord  puts  thee  in  remembrance  that  'tis  out  of  refpedl  to  that. 

2.  Thus  coming  and  feeding  on  the  Lord  Jefus,  believe  that  he  will  help,  and 
that  iliall  be  fo  ;  fom.e  have  never  got  ftrength  againft  fin  till  then,  but  this  hath 
conquered  difficulties ,  Rem. 2,  57,38.  In  all  thefe  things  we  overcome^  for  I  am 
ferfwadedy  &c.  So  you  coming  helplefle  to  a  Chrift  ,  all  his  ftrength  is  yours  by 
covenant.  Be  perfwaded  he  cannot  go  from  his  word  .•  but  yet  we  muft  ufe  o- 
ther  means  fan6lified  by  Chrift ,  for  Chrift  worketh  by  meanes.  And  there- 
fore, 

IL  Find  out  where  the  caufe  of  all  your  negligence  and  floth  lies  in  not  doing 
the  Lords  work  ,  nay  of  your  doing  Satans  work.  It  may  be  you  will  fay  you  can- 
not ,  I  know  there  is  that  in  Saints  in  part ,  but  this  is  not  the  main  ,  therefore  I 
will  tell  you  thus. 

I.  Before  convernon  the  main  wound  of  m.en  is  their  Will,  Video  mellora 
frohoq\  dexteriorafeqmr:  hlancQ  John^..^^.His  Iftfls ye  will do.UencQ  Mat.  2^,  3y. 
Tou  would  not:  they  fay  hence  we  have  a  Will,  I  fay  no.  And  hence  we  anfwer 
that  great  Obie6lion  for  PolTibilities  to  keep  all  Laws  by  univerfal  Grace,VYhich  tis 
unjuif  to  punifh  for  not  doing  that  a  m.an  cannot  do.  We  anfwer,  There  is  a 
double  im.porency ,  Ex  Infirmitate  ,  or  Ex  malignitate  ,  when  m.en  \7ill  nor, 
Pr<9t/.  11,12, 13. 

2.  Hence 


■     ten  Vtr2/ns  Opened  and  Applied. 

-  2.  Hence  it  follows  afcer  converfion  ,  though  the  Will  is  changed,  fo  that  a 
man  would  but  cannoc  do  many  things,  Ex  mfirmtate^  yet  the  great  caufe  why  he 
cannot  do  more  is  from  the  remnant  of  malignity  not  yet  removed.  A  mm  will 
deep,  he  loves  it,  and  fecredy  loaths  the  wayes  of  the  Lord  :  Hence  the  Church, 
Ifal.  6'5.  17.  complains  of  this.  A  man  fliall  find  his  heart  wills  the  end  exceed- 
ingly^  but  when  he  comes  to  will  the  means,  there  his  heart  is  weary  of  them  ,  and 
Ioath5  them  ;  a  man  will  be  carele{fe  ,  and  this  being  not  feen  ,  is  not  fought  a- 
gainrt.  Sin  is  vilified ,  and  hence  the  enemy  to  all  good  rem.ains  ftill.  lc*s  an 
old  Rule,  TanttimfojfHmPti^  quantum  volumm.   Get  Chrift  to  help  here. 

3.  Make  this  your  laft  end  ,  to  live  unto  Chrift,  and  to  do  his  \vork>  Hence 
Panl  did  not  account  his  life  dear  ;  this  is  your  iaft  end ,  for  the  end  of  being  born 
by  Faith,  nay  of  being  redeemed  by  Blood  ,  'tis  to  live  unco  Chrift ,  Th.  2.  1 1 . 
When  you  cry  for  Faith,  and  Peace,  and  AlTurance  ,  that  is  not  your  end ,  for  he 
I  that  doth  fo  is  a  very  Hypocrite,  and  hath  afalfe  heart ,  but'cis  to  live  to  Chrift.- 
j  Hence  7*4^/,  Phil.  3.9,10,12,15,  fought  to  be  found  in  him ,  but  further  to 
know  him,  &c.  The  Father  is  glorified  in  our  bringing  forth  much  Fruit.  Hence 
make  it  your  Iaft  end,  and  then  your  happinefie  will  lie  in  afting  thus,  and  that  that 
is  a  mans  happineffe  he  is  carried  to  with  m.oft  infinite  delight.  For  preiTe  people  to 
do  Chrifts  work,  their  hearts  are  deadjtell  them  the  Lord  jefus  ftiall  have  a  Name 
by  what  they  do  for  him,  yet  dead,  becaufe  though  they  fee  ir  good ,  yet  they 
place  not  their  happinefle  there,  becaufe  that  is  not  their  lait  end.  But  come  to 
this,  now  it  will  .do ;  a  man  cannot  bear  a  crofle,  yet  let  him  confider,  the  Lord 
llial  I  gain  though  I  do  not;  fo  for  Faith,  fofor  any  other  duty.  Men  think  it 
good ,  but  not  their  greateft  good.  Hence  fee  Chrift  better  than  thy  felf ,  and  his 
honour  better  than  thy  glory  for  ever.  Hence  the  Lord  denies  us  help,  becaufe  we 
ask  it  for  our  Lufts,  not  for  himfelf,  James  4.  3 . 

4.  Keep  thofe  glorious  apprehenfions  of  the  Lord  and  his  wayes ,  which  you 
havefometimes  in  an  Ordinance  :  You  are  fometimes  near  the  Lord,  and  you  then 
fee  a  beauty  in  Chrift ,  in  his  wayes ,  and  then  thinkeft  fhall  I  ever  wrong  him 
"more  ?  then  you  com^e  out  andlofe  your  light ,  and  fo  you  ever  lofe  your  ftrength 
and  life.  Hence  Eph.  5.  n.  'tis  as  with  a  man  that  eats ,  but  heloofeth  and 
fpcnds  his  fpirits,  he  can  do  no  m.ore  work,  but  faints  away  :  fee  2  Pet.  2.9.  Steven 
can  be  content  ro  have  ftones  about  his  ears ,  when  he  can  fay,  1  fee  Jefm.  And 
hence  when  thofe  glorious  apprehenfions  come  into  your  minds,ftamp  them  there, 
for  fetup  other  Images  of  other  things  in  your  minds ,  and  your  hearts  will  bow 
down  every  m.om.ent  to  them.  Doth  not  Chrifts  Spirit  do  all  ?  yes ,  but  by  this 
medium^  ,2  Cor.  3.18.  u4s  bj  the  S fir  it  of  the  Lord, 


SECT.     IV. 


give 


AFteryou  have  done  your  work  be  ever  humble,  and  be  ready  to 
the  Lord  the  honour  of  his  Grace ,  that  ever  he  gave  any  thing  to  you, 
that  ever  he  did  any  thing  by  you ;  for  the  Iaft  end  of  all  the  Eledl: ,  'tis  to  admire 
and  honour  the  riches  of  Gods  Gnce,Eph.  1.5,^.  Hence  the  Fall  was  permitted, 
.never  fhould  Grace  have  been  feen  ,  if  fin  and  mifery  had  not  com.e  in.  Now  if 
this  be  our  Iaft  end  in  Glory,  then  the  heart  is  ready  to  have  immediate fellowfhip 
with  Chrift  there,  when  'tis  ready  to  adl:  for  its  Iaft  end.  Hence  ^  it's  frequent  in 
thQ  Pfalms,  whenD^wWwasinanyftrait,  wanted  any  mercy ,  nay  the  prefence 
of  the  Lord  here,  this  is  the  laft.endhepurfues ,  the  Iaft  word  hefpeaks  before  the 
Lord,  My  [ml  (hallblejfethee ,  as  Pfalm  <53. 3, 4.  and  hence  when  all  his  enemies 
vvere  fubdued,  and  he  ready  to  lay  all  in  the  duft,  hegives  the  Lord  all,  2  Sam.22. 
fertotum.  and  23. 5'.  Beloved,  this  is  Heavens  work ,  Oh  learn  this  Song  before 
you  go  there,  which  none  can  learn  but  the  Redeemed  and  Sealed  of  the  Lord,) 

I  3  Rev. 


Ufe  4, 
OfExhorU 


6z 


The  Parable  of  the 


Rev.  14.  3  •  John  i.  14.  It's  writ  of  Chrill,  hsvfAS  full  of  Grace  and  Trmh  •,  Do 
you  ever  chink  to  meec  v\-ith  him  ,  that  get  not  your  hearts  full  of  the  fenfe  of 

it" 

Before  I  come  therefore  to  prelTe  this,  I  fhail  premife  thefe  two  thi^g^. 

Firft ;  Th.it  the  Lord  in  all  his  dealings  with  his  people ,  fee  xs  laflly  to  bring  a- 

bout  "the  glory  of  his  Grace  :  he  regards  nothing  men  do ,  if  at  Lift  they  deny  him 

this ;  He  refpe6ls  not  what  fms  and  evils  men  have,  if  at  laft  he  gets  this,  for  this 

is  his  laft  end :  hence  all  he  doth  to  his  people,  for  his  people  ,  by  his  people  ,  'tis 

for  this.  And  hence 

1 .  He  leaves  them  a  long  time  in  their  Graves  and  Sins,  that  they  live  like  other 
men,  which  is  ftrange  that  he  thit  hath  loved  them  fo  long ,  jfhould  leave  the  n  fo 
long  to  be  as  bad  as  any  ,  yet  this  he  doth  ,  becaufeitm.akesfor  the  praife  of  his 
Grace,  E^hef.  2 .  4,7,  8.  Dead  In  p-a^  that  In  ages  to  come^  &c.  And  this  doth  fo 
confound  Gods  people,  that  they  wiih  not  only  Heaven  ,  but  Earth ,  and  Age^  to 
com.e  may  record  this  love. 

2.  Hence  out  of  men  fallen  ,  he  picks  out  ufually  the  pooreft  and  viieft,,the 
younger  Brother  leffe  loved  out  of  a  Family,  leaves  elder,  Rum. 9.  11.  and  the 
foo/ifh^andweak^things.,  andthings  that  are  not  y  that  no  fie fh  might  glorjf ,  hut  In  the 
Lord^T-  Cor.  1.26,31.  and  this  is  ftrange  chit  the  Lord  fhould  chufe  thus,  but 
this  he  doth  to  blur  the  glory  of  all  the  world. 

g.  Hence  the  Lord  laves  by  Faith,  and  juftifies  by  Faith,  andfeals  by  Faith, 
Eph.  1 .  1 3 .  and  f  an£li(ies  by  Faith,  and  glorifies  by  Faith ,  i  Pet.  1.3.  So  that  all 
a  Chriftians  life  is  a  Beggars  life ,  and  'tis  ftrange  the  Lord  (liould  chufe  the  bafeft, 
pooreft  Grace  to  fave  by  ;  and  the  end  is  the  glory  of  his  Grace ,  Rom.  4. 16. 'Jis 
of  Faith  that  it  might  be  of  Grace. 

4.  The  Lord  leaves  many  wants  in  his  people  ,  under  which  they  ftt  fighing, 
and  that  fometime  very  long,  refufeth  to  hear  their  Prayers^that  they  may  repair  to 
the  Throne  of  Grace,  and  fo  in  conclufion  bleflfe  Grace,  Hek  ^.16. 

,  f .  Hence theLord  takes  away  fom.etimes  thofe  feelings,  thofe enlargements 
they  had,  and  baits  them  with  moft  vexing  fins,  and  pricking  diftempers ,  ^Cor. 
ii.-j^g.  and  it  is  to  advance  Grace. 

6.  Hence  the  lord  is  fom.etimes  angry  with  his  people,  and  hides  his  face 
frjom  them.,  that  if  ever  he  returns  in  love,  his  Gr-^ce  may  be  the  fweeter ,  and  laft 
tbe longer,  Ifal.  54. 7.  Nay  hence  fomecimes  ftrips  them,  fo  of  all  that  they  have 
had.,  or  can  do ,  that  if  you  ask  what  have  you  now  to  fay  for  your  felves  ?  nothing 
but  Grace,  their  mouths  are  ftopt.  Hence  Pfalm  6.  Lord  fave  me  for  thy  mercies 
fmki  ,  Pfalm  5 1 .  1 1 .  According  to  the  mpihltude  of  thy  mercies^  &;c. 

7.  Hence  theLord  fpeaks  peace  to  his  people,  that  they  may  fay,  I  was  fo  vile, 
and  yet  loved;  Oh  Grace/  Oh  love/  Ez^ek^  16.67,.  When  they  fee  nothing  but 
ftiam.e,  and  lliame  covers  them  ,  and  afraid  to,  appear  before  God ,  it  is  for  this 
end.  rie  name  no  more.  Do  you  not  obferve  it  ?  Sometime  you  lliall  find  the 
Lord  fo  ftrangely  carrying  matters,  as  if  he  did  not  love  nor  care  for  his  people ,  a- 
gdnft  the  hair  and  grain  of  their  defire^,  and  when  all  co  r.es  to  winding  up ,  'tis 
to  advance  Grace.  All  a  mans  good  dayes,  and  bad  dayes ,  all  Gods  frowns  and 
fmiles,  all  the  Lords  Food  andPhyfick,all  God  cares  for,works,plocs  for ,  'tis  to  do 
his  people  no  more  hurt  than  this,  to  advance  his  Grace  in  them,and  by  them.  All 
his  hewings  and  hammerings  of  you,  nay  his  knocking  you  a  pieces,  and  new  melt- 
ing, and  new  caftlng  of  you,  'tis  that  you  may  be  Veflels  of  his  glorious  Grace,  that 
y  ou  may  be  able  to  live  in  the  air  of  Gods  Grace,  to  fuck  in,and  breath  out  Grace, 
and  leD  all  the  power  of  Hell  feek  to  blur  it,  yet  Grace  fhall  conquer.  Who 
would  not  be  under  Grace  ?  Oh  poor  creature,  Satan  is  tempting ,  fin  vexing,  yet 
Grace  muft  reign. 

Secondly  ,  This  I  fay,  that  Gods  own  people  do  by  ftrange  wayes  and  courfes 
deny  the  Lord,  and  deprive  theLord  of  the  Glory  of  his  rich  Grace,  for  that  being 

the 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


the  Diamond  in  Gods  Crown ,  and  the  beloved  Actribuce  which  God  in- 
tends to  advance  ;  all  the  policy  of  Hell  is  againft  this ;  this  is  the  reafon  why 
Satans  enmity  is  fo  bitter  againtt  Faith,  as  in  Peter ;  and  obferve ,  however  there 
be  many  Tem.ptations,  his  end  is  to  crufh  Faith :  the  reafon  is ,  as  'tis  with  an 
enemy,  it  the  Befieged  hath  water  brought  to  the  City  by  Pipes,  he  cuts  off  them 
and  flops  them ,  fo  Faith  fetching  all  fromGrace,and  returning  all  to  Grace,hence 
Faith  is  oppofed  moft ;  and  hence  the  unregenerate  part  will  takeSatans  pare,  and 
doth  ftrangely  rob  the  Lord  of  the  glory  of  tnis ,  though  I  confelTe  the  Lor<l  will 
have  it  for  all  that  they  feek  to  fcatcer  it ,  Jfal.  43.21,22.  It's  Itrange  to  fee  how 
few  plot  for  the  praife  of  Grace  3  hence  how  many  are  firaitned,nay  do  crofs  Chrift 
in  this.  As 

I.,  If  the  Lord  give  them  notvvhat  Grace  they  would ,  then  they  fleight  what 
little  he  bettows ;  and  if  he  gives  them  much  ,  then  they  folace  themfelves  in  it, 
and  grow  puft  up  and  proud.  It's  the  temper  of  Gods  own  people  to  fet  up  fuch  a 
mealure  of  Gods  Grace  and  Spirit  which  they  would  have ,  and  therein  they  do 
well :  Pml^PhlL  3 . 1 1 .  lookt  to  the  Refurrec  tion  of  the  dead ;  bur  if  the  Lord  de- 
nies them  that,  fas  he  will  m.ake  his  people  live  frorn  "hand  to  mouth  )  they  fleight 
what  they  have,  either  as  if  all  were  but  hypocrifie,  or  becaufe  it  is  but  little,  not  fo 
much  as  they  would  have,  and  herein  they  do  ill,  for  here  the  Lord  lofeth  the 
glory  of  fome  Grace,  for  it's  Grace  that  you  have  the  leaft  defires  after  it ;  nay  that 
you  do  bit  know  what  it  is,  and  fee  the  want  of  it ,  and  yet  ever  complaining,  and 
never  rejoycing,  for  every  degree  of  Grace  in  Saints ,  is  vertually  faving  ,  though 
formally  common.  Butfupj^oie  the  Lord  fills  the  bottle  full ,  and  gives  as  much 
peace,  atfeiSlions,  enlargements  of  heart,  as  it  hath  almofl:  required,  (  for  there  are 
Spring-tides, and  over-flowing  times  of  Gods  Spirit ,  now  they  are  ready  to  fwell, 
and  be  puft  up  above  m.eaf^re,  as  Paul ,  2  Cor,  12..  7.  Left  1  (hoft/d  he  exalted  a- 
hove  meaft^re^  for  there  isfelf-love  in  Saints.  Hence  they  defiie  an  excellency  in 
themfelves :  hence  when  they  find  none  of  their  own ,  they  are  apt  to  deck  and 
fet  out  themfelves  wich  what  the  Lord  hath  done,  and  fo  to  joy  in  this,and  now  to 
think  themfelves  better  than  others  of  Gods  Saints ,  whereas  they  fhould  be  m.ore 
vile,  and  advance  Grace  the  more,  Efh.  3.8.  To  me  the  leafl  of  Sams.  And  hence 
the  Lord  after  greateft  deliverances  and  mercies  fends  great  forrows,  as  to  them  in 
the  Wildernelfe.  Hence  the  iiord  takes  away  affections,  and  they  dye,  that 
Grace  might  be  \.bt  more  advanced. 

2.  If  the  fins  of  their  hearts  are  common,  and  cannot  be  removed,  and  fo  feem 
little ,  then  they  paffe  them  by,  and  never  take  notice  of  them ,  God  will  pardon 
them ,  and.hence  the  Lord  hath  fad  times  of  reckoning  (with  a  rod  in  his  hand) 
with  his  own  people  5  Ez>ek.6,^,  Thatthpfeloofe  times  are  heavy  times,  this  is 
for  mynegledf,  &c,  but  hereby  Grace  lofeth  Glory ;  for  how  can  they  fee  how 
deeply  they  are  indebted  to  the  Lord,  if  they  fee  not  their  Debt?  on  the  other 
fide,  if  their  fins  be  verv  violent,  and  their  diftempers  fo  flrong ,  that  they  think 
none  like  me.,  now  their  hear:s  fink,  and  dye  away,  and  growdifcouraged ,  and  all 
the  ufe  they  make  is  this ,  I  think  it  will  never  be  better  with  me ,  and  can  there 
be  life  for  i^  e  fo  dead,  de'iverance,  redeaiption  for  me  in  fuch  bondage,  lovt  for 
one  that  cannot  but  loath  my  felf ,  and  if  others  did  know  me ,  they  would  do  fo 
too.  Cm.  the  Lord  love  me  now  ?  Yes  Beloved,that  he  can  and  will,  Ifal.S'^.i  6» 
Though  Abraham  know  m  not ,  yet^  &c.  But  here  is  your  fin ,  when  you  fhould 
makeihisufeof  all,  to  fed  the  tr  ore  need  of  Grace  topitty,  and  fay,  the  morel 
pr€ciou<^  llTall  Grace  be  to  rnc  for  ever :  your  hearts  now  fink..  The  Lord  brings 
hi^  people  into  very  low  condition  to  humble  them ,  and  to  Ihew  them  more  of 
his  Grace,  Pfalm  78.  19.  Can  God  prepare  a  Tahle?  theyfpake  therein  againft 
God':  lo  'tis  here ;  for  herein  the  Lords  Grace  is  feen ,  to  love  them  when  Le* 
pers. 

3 .  Grace  that  hath  been  fhewen,  for  times  paft  they  forget  ic,  2  Pet.  i ,  p.  Asd 

what 


"The  T arable  of  the 


what  is  this  but  dcftroying  Gods  Grace  ?  for  why  is  Grace  fo  precious  at  firft  con- 
verfion,  that  Heaven  and  Earth  are  too  little  to  hold  praifes  enough  for  it  ?  And  af- 
terwardjtheLord  hath  little  lovej  Oh  you  forget  what  once  you  were,  and  what  the 
Lord  hath  done,hence  i  Tim,  i .  1 3,14. 1  was  fo  and  fo,  &c.  but  now  have  received 
abund^Ht  Grace.  You  have  had  many  meetings  with  God  ,  many  anfwers  from 
God,  many  confolations  and  times  of  refrelhing  and  reviving,  and  thefe  forgotten 
an<i  buried .,  the  life  of  them  after  a  year  or  two  expired.  And  what  is  this  but 
eclipfing  Gods  Grace?  On  the  other  lide ,  as  for  Grace  for  time  to  come,  they 
fear  it ,  efpecially  when  worms  and  no  men  in  their  own  eyes.  Hence  faith  God, 
Fe^  not  worm  Jacobs  Ifai.  41.14.  There  is  a  certain  Divining  Spirit  (as  one  once 
told  me)  that  untill  that  was  pulled  out,  no  honour  can  the  Lord  get.  Before 
you  come  to  Word  or  Prayer ,  thou  wilt  fear  thou  flialt  never  get  any  good  ;  and 
when  the  Lord  gives  any,  thouwilt  fear  thou  llialc  never  hold  out;  and  what 
Promife  foever  is  made,  thou  wilt  fear  thou  fhalt  never  find  it.  And  what  doth 
this  but  eclipfe  Grace  ?  welhould  go  with  boldnefs  to  the  Throne  of  Grace;  nay 
hence  let  the  Lord  fend  never  fo  much  Mercy  for  the  Ptefenc ,  a  Fear  will  cut  off 
all,  that  all  this  will  rife  up  in  Judgement  againft  me. 

4.  When  they  are  moft  fit  to  honour  Gods  Grace  by  Faith,  now  they  will  not 
believe,  not  then  above  any  other  time :  for  then  a  man  is  m.oft  fit  to  honour 
Grace,  when  he  feels  moft  need  of  it :  and  when  hath  he  moft  need,  but  when  he 
feels  moftemptinefle  ?  why  now  above  any  other  time  a  man  will  not  come  in, 
but  will  have  fomewhat  in  himfelf  firft,  and  then  he  will,  when  h?s  heart  is  fo  and 
fofweetlyfetled,  d^c.  Hence  X«^^^  14.  Pbor,  and  blind,  and  lame,  and  hale  com- 
pelled to  come  in:  one  would  think  there  needed  not  that  ;  but  now  when  fit- 
teft,  now  they  will  not:  for  let  any  man  obferve  what  would  endear  his  heart  fo 
much  to  Grace  as  this :  to  think  if  it  be  the  Lords  mind  to  fave  a  poor  dead  dam- 
ned creature,  then  happy  I  ?  This  is  wonderful ,  this  hath  quickened  dead  love, 
and  dead  Faith,  and  a  dead  heart.  And  on  the  other  fide ,  if  the  Lord  de- 
lay, if  it  comes  not  at  their  own  time,  then  they  diftruft  it ;  Grace  /  alas  I  feel  my 
felf  never  a  whit  better :  For  there  be  two  things  in  Faith, 

Firft ,  A  coming  to  Chrift,  which  is  our  work  ,  /.  e,  Gods  work  in  us. 
Secondly ,  Receiving  what  I  come  for  from  Chrift,  which  is  the  Lords  work ; 
Now  the  firft  gives  evidence  he  fhall  have  it ,  Jchn  6.  .35,  37.  Hence  the  Lord 
will  have  them  rejoyce  in  what  Chrift  hath,  ^smy  Grace  isfufficlent ;  but  if  it  comes 
notprefently,  then  they  caft  off  Faith,  and  focaft  away  Grace,  I  feel  no  good.- 
hence  John  4. 48.  &c.  I  know  there  is  a  feeming  coming  to  Chrift  ,  to  have  the 
Grace  of  Chrift  and  fin  too,  and  this  you  may  well  caft  oft:  and  a  coming  for  his 
Grace  and  Spirit  only  ,  and  you  defpife  Grace,  and  diftruft  the  Lord  if  you  caft  off 
this,  or  you  feek  to  put  the  Lord  out  of  his  working  by  a  covenant  of  Grace,( where 
he  takes  his  times  as  he  pleafesj  and  give  a  flat  lie  to  all  promifes  of  Grace ,  and 
refufe  to  be  contented  with  Chrifts  Grace  ,  that  thou  mighteft  have  the  more  at- 
tributed to  thy  felf ,  and  the  Lord  the  leffc. 

J.  Either  they  think  not  of  the  exceeding  greatneffe  of  the  Lords  love  and  free 
Grace  to  them ,  and  hence  Pattlhowcs  to  Heaven  for  this,  Eph,  3.  16, 17.  And 
hence  it  comes  to  pafrc,that  look  as  'tis  with  fweet  things ,  fwallow  them  down 
in  the  lump,  you  never  tafle  the  fweetneffeto  purpofe,  nor  never  commend  them; 
fo  'tis  when  men  fwallow  down  Gods  love,and  chew  not  upon  it ,  whereas  if  they 
did  but  think  of  it ,  Oh  how  fweet  would  it  be  /  Pfalm  (53-  5, 6.  Lord,  how  ma- 
ny dayes  and  weeks  are  fpent  thus  ?  It's  apparent  you  have  the  profeflion  of  a 
ChrifHan  life ;  butdoyoutaftethefweetnefsof  aChriftiancourfe?  No.-  why  if 
you  did  think,  you  would ;  But  you  arc  weary  at  Night,fleepy  in  the  morning,bufie 
in  the  day,  dead  on  the  Sabbath  :  hence  think  not ,  hence  give  not  God  the  glory 
of  Grace :  or  if  tbey  do  think  of  it ,  and  the  greatnefs  of  it,  then  they  cannot  think 
fo  great  things  ftiould  be  given  unto  themjor  done  for  them  :  that  God  fhould  love 

me, 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


6^ 


me  as  his  Son,  m.ike  me  an  Heir  of  all  he  h.uh  vvirh  him  ,  redeem  me  chat  have 
defpifcd  his  Blood  :  'cis  too  good  News  to  be  true.  Hence  the  Difciple:  belie- 
ved not  for  joy,  Lpike  24. 41 .  Hence  when  delivered  out  of  "B^tbel^  we  were  in  a 
Dream. ;  this  robs  the  Lord  of  Grdce,  for  the  greater  thclove  is,  arid  the  m.ore  you 
take,  the  more  love  fliall  the  Lord  have ,  it  cannot  be  ocherwife,  if  you  come  to  fay 
this  is  mine. 

6.  Either  they  will  f  ore  only  on  their  (ins,  and  dirtemper.,  and  miferie^,  and 
never  look  unco  Chrill  the  brazen  Serpent ,  and  fearch  for  a  rightcoufnefs  of  their 
own,  and  cannot  find  ir ,  and  hence  pore  ftill.  As  when  m.en  have  woundsjthey 
only  think  on  them,  chat  when  awakened  out  of  ileep,  they  co^mplain  in  their  bed's 
like  the  /fraelitesj  Exod.  6.  p.  that  would  not  hear  Mofes  becaufe  of  anguilli.  As 
the  impotent  man  anfwered  Chrift,  John  5.  5,  (5, 7.  mk'  be  made  whole  ?  he  turns 
his  eyes  upon  his  mifery,  /  have  mm  elfe  to  keif  me  at  the  time ;  here  is  but  this 
means,  and  when  I  come  my  felf,' others  ftep  in  before  me,  &e.  Now  fo  do 
men,  and  never  look  beyond  means,  the  Lord  can ,  the  Lord  will,  and  fo  eye  not 
him  :  or  on  the  oiher  fide,  if  they  gee  healing  of  their  vvounds,chen  they  eye  Chrift 
only  ,  Efh.  2. 6.  They  were  exalted  in  Heavenly  places,yec  rem.ember,as  -verf.  1 1, 
1 2.  For  let  any  Chriftian  fee  that  he  is  poor  and  miferable ,  but  he  is  not  m.uch  af- 
fedted  with  it ,  nor  affliiled  with  it ,  and  fo  eye  Chrift ,  and  criift  to  Chrift: ,  and ' 
eafe  himfcif  here,  &  fay  we  muft  look  only  to  Chrift,eicher  you  will  bear  of  his  fall 

I  (  yea  and  himfelf  ftiall  find  a  decay)  or  he  will  grow  very  proud,  unfit  to  give  all  to 
Chrift.     Is  there  Grace  here  ? 

7.  Either  if  the  Lord  gives  him  any  thing,  himfelf  and  mercy,  he  will  now  add 
fomeching  of  his  own  to  Chrift  ,  and  pull  the  vail  of  the  Law  over  the  face  of  the 
glory  of  Chrift,  Gal.  1.6.  or  elfe  do  nothing  at  all  for  him,  unlefs  it  be  when  the 
good  fit  takes  him,  under  a  pretence  Chrift  muft  do  all ;  as  here  the  five  vvife  Vir- 
gins that  fell  afleep  :  and  thus  you  fee  how  Grace  is  oppofcd  by  the  children  of 
Grace.  Now  therefore  my  Exhortation  is  ^  to  take  heed  of  this,  and  be  ever  rei- 
dy  to  attribute  all  to  the  Lor  d,  as  they  cryed  when  the  Second  Tem.ple  was  build- 
ing from  beginning  to  the  e;nd,  Zee.  ^.6^j.  fo  that  thou  waft  fpared  folong, 
chat  called  by  means  that  the  Lord  fhould  by  Faith  accept ,  char  he  fhould  fpeak 
peace,  this  is  Grace,  that  chough  vile,  yet  he  will  favcme :  'tis  Grace,rhat  though 
I  can  do  nothing,  yet  he  will  help  m^e ,  and  afterwards  Crown  me :  Oh  this  is 
wonderful  Grace  /  And 

Firft ,  Do  not  only  give  the  Lord  the  glory  of  Grace  to  redeem  you  from  mife- 
ry, for  this  you  may  do,  and  be  full  ready  to  give  it ,  yet  perilh  at  laft,  as  thilfra- 
eiites  chac  fang  Gods  praifes  did,  buc  chat  he  will  fave^chee  from  greater,  /.  e.  from 
fin.     And 

Secondly,  Not  only  when  you  feel  nothing ,  butwhenyou  feel  moft,  Oh  to 
honour  Grace  /  And 

Thirdly,  Not  to  do  it  coldly,  but  with  a  heart  enflamcd  wich  fenfe  of  it ,  chac  I 
live,  I  have,  I  do,  I  am  whac  I  am  :  Oh  'cis  Grace.  So  chac  now  if  the  Lord  ftiall 
come  and  ask  you,  whac  will  you  fay  if  Tie  deliver  you  from,  all  mnfery,  (ubdueall 
fins,pa(^e  by  all  wrong,  hear  all  Prayers,  do  all  goodco  chee  ,  do  much  good  by 
thee,  love  thee  every  moment,  give  a  Kingdom  when  thy  work  is  done  to  thee,and 
my  felr  better  than  all  ?  fay.  Lord  I  can  never  recompence  this ,  I  ftaail  be  I  hope 
the  more  vile  in  m.y  own  eyes  for  ever,  and  give  all  to  Grace.  Oh  fing  that  Song, 
or  gee  1  hat  Song  by  heart  now ,  for  Rev.  7. 10.  there  is  a  Song^,  Salvation  to  the 
Lamb  J  which  none  elfe  could  fing.  This  is  our  work,  and  a  great  work  in- 
deed. 

How  [hall  I  do  this  ?  •      . 

I .  Get  a  new  light  from  the  Lord  to  fhew  you  clearly  the  infinite,  endlefs,  un- 
known evill  of  the  leaft  im  ;  PW  was  a  proud  Pharifee  until  he  faw  fin ,  and  Jer. 
3 .  24, 2  5 .  for  if  fin  be  feen,  one  fmile,  one  day,  nay  a  moments  breathing-tiriie  in 

K  this 


Qnefi, 
An[w„ 


66 


"The  T arable  of  the 


this  world  will  be  matter  of  amazement  to  thee  lifter  all  thou  haft,  and  haft  done  : 
much  more  when  tho a  feeft  fo  many  ftns ,  and  that  in  every  thing  :  Incr-eac  the 
Lord  to  do  this.  We  w^lk  up  and  down  the  world,  and  f^y  we  fm  and  grieve  the 
Lord  ;  but  Oh 'cis  nor  known ,  h.^ppy  art  thou  if  the  Lord  hath  difcovered  it ; 
then  thou  wilt  fty,  why  doth  the  Lord  do  any  thing  for  me?  could  not  he  pick 
out  ftones,  nay  Toids  th.it  never  iinned  agiinft  him,  rather  than  me  to  enjoy  him, 
efpecially  is  (in  vile  in  thee,  To  near  God,  and  fo  near  Heaven  too.  Angels  were 
hurled  down  for  one  fin. 

2.  Sec  a  high  price  upon  a  little  Grace  ;  a  man  will  be  exceeding  humbly  thank- 
ful for  the  giving  a  little  of  chat  whichhe  highly  efteems,much  more  for  giving  much 
of  what  we  value.  The  poor  Woman  of  Canaan  ,  Mat.  1 5.  was  glad  of  crumbs. 
How  thankful  do  you  think  fhe  was  for  loaves  ?  that  made  her  re^dy  to  receive  allj 
Be  it  as  thou  wiU ;  fo  ic  ftiall  be  with  you  ,  for  if  you  prize  a  little ,  Oh  vvhen  all 
ftiall  be  given  ,  this  willfwallpwyouup  into  Grace.  And  it's  certain,  there  is 
never  a  mercy  but  'tis  great ,  if  you  confidcr  him  that  gives  it,who  receives  it,him 
that  bought  it.  But  the  moft  of  Gods  Grace  in  us  appears  to  be  but  fmail;  hence 
we  prize  ic  nor ,  and  hence  never  ready  to  give  all  to  the  Lord  again. 

:?.  Learn  to  put  a  difference  berween  your  double  being:  for  every  Chriftian 
hath  a  double  being:  i.  Inhimfelf.  2.  He  hath.a  fubfiitence  in  Chrift.  Now 
look  upon  your  felves  as  in  your  felves ,  you  will  ever  complain  there ,  ever  dead, 
and  never  have  your  heircs  ready  to  blefs  the  Lord.  If  you  only  look  on  your  felves 
in  Chrift,you  will  be  proud,and  never  give  the  Lord  honour.  I  fay  therefore,  put 
a  difference  between  thefe  two ,  for  men  appropriating  to  themfelves  what  is 
Chrii^s,  they  rob  Chrift  of  his  glory.  Hence  Fad  fo  humble ,  1  Cor.  1 5. 1  o,  1 1 . 
For  if  you  look  upon  your  felf,  lamdeid,  guilty,  damned,  wenk,  here  will  be 
fhame :  if  any  life,  or  Grace,  this  is  Chrifts.  As  a  man  on  a  Mount  is  the  fam.e 
man,  no  caller ,  only  the  Mountain  makes  him  fo  :  fo  think  of  thy  felf.  Or  as  a 
mud  wall ,  the  fun  fhines  on  it ,  but  in  it  felf  it  is  a  mud-wall  ftill ;  all  the  warmth 
and  luilre  is  from  the  Sun. 

4.  Learn  to  love  Grace ;  what  we  love  we  will  feek  the  good  of  more  than  our 
own  ,  and  commend  it. 

Firft ,  It's  the  only  firft  mover  of  all  our  good :  thou  fliouldft  never  have  had  a, 
dram  of  peace  or  mercy.  Why  haft  it?  theLord  wiil  haveitfo  ,  Grace  pleads  ic 
may  be  fo  j  this  is  the  only  Petitioner^c  Court  againft  the  cry  of  fm ,  againft  the 
cryofjuftice. 

Secondly,  'Tis  the  only  fupport  under  the  heavicft  evills;  fomecime  God 
frowns,  and  Hell  fm.okes ,  and  Satan  tempts ,  and  fin  rageth ,  and  it  may  be  no 
feehng  of  Grace,  no  reafon  to  fhew  the  e  fhall  ever  be  any  ;  now  what  h^ve  you 
done,  what  will  you  do  ?  Fly  for  refuge  to  the  Promife  cf  Grace,  He\  ^.18.  It 
is  fuch  a  Friend  as  holds  up  the  head  when  finking,  when  dying  holds  that ,  when 
all  fails,  and  againft  which  the  gates  of  Hell  cannot  prevail.  To  him  that  laies 
hold  on  Grace,  this  is  vvonderful,PW  was  a  man  taken  with  Grace :  hence  he  eve- 
ry where  commends  it ,  I  was  received  to  mercy  ^  &c.  1  Tim.  1.13,14. 

5.  See  how  the  Lord  loves  chat  thou  fhouldeft  honour  ic,  forthegreateft  ho- 
nour Grsce  hath  is  by  Faith  ;  hence  they  are  put  for  one,  Rom./\.  16.  and  the 
great  caufe  why  Faith  ftirs  not ,  is  becaufe  he  fees  not  how  the  Lord  fhall  have  by 
it  the  praife  of  his  rich  Gr.Ke,  nor  how  the  Lord  loves  itlhould  do  io.  For  if  a 
m.an  did  fee  how  by  Fairh  he  fhall  honour  Grace ,  and  how  the  Lord  is  plejfed 
with  it,  it  Would  draw  the  heart  to  be  aifured,  and  to  blefs  Grace;  for  when 
theSoul  fee's  in  felf  at  worft,  why  doth  it  not  believe  ?  I  fliall  prefume :  True,  if 
you  have  this  only  in  your  eye  to  lave  your  felf;  but  if  the  Spirit  prefencs  the  glo- 
ry of  Grace,  and  this  draws  your  will  that  you  will  glorifie  Grace,  then  you  will 
fay  'cis  no  prefumption  fo  to  do,  and  fo  to  believe ,  for  the  Lord  loves  his  Grace, 
and  all  means  for  the  glory  of  Grace.    Hence  he  will  ufe  Faith  for  that  end,to  ho- 


nour 


tenVirgins opened  and  Applied. 


nour  orace.  Oh  therefore  fee  hovv  the  Lord  loves  to  have  thee  honour  ir.  This 
pivcs  Gods  heart  full  reft ;  this  is  that  which  he  delires  moft,  becaufe  'ds  his  end  : 
This  i5  that  which  all  the  bufinefs  of  the  world  is  for :  Oh  fee  ihow  he  loves  it  / 
and  then  you  will  love  to  a6l  thus.  Nowfet  upon  this  laft  work:  look  over  all 
your  life,  and  like  Bees  gather  honey  from  every  flower  ^  and  then  come  loaden 
home ;  fo  do  you,  and  look  over  all  the  Lords  love,  turn  over  all  the  leaves  of  it: 
The  Lord  hath  now  called  me ;  why?  it's  becaufe  Chrift  hath  redeemed ;  and 
why  that?  becaufe  the  Father  hath  ehofen;  and  why  me?  to  glorifie  his  Grace: 
And  why  me  rather  than  another  ?  No  reafon,  but  he  would.  This  I  doubt  not 
will  be  the  work  of  Heaven,  I  am  glorified  becaufe  called  ,  becaufe  redeemed ,  be- 
caufe cle61:ed  ,  for  none  other  reafon  why,  and  here  aftonifhed.  You  have  nat 
chriftian  hearts  in  you ,  that  will  now  have  no  care  to  do  this  work  there  before 
you  are  turned  oflF  the  ftagc :  you  poor  doubting  Spirhs,  that  fee  fo  much  vilenefs, 
and  cannot  be  perfwaded ;  be  not  difcouraged.  Wait  for  the  Lord,  and  fay ,  if 
he  Hiall  favc,  I  fball  for  ever  love  him  the  more.  Now  hold  hejre ,  and  be  ready 
todo  fo,  and  it's  cert^n  thou  artaveffel  of  Glory ,  ready  to  ling  the  Song  of  the 
Lamb,  and  fhalt  follow  him.  wherc-ever  he  goes. 


CHAP.     IX. 


Concerning  the  Souk  immediate  clo/ing  'Pith 
the  ^  erf  on  of  C^ri^i^  ^^  the  proper  ObjeB 
of  Saving-Faith.  . 


3 .    Went  forth  to  meet  the  "Bride-Qroom. 


L 


vv 


SECT.    L 

Here  needs  the  Explication  of  Three  Things. 
Ho  ii  the  Bride-groom  f 

Anfvp.  The  conclufion  of  this  Parableis  the  Explication  of 
this,  viz.*  the  Son  of  Man,  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  who  accor- 
ding to  thejeveral  conditions,  or  difpofitions  the  Church  is 
in,  appears  to  his  Church  under  fe vera!  relations  and  titles.  The  Church  is  op- 
prefied  by  her  enemies,  he  appears  now  to  her  as  her  Prince  and  King :  the  Churck 
wants  wifdom,  light,  and  life,  he  appears  now  unto  her  as  an  head.  The  Church 
hath  been  feeking  of  his  love,  and  yielding  her  fcif  to  the  obedience  of  him  as  her 
Lord:  -ac  laft  he  appears  more  fully  to  her  as  an  Husband,  or  as  a  Bride-groom 
with  wfromrftie  is  to  have  her  neareft  and  everlafting  fellowfhip  au'd  communion, 
and  fo  here.  Arid  when  Chrift  comes  to  (hew  moft  fpecial  love,  and  to  have  moft 
fpecialfellovvfhip  with  his  people,  he  thus  ftiieshimfelf,  IfaLs4.$,6.  So  John 
3.29.  And  when  the  Church  hath  Rafted  that  love,  ftie calls  him  fo. 
II.  fVhat  it  is  to  meet  the  Bride-groom  ?  ,-/         ,  '.f- vd- 

^^/jv.  To  enjoy  fellovvfhip  and  familiarity  with  him^         • 
^"^l.  what  is  it  [to  go  forth  to  meet^  the  Bride-groom? 

Anfw,  There  ar$.. but  three  wayes  of  goiiig  forth   to  meet  with  Chri'ft  in 
Scripture. 

^  ilcWhen  Sout  and  Body  at  the  laft  Day  meet  the  Lord  in  the  clouds  of  the 
air,  I  Thef,  4. 17.  Thus  the  whole  Church,  the  Bride  {hall  appear  in  glory  to  meet 
the  Bride-groom.  K  a  2.  When 


6o 


TheT  arable  of  the 


2.  When  the  Soul  only  goech  out  of  the  Body  by  the  mimrti-y  of  Angels  to 
meet  :he  Lord  in  Heaven ,  as  Patil  that  knew  not  whether  in  or  out  of  the  body, 
2  Cor,  12.  3.  m  k^oro  it  here  (hall  go  ont  of  the  body  :  as  Chrift  is  faid  wh^n  hfe 
went  to  Heaven,  /  go  to  my  Father  ,  and  jour  Father :  fo  it  goes  forth  then  to 
Ghriii,  Eccief.  12.7.  and  neither  of  thefe  can  be  meant  here ,  for 

Firli,  this  (hews  cheftate  of  the  Jewiili  Church  long  before  Ghrifts  coining ,  at 
leaft  among  many  of  them. 

Secondly,  Becaufe  thefhuttingoutjwr/.  10.  is  by  and  at  Death:  hence  let- 
ting in  is  fo  too.   Now  this  was  before. 

3 .  When  the  Soul  goes  out  of  it  f0lf  by  Faith:  hence  John  6.35.  'tis  called  co  tn- 
ing  to  Chrift ;  and  this  not  any  Phyfical  natural  departing  of  the  Soul  out  of  the 
body)  but  Ethical  jfupernatural,  by  the  operations  of  the  Soul  out  of  it  fe!f.  And 
look  as  the  whole  Soul  by  unbelief  departs  from  God  in  Chrift ,  fo  the  whole  Soul 
by  Faith  comes  again  unto  God  by  Chrift*  Th^  mind  fees ,  affe6Hons  make  af- 
ter him  ,  will  faliens  on  him,  and-ther^  d<*pends.  This  is  the  firft  work  of  Faith, 
or  the firft Faith ,  the  coming  (as  in  all  motioiis  there  are  twoextreams)  of 
the  Soul  from  a  nothingnefs,  emptinefs  in  it  felf,  to  an  allhefs  and  fulnefs  in 
Chrift :  And  as  'tis  in  other  motions ,  if  there  was  a  vacmm  ,  there  would  be 
motm  m  Inftaml ;  fo  if  there  was  an  emptinefs  feen  in  the  world,  and  all  the  works 
of  it,  andinallfearsthatallmountainswere^^ft  down,  Faith  then  would  fud- 
denly  come  by  the  Spirit  to  the  Lord  Jefus ,  and  ijhis  coming  to  Chrift  is  not 
meanthcre:  For,  ^  '  .  v  /-V^O^^    / 1'\   '^'■''  . 

Firft,  Thefe  Virgins  were  efpoufed  to  Chrift  by  Faith  already. 

Secondly ,  At  tte  firft  coming  to  Chrift  it  goes  to  the  Lord  for  life  in  him,  and 
from  him ;  but  here  having  life  already,  they  gofofth  to  live  with  him  :  there  the 
Soul  goes  out  to  meet  him  in  the  Gofpel ,  in  the  Prbmife ;  here  the  Virgins  go 
forth  to  meet  him  in  Glory.  There  the  Soul  goes  to  be  juftified  by  him,liere  the 
Virgins  go  to  be  glorified  with  him:  and  therefore  *tis  meant  oiF  a  iTecond  going  out 
of  the  Soul  by  fome  fjiecial^lis  of  Faith,  after  that  it  doth  believe ,  and  after  'tis 
ready  for  him.    And  for  Explication. 

From  rvhence  doth  the  Soul  go  ? 

It's  chiefly  going  out  of  this  world  by  trampling  this  Moon  under  her  feet ,  by 
forgetting  this  her  Fathers  houfe,  b.y  a  holy  contempt  of  it ,  and  a  holy  dying  to 
it,  and  all  the  glory  of  it.  For  'tis  a  thdufand  to  one  if  Satan  doth  not  intangle 
here,  if  Lot  be  not  taken  with  Sodom  though  burnt  out  there ;  aid  if  this  goir^  out 
is  to  en  joy  the  Lord  in  another  World  chiefly  ,  then  going  out  is 'from  thebpiporite 
rerme,  f^om  this  vvorld.  Hehce  Pdnl  (ingles  out  this  m.ercy ,  Gd.  i .  4.  'Chrift 
gaVe  Mmfelf  to  deliver  us  from  this  prefent  evil  world.  Oh  fay  m.en,  'tis  a  good 
world,  and  good  beihg  here.  'Tis  aii  evil  vyorM  t  'tis  fo  wheii  Death  comes,  but 
for  prefent 'cis  bett.     ^Oy'th  ^)^refef^t'eVil'mrld. 

By  what  a^s  of  Faith  doth  it  go  forth? 

TThere  be  two  atfeclions  of  the  Soul  that  chiefly  look  to  a  good  abfent  y  yet  lo- 
vTrfg  that  good,  g'aforthtbmfcetit,  and  thofe  are  Hope  anci  t)eiire,;' like  the 
bliM ihan  ind  tlte  lame,  both  together  cm  make  a  fhift  to  gb.  Hope  like  tfie  eye 
goe<^  out  and  looks ,  Deiire  like  the  feet  runs  but  aad  longs.  The 
tberefbre  to  meet  Chrift,  is:  i.'fiy  areal  exp^e6htionof  him.  2.  By  a 
delire  to  be  with  hiiin.    Hope  gefebn  the  top  oi'the  world  ,  and  cries ,  Oh  I^fee 

Jim,  Deiire ftands  by  and  lon^s  for  him.  Oh  com.e  Lord.  A  carelcfs  blind 
rorld  look  not  for  him ,  nor;afii^r  him,  the  Stilts  do.  j^ei.  9. 2.8.  An  earthly- 
minded  world  longs  notfor  him,  tfe  fefi'de doth,  Rev.  22 .  17,  20.  oh  come  Lord 
feftif ,  cohtrqmckly ;  by  love  aUd  joy  we  imbtafcfe  and  entertain  the  Bride-groom, 
by  hope  and  delire  we  go  forth  to  meet  thp  Bridegroom.   Hence  many  things  ^re 

'tbbe6bfefvfed,.^dyd  hd^-l^U-inigbt.  " 

...;•;■■:•.         ,  ■     ^:-:, .;,  .. /.nv.  .  SECT. 


going  forth 
longing 


—  — — , -— ■ , — 

ten  Vtrpns  Opened  and  Applied. 


SECT.  II. 

T  Hat  the  ohjeU  to  whkh  Faith  chiefly  looks ,  and  clofeth  with ,  is  the  Per  fan  of  the 
Lord  Jefiis, 
'Tis  the  Brid^-groom  himfelf  that  the  Virgins  chiefly  have  to  do  withali ;  they 
areefpoufed  to  him,as  in  Marriage ;  there  is  a  giving  of  themfelves  one  unto  ano- 
ther; they  mjke  themfelves  ready  for  him ,  they  go  out  to  meet  him:  'Tis  him 
they  love,  'ti^  him  they  want, 'tis  him  they  look  for  ,  'tis  him  they  clofe  withali. 
Whorilli  lovers  look  not  after  him,  but  his:  his -peace  to  comfort  them  when  in 
horror  and  fear,  his  mercy  to  fave  them  from  eternal  flames;  but  Virgins  look 
to  him,they  look  to  [His]  indeed,  but  'tis  himfelf  chiefly  they  care  for,  Jd?^«  i.  12. 
to  fommy  as  received  him-,  f:>vgnve power  to  he  Sons  y  John  6.  2-7.  when  the  people 
follovved  him,butit  was  for  loives  :  Labour  mt  for  hread  that perljheth  ,  buty  &c> 
for  him  hath  the  Father  fealed,M^t,  i  ^ .  44.  The  man  did  not  buy  the  TreafurCjbut 
bought  the  field :  'tis  iiim  Faith  feeks  for ,  Jer.  50.  4.  Thej  jhall  feek^  the  Lord 
weepifjg;  'tis  him  Faith  chufcth  ,  and  is  contented  with ,  H^jom  have  I  in  Heaven 
htthee?  Pfal.j3.2^,  'Tis  him  Faith  glories  in, //^/.  45.  25.  I-^  him  jhall  all  the 
Seed  oflfraelglory. 


SECT.    III. 


,nris  chiefly  and  firftly  the  Perfon  of  Chrift 
X  Soul,  Ifai.  9. 6.  hence  Faith  laies  hold  on  1 


69 


DoB,i. 


that  the  Father  gives  unto  the 
Ifai.  g.  6.  hence  Faith  laies  hold  on  him  :  'Tis  not  feemly  to  keep  a 
Portion  from,  ?ny ,  much  lefs  Orphans  Portion.  Faith  empties  a  man  fo  as  it 
makes  him  the  pooreft  Orphan  in  the  world;  iiovv  the  Father  cannot,  wiU  not 
keep  back  hi:>  Portion,  but  gives  it  him':  Wicked  men  have  thei.r  Portion  in  this 
World,  Pfaimi'],  14.  and  they  think  the  Lord  loves  them  becaufe  he  blefleth 
them :  they  have  many  moral  excellendes  gv^th  them,  which  makes  them  honou- 
red and  lovely  in  cheeyesof  men,  and  they  have  honour,  and  that  is  their  reward; 
they  have  bresd,  but  not  theftaff  of  bread,  they  have  Ordinances ,  but  not  the 
tibxdinthem.:;  the  Lord  gives  them  anfwer  to  many  Prayers,  but  never  gives 
rhem  himfelf,  nor  his  Son ;  this  is  higheft  love.  But  'tis  his  Son  himfelf-he  gives 
to'<5tphan,  fathferlefs,  helplefs^creatures ,  for  the  Lord  is  their  Portion,  L^.  3. 
24.  The  fonioft  of  Jacob  y  Jer.  10.  j6,  hence 'tis  him.  that  Faith  receives ,  and 
i)ifcheth  upon ;  fo  that  the  Lord  may  deny  them  many  outward,  manydn-ward 
Bl<d!ings,  yet  they  have  himfelf.  that's  better  thatp  all,  better  as  he  fjddthan  Te» 
So^f.  ^hiidren  may  be  Prddigals  for  a  time ,  but  when  in  want,  they  will  then 
fuc  for  their  Portion.  Saints  for  a  tiote  may  mifpend  all  Times ,  Talents,  Ordi- 
nances the  Lord  gives,  but  the  Lord  will  teng  them,  to  want ,  and  then  they 
will  fuefor  their  Portion ,  and  the  Lord  will  give,  ^and  they  witt  leceive 
that.  , 

^caufe  there  is  ho  fatisfying  of  the  Father  without  him ;  bring  Ee»J0nin  with 
you,  or  never  Idok  to  fee  my  face.  The  cdnfcience  of  a  man  can  never  be  pacified ' 
until  God  is  fatisfied  for  all  wrongs.  Now  the  Lord  Je{us  hath  fatisiied  ,  nay 
perfc6bed  for  ever  them  that  arc  fan^ified  ,^7  once  ojferi&g  ftp  of  himfelf  to  GodyHeb, 
to.  14.  Now  the  foul  nevet  comes  to  haviefeclea  peace  in  his  own  confctence 
( though  peace  wais  purchafed  before  )  but  by  offering  up  of  the  Lord  Jefus  by 
Faith,  even  Chrifl:  himfelf  .•  the  Soul  wants  him,  the  Father  fliews  a  Ram  in  the 
bttfti,  gives  Chrifl: ;  and  that  the  Soul  gives  him  for  fatisfadion,  ^ndoffetsiiim 
to  God  again.  As  the  Pricfls  in  the  Old  law,  when  the  Sacrifice  was  ftain^ithen 
it^as  offered.  Gbd  offers  the  Soul  a  crucified  Son ,  Faith  .-cakes  tim  and  offers 
^m.  Lord  behold  thy  Son  y  Rom.  5.  25.  And  hence  comes  Propitiation  and 
'-  K  5  peace, 


Reaf 


Reaf 


o 


Reafrn  3. 


Reafon  4. 


fei. 


The  Parable  of  the 


peace ,  peace  to  fee  that  God  is  fatisiied.  Now  if  by  Faith  we  come  to  have 
the  peace  of  the  Fathers  fatisfa6lion  with  us,  then  it  mult  needs  pitch  upon  the 
perfonoftheSonfirft.  Hence  many  never  have  peace,  becaufc  'tis  not  a  Son 
himfelf  they  look  for,  but  fomewhat  from  him  ;  they  arc  blind  ,  and  dead ,  and 
hard,  and  thefe  things  they  would  have  helped ,  but  clofe  not  with  Chrift-  him- 
felf. 

Beeaufe  the  Soul  can  neither  a£tually  receive  ,  nor  expe6l  to  receive  any  thing 
from  Chrift,  unlefs  it  hath  firlt  pitcht  upon  the  perfon  of  Chrift.  A  man  may 
hope  he  fhall,  and  prefume  and  think  he  fhall ,  and  it  may  be  receive  fomewhat 
out  of  the  common  courtefie  Chrift  fhews  to  them  that  look  towards  him,  but  ne- 
ver fhall  receive  any  faving-good  thing  till  now,  John  <5.  5  3 .  Unlejfe  ye  eat  thefefh 
of  the  Son  of  Cod ,  and  drt»k^  hii  Blood ,  ye  have  m  life.  Look  as  "'tis  in  our  eat- 
ing ,  as  if  a  man  ftiould  feek  to  get  nourimment  out  of  meat  or  drink,  not  by  feed- 
ing on  it  it  felf ;  fo  'tis  here  :  Some  faid  this  was  a  hard  faying,and  fo  'tis  to  a  car- 
nal heart ,  Rom .  8. 3  2.  And  hence  obferve  when  the  Lord  promifeth  any  great 
thin^  to  his  people,  IfaLj,  14.  he  ever  brings  in  the  Lord  Jefus  ,  that  if  he  fhall 
be  given,  then  all  things  alfo. 

Beeaufe  true  Faith  ever  clofcth  with  Chrift  by  love  to  Chrift ,  as  falfe  Faith 
clofeth  with  him  out  of  felf-Iove,  €a»t.  1.2,3.  The  Firgws  l^ve  thee :  that's  love 
indeed  which  is  fet  upon  the  perfon.  The  Lord  never  puts  his  Pearl ,  nor  fets  it 
in  a  fwinifti  faith  that  contemns  the  Son  :  no,  'tis  a  precious  Faith  that  loves  the 
Lord.    Hence  it  carries  the  foul  to  the  Beloved. 


SECT.   IV. 

HEnce  fee  the  reafon  why  the  Lord  keeps  his  people  hungry,  and  empty,  and 
cuts  them  ftiort  of  many  fpiritual  BleflTmgs  :  'tis  that  they  might  clofe 
with,  and  be  contented  with  the  Perfon  of  the  Son.  There  are  three  things  fome 
of  Gods  people  feek  for,  and  find  not ,  if  the  Lord  intends  good  to  them. 

1 .  They  dcftre  the  comforts,  and  conveniencies,  and  peace  of  this  World ,  Oh 
reftisfweet/  and  the  Lord  will  give  them  none  of  thefe,  or  keep  them  at  fhort 
commons  with  thefe  :  and  why  ?  that  they  mioht  lay  up  their  peace,  and  find  all 
in  himfelf.  Gen,  15.1,2.  Abraham  after  the  fumghter  of  the  Kings  was  in  fear 
that  he  might  make  the  Lord  his  fhield,  Hof.  2.  ^,  7.  She  fhall  feek^her  Lovers^  hut 
fhall  not  overtake  them, 

2 .  They  feek  for  fome  good  to  themfelves,  in  themfelves,  from  themfelves ;  I 
would  fain  believe  and  cannot ;  i*vouldfaindo(fayes  aman)  but  alafs  he  grows 
worfc  and  worfe ;  the  c©mmandment  comes,you  will  do,  there  is  your  task,do  it, 
yet  they  languifli  and  dye,  and  why  fo  ?  Jer,  3.  23.  that  they  might  look  for  help 
and  righteoufnefs  in  another ,  In  the  Lord  our  God  is  the  falvatlon  of  Ifrael ;  not 
from  the  Mountdns  the  ftrongeft  helps  and  means  i  in  the  Lord  'tis  alone. 

3.  They  feek  for  Grace,  and  ftrength ,  and  peace  from  the  Lord  Jefus  very  im^ 
portunately ,  and  many  times  very  impatiently ,  and  fo  finfuliy  too,  and  the  Lord 
denies  them  j  it  hath  been  better  with  them  than  now ,  therefore  they  wonder 
the  Lord  fhouid  be  fo  full,  and  they  fo  empty ,  and  think  fom.etimes  to  feek  110 
more-:,.:  and  the  Lord  denies  a  dole  at  this  door  to ,  that  they  might  content  theii;i-. 
felves,  and  lay  up  their  joyes  in  theXord  Jefus  Chriit ,  2  Cor.  1 2.  9.  My  Grace  i4 
fnfftcient ;  It's  ftrangc  that  Chrift  fo  able,  fo  ready  to  help,  yet  denies :  I  confefs 
'tis  fometimes  fome  luft  and  ftumbling-block  the  Lord  Jefus  fees ,  Oh  but  agairi^ 
that  they  feek,  and  truly  here  is  the  caufe ,  that  having  no  good  from  him ,  th^y 
might  place  all  their  happinefs  and  felicity  in  him.  L^ok  as  it  was  with  Jaceh ,'  a 
great  Famine  Comes,  and  all  the  facks.are  fpent,  and  they  are  ufed  roughly,  though 
not  hardly  nor  wrongfully ,  and  a^ll  was  toijring  them  to  the  fight  and  embrace- 

!  "ings 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


ings  ofjcfeph ;  all  the  time  of  Famine  was  for  this.  So  the  famine  of  Spiric  is  to 
lalt  long,  and  the  Lord  denies  iupply,  to  bring  the  Soul  to  {^ec  ,  embrace ,  and  re- 
joyce  in  the  Lord  Jefus :  the  molt  flourifliing"  Trees  in  Gods  Houfe  iliail  have 
their  winter  feafon-,  and  ciil  their  coat ,  that  the/  might  preferve  tliemfelves  in 
their  root.  This  is  the  great  wound  of  many  a  believing  foul  for  a  time,  to  reft 
more  contented  with  what  he  receive,^  from  the  Lord ,  ihaii  to  quiei  him.feif  and 
his  heart  with  what  is  in  the  Lord  :  Man  would  have  his  loft  happinefs  in,  his 
own  hand  ,  and-idiis  the  Lord  will  not  futfer  his  people  to  lye  in  long,  Gefi.  26, 4. 
and  the  bellrand  fureft  courfe  that  can  be  taken ,  is  to  cut  them  iliort  of  all ;  for 
Faith  is  an  unconquerable  Grace,  that  whatever  it  lofeth  out  of  ics  own  h^hd  ,  it 
wilTfind  it  and  enjoy  it  in  another.  And  therefore  fee  Gods  end  ,  and  meet  the 
Lord  in  thi>  end  of  his.  See  all  in  the  Lord ,  and  feeing  your  bleffednefs  there  in 
all  your  wants,  lay  it  up  there,  that  if  you  will  bo.ifi: ,  here  you  may  do  it  all  the 
day  long  :  for  this  is  Gods  greatert  plot  to  pull  all  men  down  that  his  Son  may  be 
fer  up,  to  wither  all  the^rafs  andbemty  of  allche  fiowers  of  the  field  ,  that  the 
glory  of  the  Lord  might  be  revealed.  I  muft  here  give  you  a  tafte ,  for  it  doth  mc 
good  to  think,  and  it  will  do  you  more  good  to  enjoy  the  fweecneiTe  of  this 
Truth.  There  are  four  Things  you  defire  all ,  which  are  chiefly  laid  up  in-Ghrifi, 
to  that  end  that  you  might  in  all  wants  quiet  your  hearts  with  unfpeakable  peace 
there. 

I .  The  free  Grace  and  love  of  the  Father ,  this  is  that  I  hope  which  you  prize 
moft,  pray  for  moft ,  fear  the  lofs  of  moft,  would  re  Joyce  in  the  having  of  moft, 
without  which  thy  life  is  death,  and  blelTings  curfes,  and  death  the  beginning  of 
Hell.  Would  you  fee  this  love  better  than  life  to  thee  ?  Oh  I  cannot  fee  it ,  or 
but  very  little  of  it.  'Tis  true ,  look  upon  your  felves  you  can  fee  but  little ,  many 
fears,  many  tears,  many  heart-forrows,  many  tem.ptations,  many  defertions,  ma- 
oy  vexing  (ins,  many  denyals  to  your  Prayers  ;  but  Oh  look  up  to  that  Ointment 
which  is  poured  upon  this  blcfl'cd  head ,  that  love  that  is  flied  abundantly  upon 
the  Son  from  before  all  worlds,  and  look  what  love,  what  Grace  the  Father  {hews 
to  him,  that  love  is  thine ;  that  love  in  him  is  fhewn  to  thee ,  2  Tim.  i.  p,  10. 
Here  rtand  amazed  all  ye  people  of  the  Lord  ,  you  have  heard  the  Lord  loves  you, 
and  fometime  believe  it ,  but  beiiig  under  water ,  cannot  conceive  of  it ,  nor  fee 
how  he  Iove>  you  ,  how  dearly ,  how  abundantly  ;  Oh  look  now  upon  the  love 
of  God  the  Father  in  the  Son,  as  he  loves  him' ,  fo  he  loves  thee  a  worm,  a  Peviljj 
notwithftan ding  all  thy  want,  all  thy  fins,  all  thy  miferies,  Jo/m  17.  23, 26. 

2.  Life :  Oh  Death  is  terrible,  and  a  dead  heart  is  wofu! ,  'tis  the  great  plague 
that  lies  upoam.en  without  Chrift,  that  are  ftranger-s  to  the  life  of  God,  Eph.  4.18. 
Is  thy  heart  ever  fo  joyed  a5  when  it's  moil:  enlarged  for  God  ,  and  hath  moft  de- 
light and  liberty  in  the  wayes  of  God  :  alas  thy  life  is  but  a  lingering  ficknefs ,  a 
poor  life  to  that  which  thou  haft  in  Chrift.  Oh  look  up  there.  Col.  3.3.  You  think- 
when  your  hearts  are  afte6i:ed,  and  warmed,  and  quickened  in  Prayer  by.  word ,  or 
by  Divine  thoughts,' d^^.  Oh  if  it  might  be  ever  fo,  how  happy/  Oh  but  it  dyes 
ptefently,  and  thou  knoweft  not  how.  Look  up  to  the  Lord  Jelus ,  he  is  alive 
when  thou  art  dead,  and  his  life  is  thine,  and  'tis  ever  thine  in  hia^  even  eternal 
life,  1  JffhM  5.  10, 11,12.  This  is  the  record  ■)  that  he  hath  ^|f)i^  eterml  life; 
alas  I  find  none:  Oh 'tis  in  his  Son,  in  whom  thou  lively  J^etrer  life  thin 
Men,  than  Kings,  than  Angels.  And  I  doubt  not  but  the  Lord  fuifers  Tempta- 
tions to  rob  you  of  your  life ,  that  you  might  find  it  when  'tis^oft  here  ,  and  re- 
joy  ce  that  when  you  have  none,  yet  here  it  is :  bleffed  be  God ,  he  will  keep  our 
lives  as  the  life  of  Jacob  was  knit  up  ,  and  bound  up  in  the  life  pf  the  child ;  nay 
that  life  is  ours. 

^  Conqueft  and  Vidory  over  all  Enemies ;  it  may  be  you  fay  often,^  the  Lord 
hath  commanded  me  to  feek  for  help,  and  he  will  help ,  he  hath  promifed  fo  to 
do ,  but  I  find  my  Diftempers  ftill  raging ,  Satan  flill  buffeting ,  and  winnowing, 

and 


71 


72- 


"TheTarable  of  the 


and  vexing,  and  foiling ;  and  as  I  tcei  many,  fo  I  fear  more  forrovvs  before  I  dye, 
and  then  Death  anddelufiOn,  that  at  laft  I  may  be  deceived  :  Nay  the.igonies  of 
Hell  many  times  affault me,  and  then  I  am  put  to  a  lofs ,  that  is  icpollibiel 
fhould  efcare  ?  why  Beloved ,  the  Lord  Jefus  conquered  Death ,  and  Sin ,  and 
Hell,  and  the  Grave, and  Satan,  with  all  the  (length  of  darknefs  and  delufion,  and 
hath  fpoilcdthem.  Col.  2. 14, 1 5.  And  now  he  is  in  Heaven  m  his  Kingdom  tri- 
umphing over  them,  that  they  cannot  hurt  him.  I  but  what  is  that  to  me  f  Why 
this  very  Victory  is  thine .-  hence  we  arc  faid  to  be  dead  with  him ,  Rom.6.2.  and 
rifen  withhim,  Co/.  5.  i.  N^y  to  Cizia  Heave^jlji  pUces  as  it  were  triumphing  in 
him,  in  glory  with  him ,  Epb^  2. 6.  Nay  Heh.  10.  14.  He  hath  by  one  <fering  pcr- 
feBedhfJ  people  for  ever  that  are  fanlilfied :  'Tis  true ,  you  may  rcjoycein  that  you 
{hall  conquer,  but  Oh  remember  this,  'tis  done  already  in  thy  Head ,  and  in  thy 
Husband, 

4.  Immutability  and  certainty  of  ftanding  in  a  happy  eftate ,  for  this  is  that 

■  which  fads  the  heart,  I  fhall  fall  at  laft.    How  is  it  pollible  buti  iliould  be  fo  ?  no 

I  Beloved ,  look  upon  the  Lord  Jefus,  in  him  thou  art ,  if  he  canfdl,  if  he  can  dye, 

j  if  he  can  be  caft  from  theFatliers  face,  then  thou  maift  ;  believe  that  1  Uve^ 

'  yoH  (hall live alfo ,  John  14.  19.    ^dam  indeed  Wis  chofentobe  head  of  Man- 

kmd,  and  as  when  he  ftood  perfe6t  wcftood  ,  fo  f  though  mutably  )  he  falling  we 

fall :  fo  we  are  chofen  in  Chrift ,  and  as  he  ftands  unchangcibly ,  fo  vvcftand,  and 

I  a^hewas  tempted  every  w^y,  yet  did  not,  could  not  fall ,  no  more  canft  thou :  fo 

•  that  Oh  that  the  Lord  would  give  you  hearts  to  learn  this  leffon,  when  there  is  no- 

'  th'ng  but  want  in  thee ;  Do  not  fhift  fomuch  for  a  litde  from,  the  Lord  ,  but  fee . 

Gods  end  and  redchit.  Oh  rejoyce,  glory  in,  ?.nd  blefs  the  Lord.  This  was  Paul's 

life,  and  the  life  of  the  Churches  firft  planted.     Oh  blefs  the  Lord  for  all  fpiritual 

blcfiTings  in  Chrift  ;  this  will  be  joy  in  forrovv,  life  in  death  ,  this  is  golden  Faith, 

this  will  anfwcr  all  fears ;  when  Satan  faith  thou  haft  not  this  or  that ,,  nor  canft 

not  do  this  nor  that,  and  to  HeU  therefore  thou  muft  go  ;  Reply  again  ,  'tis  true,  I 

have  little,  I  am  dead ,  but  Chrift  lives  for  ever;  lam  under  miferies,  Chrift  is 

triumphing  in  Heaven  for  ever :  I  may  fall  in  my  feif>I  never  can  fall  in  him ;  that 

which  he  hath  is  mine. 

'Tis  true  they  may  do  this  that  k^vo  the  Lord  feftis  ii  theirs ,  but  alafs  I  k^ow 
not  that. 

If  you  do  not  you  muft  wait  then  untill  the  Lord  make  himfclf  known  unto 
you :  but  tell  me ,  will  you  de  this,  if  you  did  thus  know  it  ?  It  m^y  be  fomc  of 
you  have  not  done  fo,  unlefs  by  force  fometimes ,  and  you  will  find  it  one  of  the 
tOLigheft  works  of  Faith  that  is ;  What  is  a  poor  man  berter  for  anothers  wealth  ? 
ind  a  l:ck  man  for  anothers  health,  and  a  naked  man  when  others  are  cloathed  ? 
Yei  Beloved,  by  vertue  of  the  power  of  Faith  ,  and  our  union  to  the  Lord  Jefus, 
a  m.an  is  the  better.  A  Woman  that  is  matchc  to  a  Prince  may  have  never  a  penny 
in  her  purfe ,  and  yet  fhe  rejoycech  in  that  her  Husband  hath  it.  It's  the  fecrec 
nature  of  Faith  to  make  a  man  all  one  with  Chrift,  in  Chrift ,  in  that  manner  that 
I  cannot  find  fuch  an  union  in  the  world ;  and  hence  his  health ,  his  cloaths ,  his 
Grace,  his  life  may  be  m.atter  of  as  much  joy  as  if  a  man  had  all  this  in  himfclf. 
And  becaufeAiv|  foul  hath  Chrift,  but  feeling  fuch  emptinefs  inhimfelf,  as 
that  he  eannotthiflt  fo ,  and  it  may  be  would  do  fo  if  he  faw  whether  he  might  do 
foor  no:  I ftialF therefore  exprefs  my  thoughts  to  them  thus  in  thefe  particu- 
lars. 

I.  Thar  all  thatfulnefs  that  is  in  the  Lord  Jefus ,  'tis  not  for  himfelf ,  but  for 
them  that  want  it,  John  17. 19.  he  might  have  been  b'.effed  in  hi>  Fathers  bofom 
without  thee ;  why  ftiould  he  therefore  live,  and  do,  and  fuffcr,  and  rife ,  and  glo- 
rifie  his  bleflcd  Nature,  but  for  them  that  wanted  tiiis.  He  is  filled  with  wifdom, 
life,  ftrength,  becaufc  men  are  blind,  dead,  weak. 

2.  But 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


2.  But  )ou  will  f.iy ,  all  the  world  want  it  ^  and  yet  icN  in  the  world^Sl^all 
ever  have  any  lliare  there,  therefore  all  the:n  in  the  world  that  hunger  after  atb 
chat  good  chat  is  in  him  ,  chey  may  now  in  the  abfence  of  it  content  chemfelves 
vvith  it,  chat  there  'tis  in  him  for  them,  for  the  Lord  fills  the  hungry  ,  and  fo  hun- 
gry as  'tis  not  fomething  or  other  that  they  pick  out,  but  all  Chriit,  and  all  of  that 
that  is  ia  Chrift :  now  is  the  feafon  to  eat,  if  bread  and  hunger  meet,  nowfatisfie 
yourfelf.  2  Cvr.  12. 9.  P^»/ prayed,  and  the  Lord  dbnyed,  yet  now  the  Lord  bid 
him  feed  on  his  Grace :  fo  that  when  thy  heart  asks  what  haft  thou  to  do  with 
him  wlien  fo  vile  ?  anfwcr,Yec  the  Lord  hath  all,an^  I  want  him,and  hunger  after 
him.  Take  heed  of  defpifing  his  Grace ;  ,i£Jth0Ur^aft  no  hunger ,  the  Lord  be 
merciful  to  thee/ 

3 .  If  you  have  fo  contented  your  felves  with  him  ^  as  now  you  place  all  your  fe- 
licity in  him  ,  to  this  e^d,  to  receive  life  from  him,  as  a  man  fatisfies  himfelf 
^■vith  bread  that  he  miy  have  life:  for  as  I  would  not  damp  cheFa'chof  cheEleil:, 
no  mo'  e  would  I  patronize  the  floth  of  thewicked.  Maty  a  man  it  may  be  may 
fay,  I  have  nothing  in  my  felf,  and  all  is  in  Chrift,  and  comfort  himfelf  there ,  and 
fb  fall  afleep  ;  hands  o&  and  touch  not  this  Ark,  left  the  Lord  flay  thee  :  a  chrift  of 
clouts  would  ferve  your  turn  as  well.  Run  not  to  chis  Temple  to  make  it  a  Denn 
of  your  thicviili  heart ;  no,  do  you  fo  content ,  or  will  you  fo  content  your  felves 
with  him,  as  to  account  your  felves  happy  here ,  that  all  the  world. is  Dung  in  re- 
fpect  of  this ;  and  this  you  do  to  fuck  and  receive  m.ore  from  Chrift,  and  fo  to  be 
like  him:  now  hold  here,  and  live  here,  and  rejoyce  here  for  ever,  Phil,  3.  p, 
I  c,  1 1 .  Ifai.  12.  2,3.  Firft  ,  The  Lord  ts  my  Song  and  Salvation ;  theref(X"e  we, 
will  draw  hence:  ifche  Lord  gives  nothing,  yet  I  have  it  in  him;  if  he  gives  any 
thing,chehonourfhallbegiventohim.  Oh  cake  this  courfe :  i.  Left  you  lofe 
Chrift  and  all  too.  2.  Left  the  Lord  ever  keep  you  ftiort  in  a  complaining  con- 
dition. 3.  That  you  may  be  every  day  and  moment  in  Heaven,  and  win 
the  Crown  from  every  Hypocrite  who  knows  not  what  this  life  in  Chrift  rpeans* 
4,  That  the  Lord  may  be  your  glory,  for  he  is  not  only  the  glory  of  God  ,  but  of 
his  people  7/r<2f/  too.  5.  That  you  may  love  your  felves  the  lefle,  and  the 
Lord  the  more. 


■     SECT.   V. 

HEnce  fee  a  necellity  of  feeing  &  knowing  Chrift,  before  a  man  can  beli€ve,or 
if  ever  the  foul  believe ;  for  if  Faith  clofeth  with  theperfon  of  the  Lord  Je- 
fus,  the  fame  Faith  muft  firft  fee  that  perfon :  If  it  rakes  the  Bride-groom  him.felf^ 
itmuft  fee  and  know  him  firft.  Did  you  ever  fee  any  efpoufed  together  that  did 
not  firft  lee  and  know  each  other?  the  eye  muft  firft  fee ,  my  meaning  is,  there 
muft  precede  this  ad  of  the  underftandin^  to  fee  Chrift ,  before  a  man  can  clofe 
with  Chrift  by  his  will :  for  I  aim  not  at  this,  whether  it  goes  before  in  time ,  but 
in  order  of  nature  it  does  precede,  and  abfolutely  neceifary  it  is :  kence  J&hn  6.^0, 
He  thatfeeth  and  believeth  in  the  Son  hath  eternal  life  :  this  is  fo  neceifary  to  Faith, 
chat  Faith  it  felf  puts  on  this  nam.e,  Ifai.  53.  n.  By  his  k^owled^^  Lake  19.41. 
Ohthat  thouhadflkfiown.  If  at.  ^6. '2.2.  Lookjmto  me  and  be  faved*  And  hence 
unbelief  in  Scripture  is  expreft  by  being  blinded,  Rom.  1 1 . 7, 8.  for  thouofi  Chrift 
be  abfent  from  u^  on  earth ,  yet  that's  the  excellency  of  faith,  it  makes  things  ab- 
fentprefent,  andfee^unfeenthings,  ff**^.  ii.i.  John  8.  55.  Abraham  favp  my 
day  ;  and  that'^  the  wondern.ent  of  Saints ;  there  is  light  in  Gojhen  when  all  Egyft 
is  dark,when  others  no.  bUnd  they  fee,  Ifai.  60.  i,  2, 

fiijat  is  this  knovpledg  or  feeing  of  the  Lord  ? 

I  make  this  queliion,  partly  becaufe  this  is  the  firft  chief  Evangelical  work ,  as 
it  appears  to  us,  nay  indeed  *cis  in  a  manner  all ;  hence  Map.  1 1. 2,7.  J  thanks  thee 

L  f/10.0 


Ufe'i, 


Qnefi, 
A»fr9t 


theti  hafl  hid  thefe  things^  &c.  If  this  be  right,  Faith  is  right,  &c.  And  if  this  be 
nor,  a  mails  Faith  is  but  a  Fancy,  and  a  mans  Sandlification  ar^d  Reformation, 
hopes,  defires ,  ate  but  the  works  of  death  and  darknefife,  if  this  Sun  be  notrilen,' 
And  partly  alfo  becaufe  all  the  policy  and  power  of  Satan  is  to  blind  the  eye  here' 
for  then  he  knowes  men  will  ftumble  at  every  ftcp,  2  C^r.4.4.  He  will  help  to 
beleeve,  and  joy  in  beleeving,  and  reform.ation  after  that  joy,  that  a  man  might 
content  himfelf  with  this  joy  and  Faith,  andlook  not  after  the  fight  of  Chrirt. 
Andif  I  was  to  leave  the  world,  Ifhould  ieav^  this  to  be  thought  of,  as  Chrift 
told  the  woman  of  Samaria^  Teyoorfhlp  whom  ye  know  noty  fo  men  beleeve  in  v^?hom 
they  know  nor,  and  pray  to  one  whom  they  know  not,  and  depend  on  whom 
they  fee  nor,  and  hence  do  no:  wonder  at  an  adulterous  generation  rifing  up  chat 
deny  all  evidencing  of  a  mans  juftification  from  his  fanclification,  and  that 'tis 
but  a  fading  thing,  becaufe  they  never  felt  what  ic  meanr,  becaufe  they  never 
knew  what  the  Lord  Jefus  meant,  and  therefore  lifien  x,o  ir.  I  fay  therefore  firft 
what  this  knowledge  is  nor,  for  every  man  hath  fome  knowledge. 

1 .  There  is  a  knowledge  of  the  Lord  Jefus  by  report,  the  fame  of  a  man  may 
come  where  himfelf  is  not  feen,  fo  of  Chrift,  there  may  be  a  fam.e  fpread  of  him 
and  of  fome  excellencies  in  him,  where  he  is  not  favingly  known,  and  this  is  not 
feeing  of  Chrift,  for  a  man  may  live  and  die  a  damned  creature  with  this  know- 
ledge. The  Samarltms  had  fome  knowledge  by  report  of  the  MefiTiah,  John  4.2  5. 
when  he  Is  come  he  wiH  tell  m  all  things  •  fo  many  among  us  hear  that  Chrift  is  come 
andrifen,  and  glorified,  and  the  Saviour  of  the  world  and  of  finners,0^f.  But 
how  come  they  to  know  this  ?  By  way  of  tradition  and  report  only.  I  confeife 
this  knowledge  may  be  a  means  in  the  Elecl  to  bring  them  to  favin^  knowledce, 
as  in  the  Queen  oi  Sheba.  that  heard  Solomons  fame,  and  ths  Difciples  John  i. 
Come  and  fee.  But  Reprobates  are  not  drawn  by  it,  zsjfjerod^  Luke  23,8.  heard 
mmj  things  ofChrlfi^,  but  never  faw  him  til  1  he  came  to  judge  him.  So  here,  be- 
caufe they  can  live  well  without  Chrift,  hencereft  content  with  the  bare  re  jorr. 
Whereas  they  that  had  difeafes ,  heard  of  his  fame ,  and  came  ro  fee  Je- 
fus. 

2.  There  is  aknowledg  of  Chrift  from  his  works ,  as  we  know  what  Trade  and 
what  Artificers  many  men  be  becaufe  thefe  are  external  things,  yet  know  not  the 
man  :  fo  there  is  a  knowledgof  Chrift  by  his  works,  that  by  him  the  worlds  were 
m.ade ,  Hek  i .  and  all  creatures  governed  ,  and  a  m.an  may  fee  him  in  his  trading 
with  others,  and  himfelf,  all  comes  from  him ,  that  a  man  may  fay,  the  Lord 
hath  done  all  this  and  that  for  me,  and  yet  ftrangers  to  Chrift.  And  if  men  be  ig- 
norant of  him  here,  he  may  do  fuch  wonderful  things  before  their  eyes ,  that  they 
cannot  but  wonder  and  fay,  this  is  the  Lords  work ,  and  yet  know  him  not.  Mat, 
11.20.  He  upbraided  the  Cities  where  mott  of  his  mighty  works  were  done ,  but 
they  faw  him  not,  John  15.  2,4.  Jf  I  had  not  done  ^  &c.  the  Lord  may  work 
ftrange  temporal  deliverances ,  that  you  may  know  all  power  is  in  Chrifts  hand  to 
fave  and  pardon,  Af<«?.  8.  27.  fo  as  to  marvail  and  not  envy ;  what  manner  of  man  Is 
this  that  mnds  andfeas  obey  him  ?  'Tis  true  the  Saints  do  know  the  Lord  here,but  they 
are  not  idle  fpe6lators  and  receivers  of  them,but  Oh  that  I  might  fee  and  have  that 
Chrift  himfelf,  they  do  him  no  good,give  him  no  content  without  him ;  as  he  faid ,  | 
what  glvefi  thoume  If  I  go  chl/dlefefjohn  9. Chrift  had  opened  the  blind  mans  eyes, 
and  yet  he  crie;?.  Lord,  who  Is  he?  verf.  3^,37,38.  whereas  others  fee  the  works 
of  Chrift,  and  vanilli ,  or  if  affeiled,  an  evill  fpirit  comes  on  them ,   as  on  Saul 
when  he  faw  Davids  love. 

3 .  There  is  a  litteral  knowledg  of  the  Lord  Jefus  by  the  bare  letter  only  of  the 
Word,  and  'tis  wrought  in  this  manner.  A  man  doth  not  only  take  up  the  know- 
ledg of  Chrift  by  report,  not  from  his  works ,  but  he  hears  ,  reads ,  is  well  Cate- 
chiz*d  concerning  Chrift,  and  all  his  Offices,  and  Benefits,  that  there  is  much  light 
tet  in  ;  hence  his  mind  having  thofe  litteral  relations,  gueffeth  at  them ,  and  con- 
ceives 


ten  Virpns  Opened  andJppUed, 


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ceives  of  cbe  P. ,  andbecuii'ethe  mind  is  carnal ,  it  apprehends  them  in  a  carnal 
m.inner  (ihough  ic  rhink^  it  fees  Chrift  truly,  j  Hence  a  man  having  ^  form  of  this 
knovvledg  in  hi?  head,  he  may  be  able  to  exprefs  m.iich  ,  iahd  make  a  lar^e  confefli- 
on  of  his  Faith,  diftojrfe.of  }"oints  of  controverfie ,  in  matters  that  concern  Chrift 
andjiuiihcacion  by  Chrift, d'c.  andinftrudt  others,  and  yet  having  no  more, 
know  not  all  thi-vvhile  what  the  Lord  Jefus  is, 

Firlt ,  Becaufe  as  he  was  a  carnal  Jew  that  had  but  the  form  of  Knowled*^  in 
the  Law,  Kom.  1,10.  lb  he  is  but  a  carnal  Chriliian  that  hath  but  a  form  of  Know- 
ledg  in  the  Gof]  el.  The  Jews  were  exceedingly  verfed  in  Scripture,  and  boafted 
they  heard  God,and  faw  God,Chriit  tells  them,  they  never  heard  his  voice,nbr  faw 
his  fice,  John  5 . 3  7 .  r.  £■.  they  only  faw  it  litterally,  not  favingly. 

Secondly ,  This  is  but  a  carnal  knovvledg  which  letter  and  fancy  beget,i  Cor.  2. 
^4'  He  cannot  know  them  hecAu[e  they  are  spiritually  discerned. 

Thirdly ,  ' Tis  a  dead  Knovvledg;  or  will  be  dead  and  unfavory ;  and  hence  ma- 
ny chat  know  m.uch  of  Chrift  ,  feed  on  their  lufts  and  Dunghill  delights ,  becaufe 
their  Knovvledg  feeds  them  not ,  fills  them  nor,  as  fancies  do  not  feed. 
Fourthly,  'Tis  a  falfe  Knovvledg,for  give  a  blind  man  a  defcription  of  the  Sun  Oj-  a 
taftelefsman  of  honey,  he  may  fet  up  a  £ilfe  Image  and  deceive  himfelf,  andfo 
doth  this.  Many  fet  up  a  falfe  Image  of  Chrift,  and  truft  to  chat.  Or  as  in  the 
defcription  of  ano:her  Country,  when  he  fees  it ,  then  he  fees  he  was  deceived,- 
fo  Saints  fee  they  were  deceived,  and  faw  not  Chrift,nor  Sin,nor  God  5  andfo  fhali 
men  in  Hell  fee  ;  hence 7/"^/.6,  9.  In  [eeing  they  fee  not :  how  came  that  to  jzafs? 
ehey  did  fee,  but  faw  not  really. 

Fifthly ,  'Tis  fuch  a  Knovvledg  as  hinders  from  faviilg-knowledg  of  Chrift,  fohn 
p.  59.  I  came  that  the)  that  fe^  might  he  mtide  hllnd.  The  wife  iQ^m^d  Corinthi- 
ans muft  becom.e  fooliilinefs,  and  the  light  that  is  in  thee  is  darknefs.  This  liohc 
ftands  in  your  light :  and  yet  this  is  the  Knovvledg  that  thoufand  thoufands  con- 
tent them.felveuvithall  ,  and  hence  catch  hold  on  Chrift,  and  think  they  have 
him,  when  in  truth  'tis  but  the  Image  and  fancy  of  him. 

what  then  is  this  J^ovpledg  or  feeing  ofChrifi  ? 

There  is  a  feeing  of  Chrift  after  a  man  believes  which  is  Chrift  in  his  love  &c, 
but  I  (leak  of  that  firft  light  of  him  that  precedes  the  fecond  ad  of  Faith,  and  'tis 
an  intuitive  or  real  fight  of  him.  ashe  is  in  his  Glory.  Cbrift  reveals  his  wonder- 
ful glory  to  the  foul  really ,  as  ex  gr,  A  m.an  hears  fin  to  be  the ^reateft  evil 
and  fometi^ie conceives  by  argument  how,  but  fees  not  the  thing  fin  ,  thouah  he 
fees  the  vvord  fin :  fo  a  man  that  never  travailed  intoforraign  parts,  may  hear  and 
read,  and  fpeak  of  Countries :  or  as  Hcrbalifts  read  of  the  nature  of  Plants  and 
Trees  yet  never  faw  the  things ,  nay  trample  upon  them  when  they  fee  them  :  fo 
itisonc  thing  to  read  of  the  Sun  in  a  Book,  or  to  know  it  by  relation  ,  another 
thing  to  know  it  by  fight.  This  is  therefore  the  faving-knowledg  of  Chrift,  to  fee 
the  Lord  in  his  Glory  as  he  is :  not  pcrfedlly  ,  for  that  is  in  Heaven;  hence  we 
(hall  there  fee  him,  and  be  like  unto  him,  but  imperfedly ,  and  in  part,  ^Cdr.'^, 
18.  Changed  here  into  the  fame  Image,  And  this  appears  from  thefe  four 
Grounds. 

1 .  That  Knovvledg  the  Saints  have  of  Chrift  ,  'tis  not  by  bare  word  only ,  but 
alfo  by  the  Spirit.  The  word  relates  Chrift  ,  but  the  Spirit  is  the' interpreter  of 
the  Word:  the  Interpreter  of  Heaven  m.uft  interpret  the  language  of  Heaven. 
Now  the  Spirit  ever  flievvs  us  things  as  they  are ,  even  though  they  be  deep  things, 
and  myfteries ,  it  makes  them  plain  ,  i  Cor.  2. 9, 10.  j4s  the  Sm  when  it  artferh 
ttfcatters  all  darkne[fe  ,  fo  when  this  day-flar  arifeth  :  Not  that  thefe  thint^s  are  re- 
li'ealed  without  the  Word:  for  2  Cor.  2. 14.  and  2  Cor.  4. 4.  left  theli«?§tof  the 
Gofpcl  fhould  iTiine  :  'tis  by  the  Word  that  'he  Spirit  doth  enlighten. 

2.  Becaufe  thefighf  of  the  Knovvledg  of  Chrift,  'tisas  theknowledcrof  a  thiric 
in  a  glafs,  i  Cor.  1 3!  1 2.    Now  though  you  fee  noc  the  man  face  to  face ,  yet  if  i 


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The  'Parable  of  the 


you  fee-bin;i  in  a  glafle ,  there  yoii  fee  liim  as  he  is :  Quod  videtur  ififpemk  ,  mit  eft 
Imago^  as  fome  chink.  A  man  may  know  another  by  relation ,  or  by  fome  pidlure, 
but  in  a  glafs  chat  is  more  full.  The  Jews  they  faw  Chri(l ,  but  ic  was  under  Vails 
and  Types,  and  Pictures  of  him,  this  was  obfcure :  under  the  Gofpel  the  vail  is 
pulled  off ,  aud  mth  open  face  we  fee  as  In  aglaffethe  glory  of  the  Lord.  In  Heaven 
the  glaffe  is  taken  away,and  then  wc  fee  as  w^e  are  feen. 

3.  Beeaufe  that  eftace  the  Saints  are  cranflated  into  is  a  ftate  of  Glory.  Hence 
when  juftified,  then  glorified.  Hence  as  chat  fan6lification  that  is  in  the  will  is 
the  beginning  of  tfte  life  of  Glory,  fo  that  light  God  puts  into  their  mind,  is  the 
beginning  of  chelight  of  Glory.  Hence  as  in  Heaven  the  foul  fees  Chrift  by  the 
full  light  of  Glory  perfe6lly,  face  to  face,  fo  in  this  life  the  foul  {qqs  Chrifl;  really 
as  he  is,  yet  as  in  a  glaCe  imperfeclly.  Hence  we  are  faid  to  fee  In 
part. 

4.  In  regard  of  that  abundant  goodneffe  and  love  of  Chrift  to  his  people.  Love 
cannotlock  up  fecrets,  Jofeth  hid  himfelf  from  his  Brethren  for  a  time,  buthis 
bowels  melt,  he  muft  tell  ciicm  that  he  is  Jofeph.  Chrift  may  do  fo,  but  his 
love  even  conftrains  him  afterward,  to  let  them  fee  whom  he  n^  John  14.2 1 .  I 
confeffeits  admirable  love  to  reveal  Chrift  in  the  Word  and  letter  of  the  Gofpel, 
to  hear  of  him  is  happinefle,  and  if  the  Lord  faves  you,  you  will  think  fo  too  : 
But  cbis  is  common  to  wicked  menj  there  is  a  manifeftarion  of  himfelf  as  he  15  unco 
his  people.  And  now  he  is  in  Glory,  hence  reveals  himfelf  in  his  inconceiveable. 
Glory,  that  now  a  mans  eye  fees  the  Lord  ,  and  fuch  things  he  never  thought  of 
before,  whicheye  never  faw,  1  Cor.^.p. 

Hovo  doth  the  foul  fee  him  06  he  is} 

I  m  this  cafe,  rather  defireto  learn  than  t-each,  even  from  the  meaneft ;  yet 
what  is  obvious  I  fhaU  fuggeft,  in  this  weighty  bufinelTe. 

This  feeing  of  him  appears  in  three  particulats.  '  1 

1,  True  faving  knowledge  and  fighc  of  Chrift  confifts  in  the  fight  of  the  "lory ! 
ofhisperfon,  efpeciaiiy  now  caught  ttp  to  Heaven^  md  fitting  attherlaht  hand  of' 
God:,  in  all  the  Glory  of  the  Father.     Look  aS  at  the  Judgment-day  the  Lord  ftiall ' 
break  out  of  Heaven  in  fuch  Glory  as  fhall  amaze  all  the  world ,  and  all  eyes  fhail 
fee  him  ,  that  he  ftiallnotonly  be  admired  in  himfelf,  but  in  all  his  Saints,  bys 
all  that  are  round  about  him. :  juft  fo  doth  the  foul  fee  him  now  ( chough  not  by 
the  fcye  of  fenfe,yet  by  the  eye  of  Faith  J  though  not  come  to  judge  the^world,  yet ' 
now  ruling  of  the  world;  though  not  in  the  clouds,  yet  in  Heaven;  thouf^h  his 
Humanity  only  in  Heaven ,  yet  his  God-heads  beams  filling  Heaven  and  Earth  ; 
though  not  yet  coming  in  the  Fathers  Glory ,  yet  fitting  clothed  with  the  Fathers  | 
Glory :  for  if  a  man  looks  on  Creacures ,  he  fees  Gods  fooc-fteps  of  power ;  if  on  | 
Angels  and  Saints,  Gods  Image  of  Holineflfe  ;  if  in  Chrift  ,  there  God  himfelf 

2  Cor,  4.4,  5, 6, 7.  'Tis  true  then  Chrifts  Glory  ftiall  be  feen  by  the  Wicked,  but 
that's  by  fenfe,  not  by  Faith,  that  is  only  in  their  minds ,  but  there  is  no  ftiininc 
-into  the  heart,  to  the  kindling  of  an  infinite  efteem  of  him :  and  this  the  god  of 
this  World  hides  from  people ;  Chrift  the  Lord  of  another  world  in  fpioht  of  Sa- 
tan reveals  to  his  people.  Before  a  man  fees  Chrift ,  there  is  nothing  m.ore  bafe 
than  Chrift,  even  to  the  Ele6^,  and  then  the  vvayes  and  work  of  Chrift ,  Jer.^.  1 1 . 
Have  anj  Heathn  changed  their  spds  ?  thefe  change  their  glory  for  that  which 
doth  not  profit :  now  the  Lord  will  be,  muft  be  efteemed  of  his  people ;  hence  will 
and  doth  reveal  this  Glory  of  his  to  his  Saints ,  whereas  here  others  are 
blind. 

2.  In  the  beholding  of  the  Lord  as  he  come^  and  appears  in  the  Glory  of  his 
Covenant ,  for  when  the  Lord  reveals  himfelf  fo  as  to  caufe  the  foul  to  believe, 
and  thereby  to  make  it  one  of  his  people,  he  never  makes  any  a  people ,  but  by  en- 
tring  into  Covenant  with  them.  Hence  he  ever  appears  in  his  Covenant  firft, 
lfal'^9'f*k.  Look  as  when  the  Lord  made  him  a  people  at  Memt  Simi ,  Mofes 

came 


cams  dovYntroLii  ooJ,  and  appears  vvkh  Tables  in  his  hands,  &c.  So  when  Chrift 
comes  to  make  any  his  people ,  he  comes  as  Mediator  of  a  becier  Tcthment , 
Heb,  7.22.  On  Mount  Sion  ,  Heh.  1 2.  22,  24.  Now  look  as  it  was  with  the  Is- 
raelites ,  2  Cor,  3.  they  had  the  Covenant  of  Chritl ,  and  Chriit  revealed ;  but  as 
Mo^es  face  was  covered,  fo  theirs  was ,  and  Chrili  there  was  vailed  over  with  the 
Law,  even  the  Moral  Law  written  in  (lone.  Hence  there  was  a  vail  on  their 
hearts  too,  they  could  not  fee  Chvift ,  the  end  of  the  Latv  ,  but  only  the  Vail, 
VIZ..  the  Law,  and.hence  looked  for  life  by  that,  and  hence  vvere .  b?.  dened  againft 
Chrill ,  Rom.  9.  31,  32.  So  'tis  the  mifery  and  blindneffeof  many  people  at  this 
day ,  they  iee  the  Lord  Jefus ,  but  with  his  vail  on :  for  people  being  not  able  to 
fee  and  pri/e  the  glory  of  Chrift  imm.ediatly  ,  the  Lord  appears  with  the  law  firft, 
requiring  this  and  that,  and  they  endeavour  to  do  it;  and  hence  if  they  cannot, 
they  comfort  themfelves  with  this ,  the  Lord  accepts  my  endeavours  ,  not  feeing 
the  hypocrifie  of  tliem  ,  or  elfe  they  are  never  at  peace,  or  very  feldom;  and  why  ? 
becaufe  they  fee  not  to  the  end  of  that  which  is  aboliilied ,  neyer  faw  the  end ,  the 
Lord  Jefus  Chr(i.  Now  therefore  when  the  Lord  reveals  himfelf ,  the  Lord 
makes  himfelf  known  without  the  vail ,  fo  that  when  confcience  cries  you  mui^  do 
what  ever  is  com.manded ,  or  dye  ,  the  Lord  Jefus  now  comes  and  appeals ,  and 
faith  ,  therefore  fee  what  need  thou  haft  of  m.e  ,  who  have  fulfilled  all  Righre- 
oufnefs,  and  done  all.  Receive  m.e  that  have  done  it,  and  thou  llialt  live.  Oh 
but  may  I  now  live  as  I  lift  ?  Am  I  now  free  from  the  Law  ?  No ,  'tis  to  be  thy. 
Rule  and  life  in  tieaven  ,  but  /  mil  -write  my  Laws  In  thy  heart  ■>  and  caufe  thee 
to  walk^  In  my  wajes.  Hence  the  foul  fees  all  done  for  him. ;  i .  In  Chrift.  2.  All 
that  he  is  to  do  for  Chrift  ;  he  fees  it  not  in  means,  nor  in  himfelf,  but  in  the 
Lords  promife  ,  aad  here  Faith  hangs ,  and  hath  peace.  For  two  things  trou- 
ble, 

Firft ,  I  have  broke  the  firft  Covenant  of  the  Law ,  Chrift  appears  not  ^  one 
tliat  exa6ls  the  Debt,  tut  as  one  that  comes  to  enrich  him  when  poor. 

Secondly  ,  I  cannot  walk  after  it  as  a  Rule ,  Chrift  appears  in  this  Covenant, 
and  pro.mifeth  to  caufe  him  to  do  it ;  and  hence  after  ail  departings  from  the 
Lord ,  he  will  not  depart  further  by  unbelief ,  but  fees  the  end  of  the  Law ,  which 
is  Chrift,  that  in  him  he  may  perform  the  Covenant ,  and  by  him  beftrengthned 
tovYaik.withhimasafccr  aRule:  For  the  Covenant  of  Grace  is  not ,  Chrift  will 
berighteoufneilcto  theeif  tlaoU.wilt  walk  after  the  Law  as  a  K.ule,  but  Chrift 
will  do  both  :  and  this  the  foul  fees  in  it's  Glory,  elfe  it's  no  fight.  Hence  2  Cor. 
S.  Go^i^ci  is  cslled  The  minifirationsf  Glory  ^  which  no  carnal  heart  can  fee,  for 
the  Vail  is  taken  away  when  it  turns  to  the  Lord,  and  fees  him.  The  Saints  on- 
ly with  open  face  behold  this :  'Tis  true  for  a  time  they  may  make  of  Chrijl  a  Mo- 
fes  jZs  Peter  y  Luke  5. 8.  Lord  depart  from  me ,  /  am  a  finful  man.  And  the  Lord 
may  deal  roughly  with  them  to  humble  them.,  as  Jofeph did  to  his  Brethren  ,  but 
it  will  not  ever  hold ;  and  the  Lord  appearing  thus,  to  them  that  have  been  ftung 
by  the  Law ,  and  that  killing  letter,  now  the  Lord  appears  in  ineffable  Beauty  and 
Glory  ;  To  others  there  is  nothing  in  it ,  they  may  fee  this,,,  yet  not  be- 
lieve. 

3 .  In  feeing  the  Lord  in  the  Glory  of  his  Grace ,  or  fitneite  for  him  ,  and  this 
is  the  m.ain  :  for  look  as  'tis  in  Marriage ,  there  is  a  refpe6t  to  Beauty  andfeature, 
and  rhir  draws.  Now  a  Woman  fometimes  appears  to  one  fo ,  that  though  Por- 
tion be  great,  &c.yQi  he  cannot  like ,  another  can  becaufe  God  hath  a  hand  in  it, 
and  what  fits  the  fancy,  that's  beauty  :  there  is  a  futablenefle  every  way.  So  Chrift 
is  prefented  with  a  rich  portion  to  many  ,  and  yet  they  cannot  like ,  cannot  fee  a 
Beauty,  becaufe  they  cannot  fee  a  fitneife  and  futablenefle  to  them,  and  for  them : 
another  man  can, becaufe  he  fees  a  fitneffe  and  futableneire  in  the  Lord  Jefus  for 
him,  in  refpett  of  his  mifery  and  fin,  and  his  gracious  difpoficion ,  John  i  .14.  But 
rte  [at9  his  glory  full  of  Grace  and  trmh»     Ffal?»^S.  2,  Thou  art  fairer  than  the 

L  3  children 


-jS 


The  'Parable  of  the 


children  of  men  ,  full  of  Grace  are  thy  Up  :  which  is  fo  beautiful  in  the  Lords  eyes, 
that  the  Father  hence  exalts  the  Son,  for  all  the  Grace  he  fhevvs  to  hisEkch 
Now  what  makes  Chrzli  appear  fit  ?  Anfw>  Theknowledg  of  a  mansfelf,  ?.nd 
fenfeofvilencfle;  hence  Lnke  7.  25?,  30.  The  Pharifees  defpifed  the  counsel  of\ 
God  agawfi  themfehes ,  yvhen  Ptiblicans  jufilfied  God  ,   &c.     And  'tis   a  Rulej  | 
that  the  faving-knovvlcdg  of  Chrift  is  dependant  upon  the  fenfible  knovvledg  of  a 
mansfelf.    LetaChriftian  in  Chrift  lye  in  his  fms5an4  comfort  him  felt  in  Re- 
miffionof  them  without  repentance,  he  may  talk  of  Chrift,  but  no  beauty  v^-ill! 
appear  in  Chrift :  So  'tis  at  firft,  firft  the  Soul  feels  fin,  and  that  God  is  holy,  and  I 
will  hate  him  :  then  the  Lord  fhews  Chrift ;  com.e  to  call  fuch.  Yea  but  I  h^ve  ]' 
no  good,  and  cannot  help  my  felf ;     Chrift  appears  fit  to  feekout  fuch.    Oh  but  I 
I  cannot  fee,  nor  believe,  nor  be  atf«61ed  ;  Chrift  appears  ore  fit  to  do  all,  full  of 
wifdom  to  perform  the  Second  Covenant.    Oh  but  I  want  all  things;  Chrift  ap- 
pears all-fufiicient.     Oh  but  I  ftiall  fall ;  Chrift  appears  conftant  in  his  love.    Oh 
but  he  is  far  tofeek  ;  Chrift  appears  prefent.     Oh  but  I  fhail  fin  ;  Chrift  appears 
merciful  to  bear  with,  and  heal  infirmities .     Oh  but  I  {hall  believe  too  foon  ;  he 
is  fit  to  prepare  and  difpofe.  Oh  but  all  the  vvorld  will  be  againft  m.e ;  Cbriii  there- 
fore appears  fit  to  rule  all  for  mt.     Oh  but  Death  and  Grave  may  hurt  me;  Chrift 
appears  fit  who  hath  conquered  all:  and  this  is  ever  in  the  Saints.     Now  leaft 
you  fhould  think  you  have  this  when  you  have  not;  and  know  ic  not ,  fee  theevi- 
'dences  hereof. 

1.  Ifever  tbeLord  hath  thus  revealed  himfelf  to  thee,  he  hath  brought  this 
light  out  of  darknefs,  and  madetheefenfibleofit,  2  Cof.^.  5,  6.  Oh  you  that 
have  been  a  little  troubled,  and  then  hear  of  Chrift,  ^id  then  depend  on  him., 
and  wait  for  comfort  from  him  ,  and  now  you  are  well:  you  never  yet  favv  him. 
Nay  if  truly  enlightened,  you  will  go  mourning  to  your  Graves  for  your  ignorance 
of  him  ,Pro^.  30.2.  andfeldomisyour  darknefs  feen  and  felt,  but' there  is 
fome  beam  let  in. 

2.  It  damps  the  glory  of  all  the  world,  that  a  man  laies  down  all  at  Chrifts  feet, 
as  the  Wife-men  Mat.  2.  As  glow-worm-ftars  go  out  when  the  light  of  the  Sun  a- 
rifeth,  fo  all  the  comforts,and  all  the  mifcries  of  the  world  are  nothing  ix)\v,  AUs 
7.  Ifeejefus. 

3.  It  makes  a  man  very  vile  in  his  own  eyes ,  Ifal.  6.  5.  Nay  his  excellency  vile 
as  7p/^)?)  his  tongue,  and  wonders  that  the  Lord  fnould  look  upon  him  a  Worm 
who  is  fo  glorious.  PVhat  am  I  that  the  Mother  of  mj  Lord  jho^i/d  come  to  me^ 
&c.  He  fee;  Chrift  fit,  and  then  fees  his  Glory,  and  then  laich ,  what  me  Lord  ? 
me  to  ftand  before  thee  ?  Lord  depart,  I  am  a  finful  man ! 

4.  It  nccefTitates  the  heart  to  believe,  not  with  affurancejbut  with  a  clinging  to  1 
him  :  Hypocrites  have  knowledg  of  Chrift  ,  but  it  never  heats  the  heart ;  "this  as 
fire  neceflarily  heats,  and  that  which  is  put  to  it  is  heated  ;  fo  here ,  for  the  fight 
of  the  laft  end  doth  neceffitate  when  'tis  feen  ,  Ifal,  55.  4,  5.  They  ^  all  rnn  to\ 
thee  ^  becatife  God  hath  glorified  thee  ^  Rom.  i.  163  17.  'tis  the  power  of  God,  for 

I  there  is  righteoufnefs  revealed :  that  though  the  Lord  bids  depart ,  yet  he  cannot  | 
be  gone ,  nay  when  he  concludes ,  yet  as  fonah  2. 4.  fo  he  can  fee  to  a  Temple  1 
through  the  belly  of  a  Whale.    Many  fay,  m.^y  I  believe  ?  or  I  cannot  prize  him/ 1 
I  tell  you  when  the  Lodi  appears  as  he  is,  you  cannot  refift  that  light,  but  you  muft 
cling  to  him. 

5.  Where  this  is,  a  man  refts  not  here,  but  fees  more  and  more  of  him,  John  1 . 
49, 50.  A  m.an  fees  now  his  Glory,  but  after  he  fhall  fee  his  love ,  and  after  that 
hefliallknow  his  mind,  i  Cor. 1,9.  Eph.1.9.  The  mjjlery  of  his  will.  And 
then  his  conftant  prefence ,  and  all  his  walkings  with  him  and  towards  him  ,  fo 
as  to  befam-iliar  with  him  ,  that  in  time  of  old  Age  he  fhall  be  an  Acquaintance 
of  Chriffs,  2  Cor.  3.18.  From  glory  te glory  ;  whereas  an  hypocrites  light  goes  out 
or  grows  not.    He  -ce  many  ancient  ftanders  take  all  their  comfort  from  the  firft 

work. 


ten  Vtrz^ins  Opened  and  Applied. 


work  and  droop  when  in  old  ige,  I  know  the  Saints  light  is  obfcured,  and  the 
Lord  hides  his  face,  but  then  they  are  troubled,  and  it  £hall  break  out  mth  healwg 
inhismngs.  Nay  all  their  life  tm^.e  they  may  think  they  know  him  nor,  be- 
caufe  they    have   not   thofe   meaiures.     Oh  therefore  fee    a  neceffity    of 


ir. 


1 .  You  that  are  vile,  and  ignorant  of  Chrift,  no  Faith  yet,  no  Chrift  yet :  And 
what  then?  Thyfins  are  upon  thee  now,  and  wo  to  thee,  ior  the  wrath  to  come. 
Oh  poor  creature/  thou  doft  not  fee,  nor  canft  not  fee,  if  thou  didft,  thou 
wouldft  not  crucifie  the  Lord  of  Glory, 

2.  You  that  be  Profeflouts  of  the  Church.  Oh  deceive  not  your  felves,  if  the 
Lord  hath  enlightened  you.  Oh  blefle  him ,  If  Chrilf  were  here,  he  would  bleffe 
you,  Mat.  1 3  .iV.  Nay  when  he  was  here ,  he  did  it,  he  doth  it  in  Heaven.  / 
thanks  thee  Father ,  &c.  Mat.  11.25.  Ld^  1 0.2 1 .  But  if  not,  all  is  unfound, 
that  ever  you  had.  Oh  therefore  look  you  be  not  deceived  here,  and  therefore 
wait  upon  the  Lord  to  maaifeft  himfelf.  Who  knows  but  the  Lord  may  help? 
Nay  when  you  are  feeling  of  the  infinite  need  of  it,  and  of  your  own  woful  blind- 
nefle,  'tis  begun. 


SECT.     VL 

SEE  the  happinefle  of  Saints  (  all  you  lenders  by  )  and  of  all  Believers.  You 
think  what  are  they  ?  What  have  they,  that  I  have  not  ?  What  get  they  by 
feeking,  by  mourning?  They  have  the  Lord  himfelf,  not  Kingdoms,  nor  Hea- 
ven, not  guard  of  Angels,  not*  pardon,  nor  comfort  or  Grace  only,  but  which  is 
greater ,  and  than  wliich  there  can  be  no  greater,  the  Lord  of  Glory  himfelf.  Is 
there  any  thing  that  is  good  there?  'tis  theirs.  I  doubt  not  but  Angels  ftand  a- 
mazedatthis.  What  haft  thou?  Thou  haft  peace,  and  eafe,  and  duties,  and 
fiiends,  but  no  Chrift,  then  poor  and  curfed  thou  art. 


feh 


SECT.  VII. 

HEnce  leirn  to  judge  of  your  Faith,  vvhether  it  be  of  the  right  m.ake  or  no  ? 
whether  it  beiiich  a  Faith  as  will  never  fail  you,but  lliall  in  deepeft  miieries, 
in  foreft  agonies,  and  moft  furious  temptations ;  nay  in  greateft  ftns  and  deferti- 
ons,  fee  indeed  a  friend  unto  you  ?  Is  it  fuch  a  Faith  as  pitcheth  on,  and  dofeth 
with  the perlon  of  Chrift  himfelf,  and  him  alone  ?  So  that  all  the  delights  in 
creatures  quiet  thee  not,  unlefle  thou  canft  find  him  through  them;  Nay  no 
Ordinances  chear  thee,  unlefle  thou  canft  fee  him  in  them :  Nay,  Heaven  it 
felf  will  not  content  thee ,  but  him.  in  Heaven,  BfaLj  3.25.  And  hence  'tis  him 
thou  feekeft,  'tis  him  thou  feeft,  'tis  him  thou  approveft  thy  felf  unto,  and  fer- 
veft  :  So  that  'tis  this  Rockjf  ages  thou  trufteft  to,  Ifa.,16, 3 ,4.  'Tis  his  ftrength 
thou  art  ftrong  by,  'tis  his  life  thou  liveft  by,  'tis  the  Lord  himfelf  that  thy  Faith 
fadoms.  This  is  right,  i  P^f.2.7.  For  now  what  good  can  the  Father  deny 
thee,  when  he  hath  given  a  Son  to  thee  ?  What  hurt  can  Satan  do  thee  by  all 
his  jfhakings,  when  thouhaft  the  Son  himfelf,  this  corner-ftone,  this  horn  offal- 
vation  to  fupport  thee?  What  hurt  can  the  Law  do  thee;  when  thou  haft 
righteoufnefle  in  a  Son  ?  What  hurt  candelufiondo  thee,  when  thou  haft  wif- 
dom  ever  plotting  for  thy  good,  in  fuch  a  glorious  Head  as  the  Son  ?  What  hurt 
can  death  d  o  thee,  or  fin  do  thee,  when  thy  life  is  in  the  Son  ?  Oh  lead  me  to 
the  iJ(?f^, faith  Davids  that  is  higher  than  L  Ofi  here  is  a  rock  higher  than  death, 
than  grave,  than  fin,  than  Satan,  Who  can  hurt  thee  now  ?  But  oh  Beloved , 
how  many  fall  lliorc  oientrlnglnto  this refi  ?    and  clofing  with  this  perfon  ?     And 

there 


Ufe 


So 


The  'i^ arable  of  the 


therearefour  fores  of  them,  chac  fpin  the  tineit  thread  of  deceic  to  themfelves 
that  think  they  believe  when  yet  they  have  not  the  Son. 

I.  Thofethatdonotclofevvith  himfelf ,  but  only  come  to  him  for  fonie  righ- 
teoufnefs  out  of  himfelf  ('for  I  lliall  not  fpe  'k  of  the  n  that  forfake  all ,  and  foiiovv 
Chrillfor  thebagg  and  for  theloave.  )  for  *ds  with  all  men  living  naturally,as  'tis 
with  men  that  hdve  been  rich  lliop -keepers ,  but  now  they  are  broke,  and  caft  into 
great  want  j  Heal  they  will  not,  digg  they  cannot,  begg  they  know  not  how  ;  turn 
Prentice  to  another  they  mult  not ,  chey  have  not  been  ufed  to  that  Ijfe;  hence 
they  refolve  to  fee  up  their  Trade  again,  though  they  fell  but  Pins,  and  Points,and 
fmail  Waresj  and  becaufe  they  cannot  fet  up  for  themfelves ,  they  go  unto  Mer- 
chants to  help  them ,  and  run  into  their  Books  on  truit ,  and  defire  day  and  pati- 
ence, and  they  will  pay  them  all  again  :  now  'tis  not  the  man  that  they  ref|;ed, 
but  to  make  up  their  markets  out  of  him ,  but  alafs  they  cannot  pay  their  Debts, 
and  hence  to  Prifon  they  go  :  fo  'tis  here  ,  God  fet  up  Adam  with  a  flock  in  his 
o\Vn  hand,  now  he  is  broken  and  caft  into  gre.it  vvant,  and  fears  the  arreft  of  Gods 
difpleafurc,  now  fm  men  dare  not,  digg  and  help  themfelves  they  cannot,  and 
to  begg  and  live  upon  the  Lord  and  his  Alms  they  know  not  how  ,  indeed  they 
will  not,  they  are  not  ufed  to  this  life  ;  hence  feck  to  fet  up  theiT  Trade  again, 
though  in  never  fo  fmall  duties ;  and  becaufe  they  cannot  help  themfelves ,  hence 
they  go  roChriil ,  not  as  to  an  Husband  for  himfelf ,  but  as  to  a  Merchant  to  fet 
them  up  again  :  and  truly  Chrift  for  many  ends ,  and  to  fhew  his  freeneife  to  his 
own,  gives  many  Talents  to  fuch  ,  which  they  receiving  hope  to  pleafe  the  Lord 
by  ;  when  I  can  get  the  Lord  to  give  me  fome  more  knowledg,  brckenneffe,  affe- 
<itions,  enlargements,  abilities  to  do,  then  I  hope  I  lliall  pleafe  him:  buc  either 
they  fpend  all  and  fall  away  to  nothing  before  they  dye ,  or  elfe  Death  com.es  and 

!  carries  them  captive  to  the  judgement-feat  of  God  ,  and  there  they  fee  they  are 
run  but  the  deeper  in  Debt ,  and  not  able  to  pay.  Thus  it  is  with  Papifts  who 
profefs  that  none  of  their  own  Works  fave ,  but  his  works  in  us,  and  his-Blood  me- 
riting ,  that  thefe  fliall  fave.  Hence  they  truif  not  to  what  they  do ,  buc  to  what 
the  Lord  does,  againfl:  which  very  Faith  the  Apoftle  difputes,  Rom.  4.  5.  Thus  it 
was  with  the  Jews ,  divers  defpifed  Chrift ,  and  fought  a  righteoufnefs  of  thetr 
own ;  others  cryed  Lord^  Lord :  Lord  there  be  thefe  fins  that  wring  my  Confci- 
ence  ,  eife  me  of  them  ,  here  be  thefe  duties  I  mufl:  do,  elfe  never  faved,  and  my 
heart  is  dead.  Oh  arfe6l  me,  and  help  me  to  do  them :  there  be  fuch  works  I  am 
to  perform,  and  have  no  ftrength  to  Priy,  to  Prophefie,  Lord  affift  m.e,  Mat."].  21, 
22.  Depart,  1  J^ovp jou not ,  never  accepted  of  you,  you  thought  thefe  things 
would  pleafe  me ,  you  clofed  not  with  me ,  Oh  now  depart  from  me ,  from  my 
fellowll^ip,  mybofom,  m.yprefence  :  for  this  is  ever  their  frame,  they  think  to 
pacific  Codby  what  they  do  ,  and  though  they  think  his  jufticc  cannot ,  yet  they 
ho^:"e  there  is  luch  indulgence  in  his  mercy  that  he  will  accept.  Thus  it  was,  Ifal. 
58.  2.  for  this  is  their  temper,  they  are  not  wounded  with  the  want  of  Chrift  him- 

I  felf ,  but  with  fome  jarrings  agiinft  the  Law ,  for  which  they  fear  they  m.uft  dye. 

I  Hence  not  feeing  into  the  fpiritual  nature  of  the  Law,  they  are  wounded,  not  flain 
by  the  Law :  they  hope  they  fhall  live  if  tliey  can  leave  fuch  iins,  perform  fuch  du- 
ties, feel  fuch  abilicie-\  Now  having  made  cryal  at  home,  the/  go  to  Chrift,  and 
fee .  him  with  delight  for  to  work  this  or  that,and  then  they  are  well :  now  if  they 
do  not  receive  at  prefent,  then  they  hope  by  feeking  to  find  in  time  ,  if  he  doth 
nor  help  chem ,  then  they  ftiall  be  well.  Hence  they  ever  live  in  fome  fin ,  and 
know  it  not,as  thefe  did,  and  as  the  young  man,  Mat.  19.  And  thus  'tis ,  as  'tis 
with  two  Prince?,  one  is  in  trouble  by  inroders,  he  fends  for  aid  to  another ,  buc 
doth  not  caft  down  his  Crown,  and  put  himfelf  in  {ubje6lion  to  the  other.  So  men 
will  be  Kings,  and  hence  fend  for  aid  a^ainft  the  inrodes  of  fome  fin  that  flings 
Confcience,  but  put  not  themfelves  under  zhQ  Lord  Jefus.  Bring  thofe  mine  ene- 
mies hither,  Luke  ip.  27.  In  one  word ;  as  the  Wound  is ,  fois  my  clofin^  with 

Chrift; 


ten  Vir^jns  Opened  and  Jpplied. 


Chrift,  if  one  be  in  ouc\v.ird  trouble  ,  now  no  Chnil  he  goes  to  deliver ;  if  preffed 
with  inward  trouble  for  foine  fins,  now  to  Chriil  to  remove  the.Ti ,  and  fo  to  Daci- 
fie  confcience ;  if  with  want  of  Chriit  himfelf ,  now  he  goes  for  hiiiifelf.  • 

2.  Thofe  that  clofe  with  Promifes  without  Chrift  himleif,  and  divide  between 
them  two^  that  ftnp  Chrii^  of  thefe  his  Swadiing-clouts,  make  their  gain  of  thefe, 
and  let  himfelf  go.  I  confelVe  all  a  ChriPcians  wealth  is  laid  up  in  Promifes ,  not 
in  words  and  fyllables,  for  they  are  dead  things ,  but  ChrilHn  them,  >  and  Gods- 
faithful  neile  in  them ,  .2  Sam.  23.  4,  5.  This  is  all  myfalvation  ,  for  all  fulnefs 
isinChrili,  he  is  rich,  but  what  am  I  the  better  ?  nay  the  more  milerable  j  for 
all  emptinelfe  is  in  m.e  ;  therefore  in  the  promife  lies  my  peace.  And  this  is  a 
Chriftians  fupportin  all  troubles ,  and  hence  he  calts  anchor  here  ;  but  here  is  His 
frame,  helayes  not  hold  on  them  without  Chrift ,  but  by  them  goes  to  Chrift, 
and  there refts  ,  John  <^.  45.  He  that  hath  heard  of  the  Father  cometh  mto.  me. 
Give  children  milk  in  the  dilli,  they  cry  ftill ,  they  Qiuft  have  it  from  the  Mother 
and  there  fuck :  fo  2  Pet.  1.2,3.  Now  there  are  others  that  finding  fome  work 
inthemfelves  vvithouc  Chrift,  and  thinking  that  it's  laving  ,  and  fo  a  good  fione; 
hence  are  miftaken,  and  clofe  with  in  without  Chrift,  and  now  they  think  it's  well, 
I  doubt  not  but  the  Jews  that  be  devout  comforted  tiiemfelves  with  that  promife. 
He  that  confeffeth^  &c.  Prov.  28.  13.  not  underftanding  of  it,  Mat,^.  Say 
not  mthin  yom-  felves  we  have  Abraham  to  our  Father  ^  that  promife  kept  the  n 
otffromChrift,  Af<^/'.2  2.  Som.ecamenot  tothe  Feaft,  fom.e  cam.e  but  without 
a  Wedding  Garment.  *Tis  with  thefe  men  as  'tis  with  men  that  com.e  to  buy 
Wines, they  tafte  them,  andcontent  themfelvcs  with  atafte ,  another  buyes  the 
thing  :  a  Siint  doth  fo ;  another  taftes  the  fweec ,  and  after  fails  to  the  impar- 
donable  fin  ,  Hek  6.  Or  as  'tis  with  a  man  that  fees  corn  on  the  ground,  he  buyes 
the  held,  mother  he  gleans  fomewhat,  and  concents  him.felf  with  that.  There  is 
in  one  word  a  do  uble  error, 

Firft,  When  a  man  (hall  clofe  with  Chrift  without  Promiifes ;  and  hence  feek 
,tobe  felted  without  a  Promife.    H^ce  fay  fome,  youmuft  not  gather  any  evi- 
dence from  any  qualification  you  feel  in  your  felf. 

Secondly,  When  men  iliall  fnatch  and  nibble  at  Promifes ,  and  mifapply^them,, 
not  doling  with  Chrift  in  them  and.by  them;I  have  confefled  m.y  fin,and  repented, 
and  rim  away  with  this  without  Chrift.  Oh  time  will  come  the  Lord  will  fay, 
how  cameft  thou  in  hither  ?  what  haft  thou  to  do  to  tike  m.y  Promifes  into  rh) 
mouth?  to  arm  thy  felf  againft  Chrift  by  Promifes  to  make  a  fpoyl  of  Chrifts  grants, 
and  let  hi  n  be  crucified.  When  Saul  rent  off  Samuels  garm.ent ,  he  faid ,  The 
Lord  (hall  re^d,  &c.  i  Sam.  15.  27,28.  The  letter  kills,  all  Promifes  vvittibut 
Chrift  flay  ,  becaufe  they  keep'thefamifhing  Soul  from  Bread  it  felf. 

3.  Thofe  that  clofe  not  with  Promifes  only  ,  but  with  Chrift  himfelf,  but  it's 
only  .with  the  Image  and  fancy  of  him,which  they  think  is  himfelf.  In' true  Faith 
the  Father  reveals  the  Soti  as  he  is,  or  the  Son  reveals  himfelf  as  he  is ,  and  Faith 
hence c'.ofeth  with  him  as  he  is,  Johf2  6. 40.  But  fome  there  be  that  hear  of  him, 
hence  think  what  he  is.  Hence  a  carn;il  mind  imagines  of  him  as  it  imagines  of  I 
a  King  in  a  far  Coiui^ry ,  ani  falls  down  to  his  Image,and  trufts  to  it,and  depends  j 
on  it ,  and  joyes  in  it,  untill  a  man  comes  to  be  converted  ,  or  to  dye :  and  then  ( 
he  fee,  the  deceit.  Or  if  he  did  fee  him,  yet  he  can  fee  no  beauty  in  him  to  de- 
fire  him.  There  is  m.any  am.anin  this  cife  that  trufts  to,  and  joyes  in  Chrift, 
whom,  if  he  did  know  he  would  loath.  Jo/)«  came  preaching  the  Gofpel  to  fliew 
them  chrift,  they  all  came  to  him,  and  rejoyced  in  his  light ,  but  it  w  as  but  for  a 
feafon:  for  when  he  came  to  fhew  them  ^here  he  is,  fohn  i.  29.  noc  one  man 
ftirs  wben  he  fliews  then  Chrift,  and  verf,  3  5.  only  two :  and  cha^.  3.32.  No  man 
received  his  teftimony.  This  is  (Beloved)  the  great  fin  and  caufe  of  all  the  reft,  if 
they  had  knovyn  they  would  not  have  crucified  the  Lord  of  Glory.  Chrift  is  not 
feen ,  hence  not  thought  of,  hence  noc  efteemed ; "  hence  men  boaft:  not  iil  him  : 

M  Nay, 


8z 


The  T arable  of  the 


Nay  'tis  the  great  plague  under  meanes,  thai  in  feeing  they  fee  nor.  Lordkow  long: 
You  fay  Chriit  never  fo  dearly  feen,true,  but  thou  in  feeing  mjifi  nor  fee  ;  and  iitc  I 
be  thus,  then  look  for  ruine ,  Ifal.  6.9, 10,11,  12.  We  fay  ChrilHans  Aant  not! 
light,  but  life  and  atfe6lions.  Oh  beg^  for  light  than  vyiii  bring  affedlioni?,  e!fe  A\ 
attedions  will  dry  up  if  not  fed  with  this  Spring ,  John  5.  37.     What  peo^^le  had  j 
fuch  means  as  they,  yet  they  not  eyes  to  fee  ?  ' 

4.  Thofethat  do  not  ciofe  with  the  bare  fancy  of  Chrift,  but  with  himfeif  •  1 
but 'tis  not  for  himfeif,  and  for  his  holinelTc,  but  only  fo- hi;?  pe.Ke,  andconib- 
lations,  and  joyes.    Likeafickwoman  that  comes  to  the  Phyfitian,  nor  to  marry 
her,  but  to  heal  her^  cure  her,  and  fo  comfort  her.     Or  if  l"he  dorh  come  to 
marry  him,  'tis  only  to  fatisfie  her  luft,  or  to  fave  her  from  trouble,  &c.     In  a 
word,  they  receive  Chrift,  that  he  may  give  contentment  tothem,  andnocthac 
hereby  they  may  alfo  give  contentment  unto  him.    They  clofe  with  Chrifl  to 
make  them  happy,  not  to  make  them  holy;     But  they  thus  doling  with  him, 
think  they  have  him,  and  hence  rejoyce  exceedingly,  and  hence  have  aloveto 
him,  and  hence  fome  kind  of  communion  with  him,  and  hem:e  think  thev  are 
efpoufed  to  him,  and  more  familiar  with  him  than  others,  and  hence  verilv 'look 
with  thQ(Q  five  foolljh  Virgins  to  embrace  the  Bride-groom  :     That  look  as  a  Sainr 
from  a  falfe  appreheniion  of  Chrift,  to  be  none  of  his,  m.ay  fcevery  fad,  lofebis 
joy,  nay  his  very  love,  in  the  a6l  of  it,  nay  his  communion  and  boldncfTe  to  ^o  to 
him,  nay  his  expectation  of  him.;  fofroma  falfe  conceit  that  Chrift  is  mine,  ^ 
contrA,     Thus  a  man  is  grievoufly  troubled  with  the  fight  of  Gods  anger,  an  d  with 
horror,  andufethall  m.eans,  at  laft  he  fees  only  Chrift  can  do  it,  and  hence  | 
feeks  for  and  prizeth  his  love  (  for  his  one  eafe  )  for  as  horror  may  be  his  <^^qm-\ 
eft  evil,  fo  love  to  eafe  him  ,  may  be  his  greateft  good :    At  laft  he  is  fully  per- 
fwaded.    How?  By  any  work  or  word?    No,  but  God  hath  perfwaded,  and 
its  nowfealed,  hence  joy.    But  now  there  is  m.atter  of  more  trouble,  holineffe 
and  clofe  walking  with  Chrift,  this  is  troublefome,  he  cares  not  for  Chrift    to 
help  him.  here ;  but  devifeth  how  to  keep  Chrift  and  joy  without  holineffe.  Hence 
let  a  world  of  fin  lie  upon  them,  they  be  not  troubled  with  that,  they  look  up  to 
Chrift;  orifthey  fee  and  be  troubled  at  it,  they  take  it  as  a  burden,  nocfsthe 
greateft  burden.     Hence  (fay  men)  you  muft  not  judge  of  your  ertatebyany 
thing  or  qualification  you  feel  in  your  felf,  for  thefe  may  fail  /our  eye-fif^ht  in  mi- 
fly  times  (  But  we  muft  follow  it  then,  and  not  reft  til!  we  fee  and  find  ic ,  for 
vplthmt  h&lmjfem  manjhdlfee  God)    Hence  alfo  let  there  be  never  fo  many  falls 
yet  fay  they,  never  call  your  ftate  into  quefiion,  hence  they  profefTe,  we  cannot 
move  till  we  be  moved,  and  if  I  do  not,  it  is  not  my  fault.    Hence  if  Minilters 
do  preach  any  things  which  are  not  about  the  perfon  of  Chrift,  or  the  excellency 
ofaChriftian  in  Chrift,  or  the  emptinelfe  of  the  ere. iture  to  prepare  for  Chrift, 
(  which  are  indeed  of  great  ufe  )  and  prefle  to  any  work  or  fervice  of  Chrift,  they 
are  Legal  Preachers,  and  bring  people  under  a  Covenant  of  works.     Whereas  if 
we  preach  duties,  and  leave  them  as  figns,  before  being  in  Chrif},  they  are  fo 
but  here  to  preach  any  duty  of  the  Law,  is  part  of  thefweet  will  of  Chrift.     Tell 
us  (  fay  they  )  what  we  fhould  do.     What  can  a  man  do  ?    He  can  do  all  things 
through  Chrijl :     True,  but  Chrift  muft  come  to  a<5l  it.    Yea ,  But  he  hath  a 
Faith  to  fetch  it ,  1  John  1.  6.    many  faid  they  had  com.munion  with  him 
I  J  ohm.  3,  4.     It  feems ,   they  faid  they  had  m  Jin,   as  .now  fome  fay, 
jGod  fees  no  fin  in  juffified  people,    God  looks    to  the  new  creature  only^ 
'tis  not  I  but  fm;  if  the  Spirit  help  not,  'm  not  my  fault.     Not  many  dayes* 
I  finceit  did  lye  upon  the  fpiritof  one,  who  feeing  Chrift  hath  undertaken  all ,  clo- 

I  fed  with  him.,  rejoyced  in  him.,  not  for  this  end  ,  not  from  the  beauty  they  faw  in 
holinefs,  nor  bitternefs  of  finfulnefSjbut  becaufe  they  fhould  be  eafed  of  the  work. 

I I  have  known  them  that  have  lived  in  fome  fin,  and  promifed  the  Lord  fKall  be 
jbieffed  if  he  fave  them  in  their  fin,  and  conceiting  he  would,  have  loved  him ;  thus 

thefe. 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied, 


thefe.  In  a  word,  the  foul  of  man  defire?  reft  and  peace,feeks  for  it  in  Creatures, 
feeks  to  fatisiie  it  felf  there,  there  it  cannot ;  hence  feeks  for  it  (  as  many  dying 
men  do  j  in  Chrift,  not  in  the  Grace,  but  in  the  joy  of  Chritt ;  not  in  Chrills  holy 
prefence,  but  in  his  comforting,  prelence  5  feeking  the  utmoff  perfedion  of  a  Chri- 
iii^min  the  feale  of  the  Spirit ,  not  in  the  mighty  ablings  of  theSj^iritfor  God, 
hente  he  is  deluded,  and  fancies'he  hach  Chrift,  and  hence  joy.  Sin  is  the  great 
:2vi  '  ,  hence  the  end  of  Ghrifts  coming  is  to  take  in  away.  Henceif  aiiian  clofe 
■ ,  i^h  Chrilf,  to  rem.ove  horror,  not  fm ,  and  fo  hath  not  clofed  with  him.  for  his 
ho  ^'nei  s,  you  never  clofed  with  Chrift  for  the  end  of  his  coming,  nor  for  his ,  but 
00  lo  your  own  ends,  and  fo 'tis  not  him,  but  his,  2  C&r.  2. 15.  TheGofpelis 
c  f^t>!T4r  to  them  that  penjh,  if  of  Death  to  death.  .Oh  confider  of  thefe  things  if 
i  h  ^  not  thus.  I  Jghn  5.11,12.  Haft  the  Son  for  thy  portion  ?  Dbft  fee  his  Glory 
f  1  of  Grace  to  accept  and  findlifie  thee,  thou  haft  life  ;  if  nor.  the  Son  ,  but  only 
o  leeching  from.  hi.m  ,  Oh  death  and  not  life .'  -.the  bonds  of  De-th  f  not  life  )  are 
upon  thee,  which  no  creature  can  unloofe  unleffe  the  Lord  conie  to  thy  Grave-fide 
and  unloofe  thee.  ■ 


SECT.    VIII. 

TO  clofe  with  the  Perfon  of  the  Lord  Jefus :  you  will  think  this  is  not  a  right 
courfe  thus  to  do.  We  cannot  do  it.  ^nfrp.  Yet  the  Gofpel  hath  com- 
mands and  entreaties  wherewith  Chrifts  Spirit  goes  to  the  Ele6"l ;  and  if  yov 
could  fee  Chrift  in  the  miniury  of  man,  you  fhotild  feel  it ;  And  hence  we  look 
it  fliould  be  fo :  and  befides,  Saints  that  have  Faith  and  power ,  are  quickened  by 
the  voice  of  the  Son  of  God.     Confider  therefore, 

1.  All  men  are  fallen  into  a  bottomlefs  gulf  of  mifery  and  ftn  ,  though  once 
righteous.  Hence  Gods  truth  having  faid,  he  that  Jtns  fhaU  dye:  hence  juftice 
comes  out  to  do  execution ,  and  when  the  neck  of  all  mxCn  thus  lies  on  the  block, 
yet  mxercy  pities ,  and  faith  ,  Oh  fpare,fave  /  Satisfie  me  faith  juftice,rhen  I  wih/ 
hence  m.ercy  fends  forth  a  Son,  when  no  men  nor  Angels  could  help,  and  he  take*^ 
flelli,  takes  all  their  (in,  fulfills  all  righteoufnefs,  bears  their  for  rovvs ,  andbyo^^ 
ojferwg  ferfeBs  for  ever  them  that  are  fa^Btfied ;  and  having  done  this,  is  now 
at  the  right  hand  of  God  in  the  Glory  of  his  Father ,  all  crenures-  fub  'Qct  to  him, 
all  excellencies  being  met  together  in  him :  fo  that  now  he  is  the  delight  of 
God,  the  joy  of  Heaven  ;  fo  that  whatfoevet  thou  canft  want ,  or  lofeft ,  if  thou 
hadfthim.,  thouflaaltfinditin  him:  and  alfo  whatever  he  cm  do  for  thee,  in  his 
tim.e  thou  fhalc  receive  it  from  him,  DeM.  3  3.  ^<5,  29.  who  k  like  the  God  of  Je- 
furun. 

2.  Now  there  is  a  univerfal  offer  to  all  people  where  the  Gofpel  com.es ;  ene- 
m.ies  are  entreated  to  be  reconciled ;  for  though  he  hath  not  dyed  for  all ,  yet  now 
being  King,  fuch  is  his  excellency,  that  he  is  worthy  of  all :  Hence  commands  Ai 
to  receive  him  :  and  if  this  be  a  condemning  fin  ro  rejedl  him  ,  'tis  then  a  co  n- 
mand  lies  upon  you  to  receive  him,  and  the  foundation  of  this  offer  is  your  wants 
and  mjferies.  You  are  dead.  Oh  come  to  him  therefore  for  life ;  weak,cuiltv ,biind, 
Oh  therefore  come  to  him  for  pardon,  peace,  and  life.  Not  fulneft,  nothing  but 
em.ptinefs  is  the  ground  of  this  offer,  Jer,  3.22. 

^ .  Hence  there  is  nothing  on  Gods  part ,  nor  yet  on  your  part  that  can  keep  you 
from  him.  No  fins,  no  wants, unlefs  it  be  your  w: II,  Af^f.  25.37.  Therefore 
nowwho-ever  will  fhall  have  him  ,  let  him  take  him  ,  Rev.  22^  17.  There  be 
two  a6ls  of  the  Will ,  Ele6lion  and  Refoiution  ,  I  m.ufl  have  him ,  which  if  you 
will,  nothing  that  ever  thou  didft  or  canft  do  can  pieafe  the  Father  fo  much:  fo 
that  he  will  i.  Adopt  thee  to  be  his  Son,  "Johtt  i.  12.  As  e  contra,  2.  Thou 
fhalt  enrich  thy  felf  with  a  greater  bleffing  than  if  Heaven,  and  Earth,  and  all  glory 

M  2  was 


(e  5. 


Of  Exhort. 


H 


"The  T arable  of  the 


ObjeEi.  I. 


OhjeU.  2. 


OhjeU.  5. 


Anfw, 


ObjeEl.  5. 
An[rv» 


Quefi, 


was  put  into  thy  hand,as  the  Lord  himfelf  is  better  than  all;  and  hence  once  thine, 
everthine,noneihall  pull  thee  out  of  his  hand,  2  Pet,  i.  5.  And  it  ihall  re- 
joyce  the  heart  of  Chrift  himfelf  in  Heaven,  when  as  his  Bride  thou  giveft  to  him 
thy  good  will,  //^/.  62.  5.  And  if  you  do  not  kifs  the  Son  he  will  be  angry,  Pfalm 
2.  And  God  knows  whethcrnow  the  laft  word  ,  thelalt  offer  is  to  be  made  to 
thee. 

Bitt  1  find  fuch  Jim  m  me  ,  that  till  they  are  gone  1  dare  »ot. 

Then  you  will  firft  remove  fin,  and  after  receive  Chrift :  firft  be  your  own  fa- 
viours,  and  then  make  him  another :  you  iliall  never  do  it.  Oh  clofe  with  him 
to  take  fin  away,  becaufe  fick,  therefore  receive  him. 

But  J  have  no  vflll^  mj  heart  is  endeared  to  my  fin. 

Therefore  relign  up  thy  felf  to  him  to  give  thee  a  will ,  (  put  it  into  his  hand  as 
bad  as  it  is,  this  is  Spoufe-likeJ  and  to  take  away  that  vvill  to  fm,  fo  thou  fhalt  have 
him,  /  am  my  Beloveds^  he  is  mine :  For  the  Father  looks  to  the  Law ,  and  faith, 
Sinner  if  thou  believe  thou  fhalt  befaved ;  now  lie  under  the  Spirit,  and  you  are 
where  you  fhould  be  j  refill  here,  you  refift  the  Holy  Ghofi  Oh  but  fin  is  dear. 
Confider,  1.  What  good  did  it  ever  do  thee.  2.  Hath  Chrift  fhed  his  Blood  or 
no,  if  nor.  Oh  the  wrath  of  God  is  to  come;  if  he  hath.  Oh  wilt  thou  offer  this 
wrong  to  his  Blood,  that  a  Luft  fhal  1  be  dearer  than  it ,  thy  bloody^Knives  dearer 
than  the  life,  and  death,  and  m.crcy  of  a  Son  :  Oh  therefore  if  any  Soul  hath 
any  luft  dear ,  I  befccch  you  by  all  the  bitter  forrows  of  Chrift ,  not  to  reje6l  fo 
great  falvation. 

But  mufi  I  receive  Chrifi  with  my  ownfirength  ? 

No,  you  cannot,  nor  ought  not ,  but  if  the  Lord  puts  ftrength  in  thee,  put  it 
forth.  Many  followed  Chrift  for  loaves,  but  none  that  ever  came  to  him  for  him- 
felf that  ever  he  put  away,  P/^/^?  81.  11,12,13.  ^  fiiemd  much  love ,  bm  they 
jvohU  none  of  me ;  Oh  that  they  had  hearkened.  At  this  inftant  God  may  give  thee 
a  heart. 

But  I  fear  Ijhall  never  get  my  fins  removed  that  I  feel ,  rvhich  1  thinks  cannot  (tand 
mth  Grace. 

Gods  Promife  and  Reafon  is  crofs  to  thy  fears  ;  if  a  Son,  all  things  alfo  though 
many  years  hence ,  Rom.  8. 52.  If  not  oy  receiving,  is  it  by  rejecting  that  thou 
llialt  attain  thy  end  ?  'Tis  true ,  thou  half  fallen  off  by  thy  fin  from  Chrift  ,  be- 
caufe thy  falls  have  made  thee  fall  oflFby  unbelief  from  him,  and  m.ade  thee  fay,  ei- 
ther I  do  not  believe,  or  the  Lord  intends  no  good  to  me:  you  have  had  no 
ftrength,  becaufe  not  fatisficd  with  m.eat. 

But  I  maj  frefume. 

IsitprefumptiontohonqurChrift,  and  to  have  him  honoured  in  thee?  No, 
Doft  think  if  the  Lord  ftiall  after  all  thy  fins ,  and  in  the  midft  of  all  thy  miferies 
give  theeChrift,fhall  he  not  be  honoured  by  this  ?  yes,  who  can  ever  have  fuch 
caufe  to  love  him  as  I  ?  Shall  not  thy  receiving  of  him  by  Faith  honour  him  ?  yes, 
Rofff.  4. 20.  Canft  difhonour  him  fo  much  as  by  rejedling  hifn  ?  when  he  hath  laid 
down  his  life ,  fliewed  his  love,  offers  himfelf ;  nmv  to  reject  him ,  'tis  to  offer 
greateft  contempt  to  him  and  his  love  that  can  be :  hence  can  you  honour  him  fo 
much  as  by  this  ?  Do  never  fo  much  without  him,  he  is  unfatisfied  :  do  this,  he  is 
well-pleafed.  Nay  after  all  thy  fins ,  yet  he  faith ,  Return  to  me :  Nay  ,  nothing 
elfeis  fuch  a  means  to  honour  him  ,  by  doing  for  him.  If  fo,  grant  thou  art  vile, 
unworthy ,  poor,  yet  for  the  honour  of  the  Lord  Jefus  do  it ,  who  is  but  little  ho- 
noured in  the  world ,  and  ftand  out  no  longer :  thus  receive  him,  and  then  know 
it  you  are  Sons,  and  rejoyce  in  it ,  and  do  it  now  while  the  Spirit  is  upon  thee, 
and  remember  now  not  to  change,  Jer.2.Xi.  As  Women,Oh  I  would  not  change; 
fee  how  happy  is  thy  choice":  But  Lord  who  hath  believed  our  Report  / 

How  may  the  Soul  come  to  clofe  with  the-perfon  of  the  Lord  Jefm  ? 

I.  Before  any  man  can  clofe ,  i.e.  fee  and  fay  he  doth  clofe  with  the  Lord  as 

his) 


ten  Vir^im  Opened  and  Applied. 

his  own,  hemuftfeelawancofcheLordandhisprefence,  not  only  of  his  com- 
forting, but  of  his  holy  prefence ,  for  fome  people  there  be  that  never  felt  a 
want  of  Chrill  at  all ,  they  are  ^reat  and  grievous  finner,? ,  but  they  truft  to  Chrift, 
and  though  he  kill  them  ,  yet  they  will  truft  to  him  :  others  are  in  mifery  ,  and 
they  feel  a  want  of  redemption  ,  and  hence  clofe  with  Chrift  for  that ,  ?^alm  78. 
1 5.  Others  arc  in  horror,  and  know  not  whit  to  do ,  and  they  feel  a  want  of  the 
comforts  of  Chrift,  and  hence  clofe  with  Chrift  for  that ,  and  if  they  find  it  they 
depart  from  Chrift  by  loofenefs  of  life ,  if  not  by  defpair  of  heart,  as  SM^  1  Sam. 
28.  GoA  af^fwefs  me  not  hyUr'im-,  &c,-  Others  feel  a  want  of  fome  righteoufnefs 
from  Chrift,  the  having  of  which  fupports  and  fuftains  them  withoun  Chrift, 
till  with  the  Prodigal,  when  all  is  fpent ,  then  they  think  of  Bread  at  home ,  and 
the  want  of  which  makes  them  to  have  lefle  efteem  of,  and  defire  after  Chrift ,  bur 
they  are  full  of  Obie6lions  againft  the  thoughts  of  clofing  with  hirri  ,  but  hence 
they  clofe  with  Chrift  for  that.  Others  there  are  that  feel  a  want  of  the  Lord 
himfelf ,  and  hence  clofe  with  him  for  himfelf ;  fo  that  let  a  man  have  all  blefTings 
in  the  world,  the  purity  of  Ordinances,  never  fo  many  illapfes ,  and  droppings  of 
divine  light,  and  life,  and  comfort  in  rhefe  Ordinances ,  that  he  wonders  the  Lord 
ftiouldbefogoodtohim,  yetheftiallfind  ('if  right)  his  foul  fee  recly  unquiet  and 
unfatisfied  till  he  hath  the  Lord  himfelf.  As  the  favour  of  meat  makes  a  man 
that  wants  it,  cry  the  more  after  it,  long  the  more  for  it ;  fo  the  favour  and 
fweec  of  all  creatures,  all  Ordinance?,  all  Duties,  do  not  ftay,  but  ftir  up  the 
foul  to  feek  Chrift,  when  he  is  himfelf,  J(?r.50.4.  They  jhallfeek^the  Lord  rveepmg. 
Hence  firft  they  felt  a  wa^nt  of  him.  The  full  fonlloaths  the  honey-comb.  Let  the 
Lord  be  never  lofweet,  let  hirfi  do  them  never  fo  m.uch  good,  the  more  good  he 
doth  them,  the  lefle  they  regard  him,  Jer.2.6.  They  [aid  mt  where  is  the  Lord? 
Therefore  chat  foul  that  truly  clofeth  with  the  Lord,  muft  firft  feel  a  want  of  the 
Lord,  and  fay  thefe  Ordinances  are  not  bread,  thefe  creaiures  are  not  bread,  all 
thefe  parts,  gifts,  duties  are  not  bread,  bran,  not  bread.  All  this  favour,  this 
fv^eetnefle  'tis  not  bread.  Hence  I  perifh  for  want  of  bread,  I  have  creatures, 
Ordinances,  Affections,  comforts.  Duties,  but  Oh  no  Chrift.  Like  the  Prodi- 
:gall,  Luke  I  $.17.  Oh  therefore  do  not  only  fee,  but  feel  the  want  of  the  Lord 
Jefus,  you  that  never  had  him  yet ;  nay  you  that  have  him,  you  cannot  have 
more  of  him,  but  by  feeling  more  the  want  of  him.  Oh  it  was  a  marvellous  ex- 
preflionofyM'ff/o-,  when  the  Lord  began  to  grow  weary  of  their  company,  Exad, 
3  5.1 5* .  Ifthougoefl  not  with  us,  carry  m  not  Mp  hence,  i.e.  Let  us  rather  die  than 
live  without  thee.  Mary  when  Chrift  was  crucified ,  the  carcafe  of  the  Lord 
was  gone,  fhe  fate  there  weeping  :  Oh  much  naore  for  the  Lord  himfelf.  Its 
obfervedby  fome  for  the  faddeft  fpe61:acle,  to  fee  a  deferc  Town :  Oh  what  is 
it  to  fee  a  defert  heart,  where  no  Chrift  inhabits  ?  Or  a  city,  and  no  Inhabi- 
tants. And  hence  its  Romes  curfe,  to  be  m.ade  an  habitation  of  devils ;  fo  here. 
What  is  Hell , but  this,to  fee  not  Abraham,  but  to  fee  Chrift  afar  oft'  ?  and  thy  felf 
ftiut  out.  It  may  be  'tis  no  forrow  now,  but  it  will  be.  Its  a  fad  thing  to  fee  a 
man  rife  ap  early,  go  to  bed  late,  eat  the  bread  of  carefulncffe,  and  yet  gain  nothing, 
Phil.i.2i.  This  is  very  fad.  Chrift  is  out  gain,  all  the  creatures  you  have*, 
means  you  u(e,  duties  you  do,  comforts  you  receive,  they  are  not  gain,  nay,  the 
more  God  doth  for  thee,  the  more  thou  lofeft,  if  no  Chrift,  becaufe  now  thou 
art  full  by  this  means.  Oh  therefore  get  a  heart  fenftble  oFthe  want  of  the  Lord. 
Think  there  is  a  Chrift,  whofe  Glory  i^  the  amazement  of  Heaven ,  but  Oh  I  fee 
him  not.  Happy  for  ever  are  they  thac  have  him,  but  Oh  I  have  him  not.  Your 
hungry  bellies  cannot  want  bread,  if  they  do,  they  are  never  quiet  till  they  have 
it.  Is  the  Lord  no  better  ?  Lord  grant  this  contempt  be  not  revenged  with 
fpi  ritual  1  plagues  /  Some  of  you  know  not  your  want,  others  feel  it  not,  you  can 
live  without  him ;  worfe  than  Saul,  he  went  to  Urim,and  lamented  in  great  di- 
ftreffe,  He  anfwers  me  not '-     Oh  you  feel  no  diftreffe,  becaufe  of  this,  I  have  him 

not.' 


85 


not:  Nay  vvorie  chan  i)/wj-,  thatbego'd,  Oh  a  drop  oi  water  to  cool  rnvto^gne! 
Why  cry  not  you.  Oh  che  Lord  Chrili  co  coT.tbrc  my  hein .'  Why  is  noc  all 
this  fulneile  longed  for  ?  Oh  therefore  lee  noihing  elfe  co:nforr,  and  itt  no  chin*/ 
cliicour;igc,  but  make  this  life  of  all.  Oh  I  wane  him/ 

■2.  To  the  righc  cloling  with  his  perfon,  this  is  alfo  required,  tot.iihhebirter- 
nefie  ofiin,  ,as  the  gre.ueftevii:     Elfe  a  man  will  r*cver  clofe  vv;ch  Chriil,  for 
hi  ■  iioiinelie  inhim,  andfroin  him  as  thegre.itell:  goo-l.     For  we  told  you  chat 
that's  the  righc  cloang  with  Chriit  for  himfelf,  when  it  is  for  his  holinelle.     For 
ask  a  who;ilh  he.irt  wh^.t  beauty  he  fees  in  the  perfon  of  Chrift,  he  will  after  he 
haih  looked  over  his  Kingdom,  his  Righceoufnefle,  all  his  works,  fee  a  be.iucy 
in  rh@  D,  becaufe  they  do  ferve  his  turn  to  comfort  him  only.     Ask  a  Virgin,  he 
will  fee  hi-;  hap.inei  ein  all ;  but  that  which  makes  the  Lord  amiable,  is  hisHo- 
lineife,  which  i^  in  him,  to  m.ake  him  holy  too;  as  in  marriage,  itisperfonal 
bemry  draws  the  heart.    And  hence  I  have  thought  it  reifon  that  he'that  loves 
Bretriren  for  a  little  Grace,  will  love  Chrifi:  much  more.     Hence  if  a  man  feels 
noL  the  want  of  Chart,  the  bitternelfe  of  fm,  as  his  greateft  evil,  he  wi'i  never 
fee  nor  admire  Chrifts  beauty,  much  leffe  clofe  with  it.     Hence  John  16^9.  Con- 
vinceth  the  world  of  fin,  becmfe  thefheluve  not  In  me  ^  I.e.  of  that  chiefly.     Oh 
thefe   wrong^^  done  ag  ;.inU  the  Loi  d  /     Why  not  of  wrath  and  Hell  ?   ^  Oh 
fin  is  the  evil,  and  then  it  appears  exceeding  evil,  when  not  againli:  God  fimply, 
butagainit  a. Son.     Vml  why  ferfecmeft  thou  me  ?  Acis^.     Why  ?     Did  he  not 
live  in  lults  and  feif-con:!dence  ?     Yes,  but  in  all  thefe  hefaw  he  perfecured 
Chrift.     And  after  laddefl;  fearch  ,  I  have  feared  v-he  want  of  this,  is  che  great 
catfe  o't  A\  a  mans  cloiing  amific  ^'vith  Chrilf.     1  \Yould  but  ask  where  was  Judas 
wound? Was  it  reiiing  in  aPhariiaicril  nghteoufnefs  without  ChriiiPWithout  Chrift, 
no ,  for  he  forlbok.'li  and  followed  Chriii.  - '  \"as  it  w^nt  of  profelfion  of  him, 
preaching  for  hi  n  ?  Nq.    Was  ir  for  want  of  communion  vvirh  him  ?  No  :  one 
im  he.ived  in,   he  had  his  b?gg.  ,  And  hence  when  many  went  from  him , 
he  I  .urk  rohim,  John  6.  Judas  iul!  cleaves  to  him. :  yer  even  then  Chrift  calls  him 
a  Devil ,  which  if  ever  he  htd  tailed  the'birterneiTe  of,he  would  nor  have  lived  in, 
nor  dyed  defparately,  fom.e  think  im.pardonjbiy  without  Chrift  ,  and  fo  fin  m.ore 
agiinft  hinj.  Let  any  man  living  fbewme  how  he  can  tlofe  with  Chrift-,  and  yet 
love  one  im  :  Tie   be  his  bond-man  ,  that  can  fay,    I  dofe  with  Chrift  as 
my  Husb.ind,   and  yer  I  love  my  Whore  too.     Let  any  man  living  clofe  with 
Ch  ift ,    and  keep    his  hn  ,  or  hide  his  fin ,  or  let  it  be  hid  ,  his  clofin^  vvith 
Chrift  ftiall  harden  him  in  his  iin,    andfohefhail  dye  without  Chriftln  his 
ans ,  ?s\i  is  v\ric,  Exod.  21.14.  As  it  was  vvith  Joab ,  who  fled  to  the  Horns  of 
-he  Altar ,  lo  'tis  with  r.any  m.en  ,  they  fin,  and  confefs  and  fin  under  all  Laws  : 
why  ?  they  fly  bo  Chrift,aiid  this  im.boidens  them,  hardens  them ,  why  ?  becaufe 
they  never  tafted  the  bitternefs  of  fin.  I  know  a  m.ans  fin  may  be  crucified  before 
'tis  m.ordfied,  as  it  may  be  buried  after  'cib-dead.     Oh  therefore  I  befeechyou 
look  to  this ,  you  fail  not  here.     Many  of  you  are  troubled ,  Oh  cake  heed  of 
being  comforted  until  you  get  the  Lord  to  do  this  for  you,  or  unlefie  you  depend 
upon  the  Lord  for  this  in  his  time.     Some  apply  comfort  when  they  fee  no  good: 
I  dare  not  to  my  felf  or  others :   Oh  therefore  im.agine  thou  didft  hear  the  Lord 
foe  iking.  Why  dott  thou  perfecute  me  ?  why  is  a  man  fo  grieved  at  any  thing  that 
crofleth  himfelf?  becaufe  a  man  loves  himfelf,  becaufe  he  thinks  his  good  lies  there 
moft-:  Oh  fee  ihy  good  more  in  Chrift  than  in  thy  fe'f,  AUs^.^.  Oh  me  ,  vtiQ  in 
whom  all  good  is,  oh  to  perfecute  him  /  Two  m.en  hear,  and  oneis  in  horror,  and 
the  other  nor ;  oh  'tis  becaufe  God  fees  it  on  :  fo  here. 
•  3 .  Make  the  Lord  ]efus  prefent  with  you,  and  fet  him  reilly  before  you,  and  fee 
him  willing  to  give  him.fe'f  unto  you,  even  to  thee  in  particular.     Thole  that  give 
themfelves  in  Marriage,  feparatethemfelves  from  a' I  commny  ,  and  get  alone  to- 
gether, and  give  themfelves  one  unto  another  :  fo  fever  thy  felf  from  all  the 

worlcJ. 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


8 


worio, and iec  tbe  Lord  reiiiybetorcchee,  zs David,  Pfalm  i<5. 8.  and  To  clof( 
one  with  another.  For  two  things  keep  from  Chrilt.    Either 

Firft,  they  care  not  for  him,  and  the  emit  is,  chey  make  him  not  prefent ,  only 
have  a  notion  and  report  of  him. 

Secondly,  They  dare  not  clofe  with  him,  becaufe  they  fear  he  is  not  willing  to 
clofe  with  them,  with  others,  not  with  me ;  fo  that  all  the  Scriptures  they  read,all 
the  Promife^  they  heir  are  very  fvvcec,  but  they  look  on  them  as  fpoken  to  others. 
Hence  ^cis  2.  3;$?.  For  the  Promlfe  is  made  ti>  ym  ^  and  to  them  afar  ojf;  be 
fhou  never  fo  far  oif,  if  thou  receiveii  him,  he  will  receive  thee ,  Lnke  2.14.  Good 
wilt  to  men:  Oh  fee  this  good-will  in  the  Lord  to  have  thee  receive  him,  though 
tbou  hati  no  money,  nay  becaufe  dead  and  vile,  nay  becaufe  not  fenfible,  Rev.  3. 
17,  iB.  Oh  wonderful  becaufe  fenfelefs  of  mifery,  therefore  clofe  with  him.  i.  Is 
ic  not  his  command  it  iliould  be  fo  ?  -2.  Is  it  not  a  fin  to  rcjedt  him  ?  will  he  not 
be  angry  with  thee  ro  rejedl:  him-?  5"  .Axe  not  his  conditions  eafie,fo  as  he  hath  un- 
^ertaiiCn  to  do  all  rh  it  which  thou  faift  thou  canlt  not  ?  Why  wilt  not?  i .  Oh  if  I 
were  a  ehild,a  fon  in  Covenant  I  would,6fut  becaufe  otherwifejhence  I  dare  not.  y^»/^ 
J<?/r.-i.i2.Receivehim,he  will  make  thee  a  Son.2.0h  but  my  wants  are  mmy.Anf. 
Receivehim  he  will  m.ake  thee  rich,  Ifai  55.  i,  2.  5.  Oh  but  I  find  my  hearten 
dcared  to  creatures.  -Afif.  i  John  5. 4.  Tht^  is  the  Viciory  that  overcometh  the  world, 
even  your  Faith.  4.  Oh  but  I  fhall  fall  back.  No ,  J«*.  3.22.  Retmn^and  he  mS  heal 
thy  hackzjltt^i^g'  5 .  Oh  but  I  fball  never  be  able  to  do  any  thing.v4»/.Yes,  ebfe  wiih 
htji  and  tbou  fhalr.  6.  Oh  but  I  am  very  vile  before  the  Lord  after  all  I  do.  Anf. 
Yet  Eph.  5 . 2  5 , 2  (5, 27.  He  fhali  make  thee  amiable,  only  receive  him  ,  fet  thy 
lieart  on  him  aione.  Now  do  you  think  he  bears  a  good  will  toward  you  >  czn  you 
deny  it  ?  Shall  not  this  ov-ercorae  thee ,  that  the  Lord  of  Glory  fhould  fall  in  love 
with  fhee,  atid  bear  good  will  to  thee  a  Leper ,  and  that  canft  do  nothing  for  him  j 
and  yet  for  all  this,  Oh  this  will  draw  thee,  PfaL  5^.  6, 7.  Oh  how  grat  is  thy  la- 
mng'ki^d^sfi  y  tUs  makes  a  heart  of  fteel  to  yieldy  Jer.  3 1 ,  i ,  2^  3 .  Ofi  this  wiU  cut 
you  in  Hell,  Oh  hard  hearts  that  defpifed  fuch  Grace/ 

4.  If  the  ferious  thoughts  of  this  4o  not  draw  thee,  ac  leaft  not  fo  fully ;  look  up 

to  the  Lord  to  reveal  himfelf  unto  thee  to  be  thine.  For  as  no  man  can  take  Chrift 

tmtil  God  gives  him,  fo  no  man  can  fay  he  is  his ,  untill  the  Lord  fliews  Mm  that 

he  is  his.  And  as  the  creature  cannot  refift,  but  take  when  the  Lord  gives:  fo  it 

cannot  but  fee  the  Lord  when  he  reveals  himfelf  as  indeed  he  is.    And  lode  to  fee 

Mm  to  be  yoursby  fomePromife ;  for  there  is  a  feeing  Cbrift  mine  in  great /»^^«r 

without  the  lightof  aPromife,and  Spirit  in  it.Is  Ghrilt  yours?  Yes,  I  fee  ir.How? 

by  any  Yvord  or  promife  ?  No ,  this  is  a  ddufion.  The  other  is  by  promifc,  &  that 

opened  in  the  Gofpel,  Efh*  1.13,14.  He  faith  not  in  whom  after  ye  were  fealed 

jyoubeiicved,bur  e  cvmra.  And  how  believed  ?  by  hearing  the  Gofpel. Hence  Saints 

recurn  to  this,  Ffalm^  1 . 8.  Let  me  hear  the  voice,!.  Pet.  2.  i  ,2,  :^.  And  this  is  that 

which  hath  knit  the  hearts  of  Saints  to  Chrift  for  ever.  Oh  thouhafi  the  words  of 

Fife:  For  there  is  a  voice  of  love  to  the  Saints  engraven  in  aJ  I  mercies,  inallatHi- 

6Hons,in  all  Gods  leadings  of  them,  though  it  be  in  a  Wiidernefs ;  but  Beloved, 

only  the  Word  can  tell  me  the  meaning  of  thefe  words  of  love.    So  there  is  love 

o^Chrift  revealed  according  to  a  Promife,  not  by  it,  and  love  fpoken  in  mercies, 

but  the  Word  interprets  them  and  clears  them  to  be  no  delufions ;  I  mean  the 

Spirit  the'-e :  This  is  judged  to  be  a  good  anfvver  to  Papifis,  who  fiiall  be  juc^e  of 

controverhes  ?  We  anfvver  that  which  fhall  be  judge  at  the  laft  Day,muft  be  judge 

now  r  but  ^g,  Rom.  2. 16.  John  1 2. 48.  So  whether  doth  Gods  Spirit  feal ,  or  the  ; 

[Devil  delude?   It'^s  a  great  controverfie  if  you  have  not  a  vvordto  fee  Gods 

fove  by, birt  think  you  have  a  way  to  fee  it  without,  this  Word  fliall  judge  you.  Oh 

fook  therefore  for  the  Lord  by  a  word  to  doit ,  and  fay  Sfea\Ldrd'y  and  if  by 

word,  look  not  for  it  without  a  work  on  your  own  heart.    Some  Chriftians  have 

refledwitha  work  without  Chrift,  which  is  abominable  ;  but  after  a.  man  is  in 

Chrift, 


"TheT  arable  of  the 


Ohferv,  2, 


Chrift  not  to  judge  by  the  work,  is  Mi  not  to  judge  from  a  word.  For  chough 
there  is  a  word  which  may  give  a  man  dependance  on  Chrift,  wichaut  feeliijg  any 
work,  nay  when  he  feels  none,  as  abfolucepromifes,  yet  no  word  giving  afliirance, 
but  that  which  is  made  to  fome  work,  He  that  helieveth  ,  er  is  poor  in  fpirity  &c. 
till  that  work  is  feen ,  hath  no  affurance  from  that  Promife.  Tell  him  God  hath 
promjfed  to  pour  clean  jvater,  Ez.ekz  3<^.  Yes  for  fome,  not  for  me.  Secondly,  'tis 
not  to  judge  by  the  Spirit,  for  the  Apoftle  makes  the  earneft  of  the  Spirit  to  be  the 
Seal ;  now  earneft  is  part  of  the  money  bargained  for ,  the  beginning  of  Heaven, 
of  the  light  and  life  of  it :  He  that  fees  not  the  Lord  is  his  by  that,  fees  no  God  his 
at  all :  Oh  therefore  do  not  look  for  a  Spirit  without  a  word  to  reveal ,  nor  a  word 
to  reveal  without  feeing  and  feeling  of  fome  w©fk  firft  ,  I  thank  the  Lord  I  do  but 
pittythofe  that  think  orherwife:  ifafhcep  of  Chrift,  Oh  wander  nor.  Ob.  But  I 
have  waited  long  for  this.  j4nf.  True  ,  therefore  m.ore  need  to  wait  ftill ,  it  may 
be  now  'tis  not  far  off.  Ob»  Oh  but  it  may  be  he  will  not ,  if  I  knew  that  I  could 
be  quiet.  Anfw.  Down  proud  heart ,  Oh  take  heed  of  that  pride :  art'  not  wor- 
thy never  to  hear  a  voice  from  God  ?  Be  filent  then  ,  and  humble ,  and  now  hear 
what  the  I  ord  will  fay  ,  he  fpeaks  in  a  ftill  voice ,  Pfdm  8  5 . 8 .  do  as  they  in  that 
Pfalm  did  ;  Thou  haft  done  thus  and  thus ,  Oh  hear  us ,  turn  us ,  and  then  lie 
ftill  and  liften :  Oh  do  thus,  elfe  you  make  God  a  lyar  if  the  word  comes ,  i  John 
5. 1  o,  1 1 .  and  now  when  thou  haft  him.  Oh  change  him  not. 

Firft,  Whatdoft  want ,  and  where  wiltgo  to  End  it  but  there  ?  any  creatures, 
and  all  the  excellencies  of  them  are  there  ,  and  in  time  of  trouble  he  willbe  in- 
ftead  of  all,  and  alfo  blclfe  all. 

Secondly,  Doft  want  Grace  to  honour  a  God?  itisinhimthe  fulneflfe  of  it. 
Doft  want  God  and  his  love  ?  thou  hift  him ,  and  now  all  his  love ,  his  care ,  his 
wifdom  is  thine.  Oh  wonder  at  thy  lot  and  portion,  and  fay,  Lord  I  have  enouoh. 
Thus  much  of  the  firft  Do6lrine. 


CHAP.     X. 


e 


V-  Jn  rx  r.      „. 

Sheypingthat  True  "Belieyers  do  mth  hopt 
expeB  the  Second  Qoming  ofQhrisl. 

SECT.    L         ^ 

Now  they  go  forth  by^  Del  re  f  ^^  ^^^  ^^^  ^^^  Coming, 

T  Hat  the  Church  and  People  of  God  after  they  are  truly  Efpoafedto  Chrifi^ 
and  made  in  any  meafme  ready  for  Chrlji  ,   they  now  are  no  more  of  this 
world ,  but  Lok^  oHt  of  it ,  and  verily  expeU  the  Second  Coming ,   and  Glo- 
rious Appearing  of  Chrifi. 
*Tis  true,  they  look  for  his  coming  and  company  at  the  laft  period  of  their  life, 
but  this  they  look  upon  but  as  their  welcome  in  the  way ,  until  the  laft  Trump 
fhall  blow,  and  that  they  fhall  meet  the  Lord'in  the  clouds  of  the  Aire,  i  Thef.  4. 
18.  which  is  the  laft  and  chief  time  of  his  Coming  they  look  out  for.     The  Tive 
Wife  Virgins  did  here  verily  look  for  him ;  the  Five  Foolilli  feemingly  did  fo  too: 
That  look  as  it  was  before  the  firft  Coming  of  Chrift,  all  their  thoughts  and  fearch- 
ing'?  of  heart  were  after  the  day,  and  time,  and  glory  of  it ,  1  Pet.  1. 10, 1 1.  And 
thenearerHisComing  Was  5  themore  ardently  was  he  expe6led :  Hence  fuch 
flocking  to  T^^^-f  Miniftry.  Hence  5zW^(?»  waited  long  for  the  c^w/^/.^/W  of  Ifra- 
el.  So  the  Efpoufed  and  Beloved  of  the  Lord  looks  out  for  his  coming  now.    He 
hath  left  them-as  Orphans  in  this  world ,  he  hath  divers  of  his  Eleft  yet  to  bring 
' home. 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


Scj 


haxe,  and  enemies  to  ^^uc  unJer  his  fcer,  and  then  chey  know  he  will  come  J 
and  this  day  they  look  for.  As  Chriit  expedls  ic,  H^^.io.lj.  B/thefarr.eS^irit:! 
chey  look  for  ir.  '         - 

,  This  is  that  vvhichChriR  fo  oft  prefleth  on  hisDifcipIes/orefeeing  the  flumbers  of 
the  world,  to  be  ever  watching  for  his  fecond  co:ning  ;  and  hence  thefe  alone 
are  accounted  blelled,  „Z«%  Jf  2-3  75^8.  That  lee  Chrilf  come  at  any  watch  ,  Oh 
blelTed.  The  duration  of  the  World  from  the  firft  to  the  fecond  coming,  is  but 
as  ic  were  a  night  divided  into  feveral  vvatches  ;  the  Saints  are  the  watchmen  of 
the  world,  who  you  know  look  for  day-light,  thoughit  be  long,  'tis  but  a  night ; 
it  will  be  morning  :  All  the  reft  are  like  birds  at  their  ch.iife.  And  hence  he 
tells  them  the  re  .ifon  of  the  uncertainty  of  his  coring,  makes  this  the  end  of  it. 
They  are  Evangelical  commands  with  which  there  goes  a  power.  Look  through  all 
the  Primitive  Church  in  the  Golden  Age,  they  had  ail  rhisftamp,  iCor.i.j. 
Waiting,  i  Thef.i.io.  To  wait  for  Chrifi  from  Heaven.  Nay,  Hek.9.^%.  He 
profeflech  thofe  owly  may  know  the  fruit  of  his  firft  coming,  ihK  nojv  lool^for 
him. 


SECT.    li. 

I  Tj  Ecuife  they  really  forefee,  and  fee  fuch  a  day,  2  Pet.  3 . 3 ,4-    ^^  ^^^  ^^/  <^^yi 

X^fhallctime  Scoffers^  faying^  rvhere  is  the  fromfe  of  hi6  coming  ?  all  things  are  as 

thej  mere,  and  hence  live  in  their  lufts,  die  in  their  own  dung,  and  never  look  for 

It.     J&uc  thefe  forefee  it  really,  and  hence  look  for  ic.     Men  thit  live  on  land, 

and  love  the  fmoak  of  their  own  chimneys,  never  look  out  to  other  coafts  and 

councreys,  or  toaftrangeLand,  bucSea-meii  that  are  bound  for  a  Voyage,  and 

!  have  a  Pilot  with  them  that  hath  feen  thecoaft,  that's  ic  they  look  for;  fomcn 

I  thac  live  in  chis  world,  and  are  well  here,  look  not  after  Chrift  nor  his  coming, 

I  but  chey  chat  have  a  Pilot ,  a  Spiric  to  fhew  chem,  chis  day,  this  coaft ,  and  are 

'bound  for  another  world,  they  look  ouc  for  chis ;  they  fee  ic  cvVo  waics  j 

\     I.  By  the  eye  of  Faith  in  the  promife,  iPet.s.i^.  And  this  makes  the  foul 

J  fee  it,  when  all  things  feem  to  be  againrt  it,  and  hence  expedls  ic ;  for  thac  is  the 

I  ditference  between  Fjiirh  and  h-^pe :     Faith  clofeth  with  Chrift,  and  all  the  Glo- 

jryofCririft,  in  the  promifes  as  prefent,  hope  hence  fteps  forth  and  laies  holdup- 

5  on  the  performance  icfelf  as  abfenc.    Faich  encer tains  the  promife  as  a  faithful 

I  mcflenger,  and  fees  thit  his  meff^ge  is  true.     Hope  runs  out  of  doors  and  leaves 

ic  with  Fairh,  and  looks  for  the  Lord  himfelf,  Heki  i  .1. 

I      2.  BytheLightof  Glory  in  the  thing  it  felf;  for  Saints  do  not  only  fee  things 

in  Letters  and  Syllables,  and  words,  but  fee  chings  as  they  are  in  themfelves. 

The  wicked  fee  the  word,  fin,  and  Chrift,  and  Heaven  (and  in  feeing  fee  not) 

but  not  the  things  themfelves.   Now  the  Glorious  coming  of  Chrift  being  a  thing 

Locome,  yet  to  be  done,  how  do  they  fee  it  but  by  report?  Yes,  they  haveche 

Spirit  of  Glory ,  which  Spirit  jbews  them  things  to  come^  John  16.13.  which  eye 

hath  not  feen.  That  look  as  their  Head  Chrift  fees  this  day  as  it  ft^allbe,  and  his 

jpprehenlions  are  not  falfe,  but  as  he  conceives  of  this  day  ,  fo  fliall  ic  be  :  fd 

i  the  Saints  by  the  fame  Spirit  fee  it  before  it  comes,  and  are  not  mifhken  about  ic, 

I  fhough  ic  be  very  darkly,yet  fomecimes  when  the  Spirit  ofGod  is  not  overclouded, 

!  they  fee  it  more  evidently.  For  this  is  the  great  plague  of  the  wicked,  they  fee 

piochingas'tis,  and  in  Hell  they  fee  how  they  have  been  deceived.  Sothis  is  ti^ie 

|happinefleof  Saints,  that  though  they  fee  things  darkly,  yet  they  fee  things  tru- 

I  ly,  the  Spirit  creating  glorious  imprelTionsjon  the  mind  of  things  as  they  are.  Th^y 

;  know  things  thac  the  eye  fees  not,as  they  are.That  look  ^^■Ahraham  John  S.$6faip 

IChrifisday,  and  vpoi glad^  though  afar  off ;  fothe  Saints  by  che  fame  Spiric.  Novt 

j  why  did  Noah  make  his  Ark,  and  look  for  a  Flood  ?     Becaufe  he  faw  ic  really. 

i  N  -  Did 


Reaf,  I. 


9 


o 


Re4^ 


Reaf.  3« 


Reaf  4. 


T'heT  arable  of  the 


Didnot  others  ?  No,  'tis  faid,  They  k»spi>  not  ^  Mat.  2,4.  38,^9.  Never  knew 
tlUthe  Flmd  came :  The  Lord  made  it  not  knovvn.  JVoah  did,  the  other  did  nor. 
Hence  the  Saints  cannot  but  look  for  it. 

2.  Becaufe  they  fee  nothing  elfe  in  this  world  worth  looking  after,  no,  not  for 
the  prefent.  For  if  a  man  fees  the  day  of  the  Lord,  yet  hath  fome  prey  in  his 
eye,  in  this  world,  and  his  game  before  him ,  he  will  follow  his  hunting  to 
catch  his  venifon,  though  he  comes  too  late  for  the  blelfing.  But  the  Lord 
makes  his  people  to  fee  nothing  in  the  world  worth  the  hawking  or  catch- 
I'ing. 

I  I.  They  fee  the  Glory  of  another  day,  another  world,  and  this  puts  out  the 
Glory  of  this,  and  hence  makes  them  look  for  that ;  and  hence  when  Chritt 
would  comfort  his  Difciplcs,  he  prom.ifeth  nothing  here,  but  tels  them,  I»  my 
Fathers  Houfe  are  manj  Manfions.  Igo  to  prepare  a  place,  and  lie  come  to  you  again, 
John  14.  I,  2,3.  And  hence  they  feeing  this  to  be  enough,  look  for 
;this. 

2.  They  fee  an  end  of  all  thefe  things,  of  all  the  Glory  of  them,  and  that 
thefe  fummer  fwallows  will  take  their  wings ,  and  fly  away  in  ^reateft  extremi- 
ties. Hence  they  look  to  eternal  things,  the  Lord,  and  his  commg,  2  Cor,^.\%, 
We  lookjnot  at  tetfiporal  things, 

3.  They  find  the  Lord  crofTing  them  of  what  they  look  for  in  this  world,  fom- 
times  of  outward  comforts,  fomtimes  of  the  performance  of  fpiritual  promifes. 
And  when  God  thus  hedgeth  their  way  with  thorns,  then  they  think^of  their firfl 
Hmband.  Look  as  it  was  with  Abraham,  Heb.i  i  .1 3 .  You  know  ftr angers  when 
their  way  is  uncomfortable,  ever  and  anon  look  for  their  home.  Abraham  was  heir 
of  the  world,  yet  he  fojourns  as  a  Granger  in  it,  in  Tents,  because  he  looks  for  a  Ci- 
ty, v. 10.  So  here,  Saints  the  heirs  of  all  creatures,  yet  the  Lord  makes  them 
ftrangers  here,  and  hence  they  look  for  fomthing  elfe.  The  things  God  hath 
promifed  to  his  people  are  very  great,  but  not  accom.pliflied.  Why  ?  Becaufe 
full  accomplifhmcnt  is  left  till  the  lafl:  day,  that  hope  may  wait,  and  that  wg 
m.ay  live  by  Faith.  God  hath  promifed  to  take  away  all  tears.  Oh  welcome  that 
day/  This  world  cannot  do  it,  and  the  Lord  here  will  not  ,  i  Gr.i5.19.  If  our 
hope  were  only  here,  we  were  mefi  mlferable. 

3.  Becaufe  they  fee  and  are  fenfible  of  their  deliverance  from  wrath  to  come : 
There  hath  been  much  wrath  in  the  world  feen,  but  yet  the  great  wrath  is  to 
come,  what  that  is  they  fee.  What  their  efcape  from  it  is  they  fee.  Hence 
they  look  for  Chrift,  when  he  fhall  appear  like  the  rifing  Sun,  and  like  a  Bride- 
groom from  his  chamber  to  comfort  them,  i  Thef.  i .  i  o.  For  the  Devils  look  for 
this  day,  and  natural  men,  but  feeing  wrath,  wifh  themfelves  under  rocks  and 
mountains,  aiid  feek  to  fmotherit;  But  Saints  feeing  themfelve:?  delivered, 
hence  calmly  look  for  it.  The  fenfe  of  this  love  makes  them  fay.  Oh  whe  n  will 
he  come,  that  I  mr^fee  him  with  thefe  eyes !  They  fear  not  (  for  why  lliouid  they  ) 
the  terrour  of  this  day. 

4.  Becaufe  the  Lord  hath  given  unto  them  the  firft-fruits  ©f  Glory,  and  of  that 
day  of  Glory,  hence  they  look  and  wait  for  it.  You  know  the  firll:  fruits  were 
part  of  the  whole  vintage,hence  they  gave  thanks  for  all,  becaufe  they  then  looked 
for  all,  £W.23.  Rom.^.2S-  fVe  having  the  flrfl-frultsof  the  Spirit,  wait  for  the 
adoption.  That  look  as  'tis  with  the  wicked,  that  have  rejeded  Chrift,  and 
counted  his  Blood  a  common  thing,  and  done  dejpite  to  Gods  Spirit,  there  remains 
nolhim^  but  a  fearfnl  looking  for  of  i/engeance,  fo  here  e  contra.  Rom. 5. 1,2, 3,4,5. 
'Being  jt^ified  by  Faith,  now  i.  Peace  with  God.  2.  Acceffe  by  Chrift  to  God. 
3.  Standing  in  that  Grace.  4.  Shedding  of  love,  hence  not  only  hope,  but 
Glory  in  hope  of  the  Glory  of  God.  There  is  none  efpoufed  to  Chrift,  but  taft  this 

'love,  feel  the  warmth  of  his  fellowfhip,  feel  the  abundance  of  his  love,  but  'tis  I 
but  in  a  little  meafure,  in  the  firft-fruits,  hence  they  look  for  and  expedl:  the  reft  • 

at  I 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


at  his  coming.  They  are  foimime  full  of  fears,  what  if  ihut  outatlaft?  But 
when  they  feel  the  firft-fruits  of  Glory  at  chat  day,  now  they  verily  look  for  his 
coaling.  Chrift  dies  we  know,  but  it  was  not  poflfible  for  him  to  be  held  long, 
and  hence  rofe  again,and  then  feoked  forGloryjand  then  was  taken  up  to  Glory :  So 
here,  the  Saints  lie  dead  in  the  grave  of  iins  and  fears^  but  its  not  pofliblefor 
them  ever  to  be  held  here ;  hence  when  rlfen  with  Chrifi,  they  look  upon  thmgi  a- 
bwe^  and  are  waiting  for  Glory,  and  at  lalt  are  taken  to  Glory  with  himfelf.  That 
look  as  f^co^,  Gen.49.18.  faid.  My  foul  walteth  for  thy  falvationy  when  the 
flakes  and  pins  of  this  fleflily  Tabernacle  are  loofing,  and  fo  the  Lord  is  loofing 
him  from  the  excellency  of  this  world  ;  though  he  minds  other  things,  yet  he 
recalls  himfelf.     My  foul  waitethfor  thyfdvation  Oh  Lord. 


9' 


SECT.    lit 

HEnce  let  all  fk(h  take  notice  that  there  is  fuch  a  time,  and  day,  and  coming 
oftheLordJefus.  This  was  the  Apoliles  Argument  to  prove  arerurre<^i- 
on,  Chrift  is  rifen^  and  to  prove  this,  and  fo  the  refurre6lion  from  the  dead  at 
Chrifts coming,  elfeisyour  Faith  vawyi,e.  Expe6tation  of  him  vain,  iCcir.i$, 
14,  &  17.  Men  think  it  eafie  to  believe  a  refurre61:ion,  and  a  fecond  coming  of 
Chrift  for  that  end ;  butan  hover  1  y  fleight  work  is  quickly  done,  and  anhoverly 
Faith  is  quickly  wrought.  But  when  a  man  comes  to  look  confidcrately.  Is  there 
fuch  a  day  indeed  ?  Is  there  one  now  in  the  third  Heavens  that  will  fire  this  whole 
World,  and  gather  his  Saints  to  his  Glory  ?  Now  its  very  hard .  ^  Irs  ufual  with  Sa- 
tan to  pierce  with  extremities,  that  when  they  do  begin  indeed  toclofewich 
Chrift,  and  receive  comfort  from  him,  to  fmice  them  with  thoughts :  Is  there  a 
Chrift,  and  is  there  fuch  a  time  of  coming  ?  Ndw  ofallth^  Arguments  to  con- 
vince and  perl  wade,  me-thinks  none  like  this,  viz.  That  there  be  a  Generation  of 
men  in  the  world,  that  verily  look  for  this  day  and  fee  it,  and  have  the  firft- 
frmts  and  beginnings  of  it  already  in  their  fouls.  A  number  of  people  that  once 
never  minded  it,  heard  of  it,  but  looked  not  for  it,  now  to  fee  it ;  flefti  and  blood 
could  not,  Satan  would  not  reveal  it,  hence  God  that  cannot  lie,  hath  iliewnit 
unto  chem,fo  as  they  are  in  a  manner  eye-witneffes  of  it.  Men  will  believe  eye-wit- 
nelfes  of  any  thing,  efpecially  if  many.  Such  are  the  efpoufed  of  the  Lord  in  all  ages . 
The  things  whlchwehofue  heard  and  ftenjvefpeak^ 

Bm  may  they  not  be  deceived ,  a»d  conceit  that  which  is  not  ? 

True,  but  Divine  revelatiori  of  any  Truth  that  cannot  deceive,  for  thvit  is  no 
fancy  of  the  head ,  nor  deluiion  of  Satan,  Now  this  is  a  fecret  the  Spirit  makes 
known.  j 

_  I .  In  that  it  fils  the  mind  and  feeds  the  he^rt  with  it,  that  it  carries  unto  God ! 
with  wonderment  of  blefling  him  that  ever  he  faw  this.     Fancies  cannot  feed, 
efpecially  in  greateft  agonies :  Now  they  chufe  mifery  on  this  ground,  rather  than  j 
prefent  peace  here,  Heb.i  1.35.     Mot  accenting  driver  once, 

2.  In  that  it  works  effcfts  croffe  to  Nature,  nay  to  all  a  maris  lufts  in  them. 
Noah  forcfawa  Flood  nigh ,  but  he  might  be  deceived.  No,  'tis  faid  he  feared^ 
kept  clofe  to  God  and  it  came,  fo  here. 

3.  This  Light  whereby  they  fee,  it  is  net  only  fweet  and  Glorious,  and  cfofs 
to  heart  arid  lufts,  but  its  fudden,  that  aswith  P^;i/,  when  going  to  perfecute, 
fuddenly  there  fell  a  great  Light,  arid  fo  he  faw  Chrift.  So  when  a  man  goes  on  in 
his  fin,  and  fuddenly  the  Lord  reveals  this  and  that  by  a  word  (elfe  'tis  a  deceit ) 
whi&h  all  Angels  could  not  do  before,  fo  as  to  fee  it,  and  that  none  can  reveal  it 
as  he  fees  it,efnecially  to  bring  this  light  out  of  darknefle,  this  muft  be  miraculous 
power,  and  no  dream.  But  what  do  I  fpeak  of  ieeing  ?  they  feel  the  beginnings 
of  it  in  the  firft-fruits  of  it. 


e.i. 


Objecl, 
-Anfw-t 


N  2 


For' 


^ 


9 


fe  2. 


Qnefi* 


The  i^ arable  of  the 


For  two  great  things  (ball  be  at  that  day. 

FjV/,  Then  all  the  Ek6t  lliall  have  their  fill  of  love. 

SecmMj^  Triumph  in  Chrift  when  in  the  clouds  with  him.  Have  they  not 
the  firft  here?  Rcm.$'$'  The  feeling  of  which  love  cannot  be  a  Fancy,  for  it 
cannot  conceive  of  it  nor  hold  it.  This  is  an  infinite  love ,  and  that  in  the 
midft  of  the  fence  of  fin  and  death.That  many  times  they  are  even  fain  to  fay, Lord 
hold.  a.  Triumph,  Rom.s*l,  and  that  in  affli(ftions,  which  make  them  by 
experience  fo  to  feel  God  in  pare,  that  they  triumph  for  time  to  come.  'Tis  true 
at  times  they  look  down  the  Tower ,  and  fo  tremble,  but  while  they  look  up 
here,  then  they  triumph,  having  acccffe  to  the  Grace  wherein  they  ftand.  So 
then  look  for  it,  there  (hall  be  fuch  a  day,  and  fuch  a  coming  of  Chrift,  Rev.t.-j. 
The  Father  hath  exalted  the  Son  to  ineffable  Glory.  But  Lord  /  Who  fees  him 
as  thefe ,  in  his  Glory,  or  to  come  forth  out  of  his  Glory  ?  'Tis  but  Table-talk. 
But ifeh&ld he  comesy  and  every  eye  jhaU  fee  him.  The  Lord  pities  you,  and  holds 
out  bowds  of  love,  and  Faith ;  Oh  receive  me.  Oh  csh  away  thofe  hiot)dy  knives 
that  have  pierced  me ;  and  fends  his  good  Spirit  like  his  hand  to  draw  you.  But 
Oh  do  you  not  kick  hisbowels,do  younotpierce  his  hmds  and  feet  daily  ?And  when 
you  have  done  no  tears  /  But  he  cometh,and  you  that  pierce  him  fhall  fee  him^&c. 
Confider  of  it  therefore  you  that  doubt  of  this,  you  that  think  not  of  this,  and 
Ibcncc  live  and  lie  in  your  lufts,  and  defpife  him.    Behold  hecomech/ 


SECT.    IV. 


HEnce  behold  the  happinefle  of  all  them  that  be  efpoufed  to  the  Lord  Jefus, 
in  that  their  hopes  are  laid  up  in  another  world,  at  the  day  of  the  coming  of 
the  Lord  Jefus,  i  C&r*  15.19.  Ifyoe  had  hope  only  in  this  life^  we  were  of  all  men  mofi 
mlferMe.  Becaufe  none  fo  foolifli ,  or  fo  leniibleof  mifery  as  they,  but  our  hopes 
ftretch  to  another  life,  to  the  fecond  coming  of  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift.  Suppofe 
a  man  had  all  the  Crowns  of  the  world  can  at  l)is  feet,  but  at  laft  to  be  draped 
before  the  judgment-feat  of  Chrift,  and  the^-e  to  ftand  quaking.  What  fliould  he 
be  the  better  ?  What  though  Saints  have  all  the  miferies  in  this  world,  but  at  laft 
with  thefe  eyes  they  fhall  fee  the  hordy  and  ftand  trium.phing  before  him,  and  have  a 
real  fight  and  certain  expectation  of  this.  What  people  in  the  world  fo  great  as 
thefe  ? 

what  do  they  wait  and  expeSifor  ? 

Great  things  which  may  aftonifli  the  whole  Creation. 

1.  They  look  for  him  to  change  their  vile  bodies^  that  this  their  Husband  at 
them.arriage  day  fbould  take  away  thefe  ngs,^  make  them  like  unto  hisGloriom  bo- 

Thiswasprca-  Idy-,  brighter  than  the  Sun  ;  fo  that  burn  them,  cut  them  topeices,  (  as  fomeby 
ched  about  ih§  I  the  Indians  have  been,  Lord  help  / )  they  fee  Chrift  loves  both,  and  hence  holds 
tinac  ot  the     |  fyyord  and  foul  in  one  hand,  and  fcabberd  in  another,  &c. 

2.  They  expert  he  {hould  take  away  all  their  fins,  and  make  them.  like  unto 
himfelf,  engrave  on  their  fouls  perfedHy  his  own  Image,  that  their  enemies  they 
feel  now,  they  look  they  (hall  never  fee  them  more,  i  John  5.2.  And  as  no  evil 
like  it,  no  mercy  like  this ;  and  no  evil  to  Saints  like  this,  that  yet  they  (hould 
grieve  the  heart  of  fuch  a  Husband.  j 

3.  They  look  he  fhould  take  away  all  forrows  and  tears  from  them,  for  this  the 
Lord  promifeth,  and  begins  to  execute  now,  butitiballbeperfe<9:ed  then,  Ifa. 
a  5 .8,9.  And  hence  calicd  the  times  of  refreshings  ABs  5 .19,20.  'lis  true  the 
Spoufe  and  Church  is  now  forrowful  to  the  very  &art  many  times,  but  there  is  a 
time  coming  that  they  (hall  never  forrow  more.  [ 

4.  They  look  he  fhould  take  away  all  fhame  from  them.    For  no  people  in  the 
world  loaden  with  more  calumnies  and  reproaches  by  the  wicked  and  by  hypo- 
crites, 


Piq^uot  wars. 


tenVirgim  Opened  and  Applied. 

cnies,  and  hard  i}./eeche.s  tiom  the  Godly,  and  they  doubt  whether  they  be  Sons 
or  no.  Now  then  the  whole  world  fliall  fee  they  are  Sons,  and  fhall  ftand  amazed 
at  them,  and  fliail  not  doubt  of  ic,  nor  thcrxifelves,  for  the  Lord  fhall  proclaim 
it,  and  they  fhall  hear,  thefe  are  my  Jewels.    And  this  they  look  for,  i  John 

5.  They  then  look  for  recompence  to  all  thtv:  labour  p/Zc'i^tftohimand  his. 
Hence  i  Cor.i5.58.  KnmmgjoHr  lahom  it  not  invAin  in  the  Lord,,  Hence  the 
Apoftle  oft  defers  men  for  that  recompence  till  now.  The  Lord,  Jhejv  mercy  to  the 
Honfe  ofOnefefhorm  in  that  day,  2  Tim,  i  .1 8.  So  that  fome  Hereticks  have  thought 
fouls  fleep  till  then.  They  may  pray  and  no  anfwer,  feek  to  do  gQod,  and  do 
none.    Oh  but  the  Lord  will  recompence  then  abundantly. 

6,  They  look  thtn  to  i?e  ever  with  the  Lord,  iThef.^.ij»    Never  to  be  parted 
from  him,  never  to  live  without  him,  nay  never  to  go  away  from  under  his  wing, 
outof  his  bleeding  bofom  of  love  and  endlefle  and  unfpeakable  compaflions  any 
more :    And  being  with  him  to  fee  his  Glory,  and  never  fee  the  depth  of  it,  and 
CO  have  the  Lord  to  fervc  them,  L«i^  12.37,38.  and  giving  whatever  they  call 
for,  and  ail  this  when  thoufand  thoufands  fhall  at  this  time  be  crying  for  a  drop 
of  water,  and  cannot  get  it.    Now  all  this  they  look  for,  and  mo  re  coo:     Which 
is,  I.  Certain.    Vo:  hope  maketh  not afhamed,     2.  Which  fills  their  hearts  with 
Glory,  and  unfpeakable  Glory  too:  for  it  makes  it fo  clear  and  certain,  that 
they  have  it  all  already,  for  chough  abfent,  hope  makas  it  as  prefent,  i^ow.8.24. 
He  doth  not  fay  we  fhall  be,  but  we  are  faved  by  hop*    Faith  cakes  hold  on  the 
beginning,  hope  on  the  end.    Oh  the  heavy  wrath  of  God  up(5)n  a  world  of  poor, 
blind,  ignorant  men  that  have  no  hope,  no  hope  of  Chrift,  no  hope  of  Glory, 
unleffe  a  flattering,  dead  hope.   What  a  fad  thing  is  it  to  ;hink  of  a  number  of 
men  that  are  buried  in  the  world,  and  never  to  awaken  until  they  fee  Chrift  in 
the  clouds  of  Heaven,  coming  to  be  revenged  on  them.    Ohme-thinks  I  fee 
them  falling  down  before  the  Judgment-feat,  and  crying  out,  Oh  that  we  had 
known  of  this  day  /   Oh  alas  that  I  had  hope,  but  noc  fuch  an  hope,  but  am  now 
deceived.    O^i  'tisotherwife  with  Saints,  they  fhall  find  what  they  hoped  for, 
and  infinitely  more.    What  hurt  can  any  do  them  ?    Let  all  the  world  come  a- 
gainftthem,  their  husband  will  come,  and  will  kick  them  under  his  feet.    Let 
them  load  them  with  reproaches,  fill  their  hearts  with  forrows,  and  their  eyes 
with  tears,  their  Lords  coming  will  comfort  them.    Let  Satan  tempt,  and  a  Fa- 
ther hide  his  face,  behold  the  Lord  cometh,  that  fhall  deliver  and  redeem  them  \ 
Oh  fee  their  blefledneffe,  and  let  it  draw  you  to  make  up  the  match  with  Chrift, 
that  never  did  it  yet  /    He  hath  bin  wooing  of  you,  longing  for  you,  and  you 
wooing  of  him  again.  Lord  take  me  /    What  hinders  you  then  from  ftriking  the 
match,  and  concluding  it  ?    To  give  thy  felf  this  day  to  him,  and  take  him  only, 
re joycc  in  him  only,  when  nothing  thou  doft  can  be  fo  pleafing  to  him.   And 
now  you  may  lods  and  believe  what  one  day  you  fball  to  your  comfort  feel .    And 
account  your  felves  moft  wretched  creatures  until  the  Lord  be  pleafed  to  efpoufe 
you  to  himfelf. 


9") 


SECT.   V. 

OR  hence  learn  what  to  judge  of  thofe  that  na^er  look  for  the  coming  and 
company  of  the  Lord  Jefus,  but  'tis  with  them,  as  ic  was  with  the  Ifraslltest 
when  Mofes  WIS  gone  into  the  Mount,  and  flayed  there  long,  the  people  made 
their  Calf,  and  went  to  their  feafting  and  rejoycing :  So  the  Lord  Jefus  being 
gone  for  the  Spirit  of  life,  and  to  prepare  a  place  of  Glory,  it  being  now  long 
fince,  they  make  Idols  of  their  Jewels,  and  of  their  own  excellencies,  and  of 
whatfoever  is  glorious  in  their  eyes  in  this  world.    Or  as  Chrift  compares  che  fe- 

N  3  cure 


Ufe  3. 
Of  Exam. 


"The  T arable  of  the 


I  cure  worid,'^  It  was  m  the  ddef  of  N&ah,fo  fhali  it  be,oi  as  in  th  e  dales  of  Lot^  when 
ey  never  knew  nor  look't  for  it,  chough  cold  of  ic ;  fo  'cis  with  them.  Do  you 
I  cBrnk  chefe  are  efpoufed  to  Chrift  ?  or  made  ready  for  Chrift  ?  whofe  glorious 
Uppearaag  is  never ,  orfeldom,  or  the  leaft  thing  in  their  thoughts ,  and  are  far 
|frorn  feeing  and  fctting  it  before  their  eyes. 

Now  becaufe  if  you  ask  moft  men,  Do  you  look  for  fuch  a  time  to  fee  th  e 
worldcdnfumed,  and  the  Lord  revealed,  and  your  Glory  with  him?  Everyone 
will  fay,yesibecaufe  indeed  they  have  a  dead  hope.l  fhali  therefore  give  difcoveries 
of  in  . 

Sign  I.  i^  Thofe  whofe  hearts  pri7e  ( though  their  heads  do  not)  and  whofe  eyes  are 

daxeled  with  th^  withering  Glory  of  this  world.  When  men  lie  under  (  not  for 
a  fit,  for  Chrift's  Difciples  wondred  at  the  Beauty  of  the  Temple  j  a  great  mi- 
ibke  of  all  things  here,  and  put  thac^oodin  them  which  is  not,  and  that  worth 
upon  them  which  they  ought  not.  For  he  on  whofe  eyes  the  Sun  o£  Glory  hath 
jrien,  and  looks  for  tfee  Glory  which  Ihall  be  revealed;  looks  upon  a  Dunghill 

1  world  as  ftrangers  upon  their  Inne,  and  as  Travellers  do  on  their  Tents,  make  a 
"  ifc  CO  rub  i%  out  there  for  a  time,  but  Oh  home.     Oh  that  Glory  that  (hall  le  re- 

\veaiedyHeb.ii.il,  They  were  Grangers ,  becaufe  f%  looked  fer  a  Cltj  :  Nay  they 
look  upon  thcfe  things,  as  God  and  Chrift  judge  of  them  (  for  they  have  Chrift's 
mind  J  iCsr,2.i5.  Which  fbnd  for  Cyphers  in  the  Lords  Book:  Nay  they 
look  upon  the  very  miferies  of  this  world  for  Chrift ,  greater  treafures  than  the 
j  happine^e  of  it ,  and  hence  chufe  it  and  account  their  fears  their  Crown,  their 
[lliametheir  Glory,  their  lofles  their  gain,  their  forrows  their  joys,  as  Heb.ii. 
25,26.  Mofeschoit  to  fuffer,  and  eiieemed  Chrifts  reproach  his  Glory i  And 
why?  He  had  an  eje  to  the  recommence  ef  rey»ard,  And  faw  the  God  invifible.  And 

2  C'«>r.4.i7.  Ittvorksan  exceeding  vpeight  of  Glory.  That  look  as  'tis  with  a  man 
that  is  born  to  great  hopes  of  a  Crown  and  Kingdom,  and  therefore  brought  up 
not  in  the  Countrey,  but  in  the  Court  5  let  a  poor  man  offer  him  his  thatcht 
houfe,  and  promife  him  if  he  will  come  and  live  with  him,  and  ferve  him  in  his 
patchc  cloaths.  What  will  he  fay  ?  No,  be  gone  to  your  friends,  I  am  a  greater 
man  than  you  can  make  mc,  fo  here;  A  m.an  that  is  born  and  begotten  to  a 
lively  hope  of  a  Crown  now  by  the  refurredion  of  Chrift,  and  brought  up  under 
the  wings  and  care  of  Chrift,  to  the  hopes  of  a  better  world,  offer  never  fo  much, 
promife  never  fo  fair,  I  am  greater  than  all  the  world  can  make  m.e,  Imuftnot 
have,  if  I  love  Chrift ,  and  I  cannot  have ,  if  he  loves  me ,  both  ;  and  hence 
looks  to  honour  then,  and  peace  and  glory  then,  CoL"?,.  i  ,2,3 .  Its  clear  then  thou 
lookeft  upon  the  things  of  the  world  as  great  things ;  Oh  to  have  fuch  honour,  fuch 
an  eftate,  fo  many  Covves  and  Goats,  fo  much  ground  paled  in,  fo  many  ploughs, 
lands  and  oxen  fit  to  labour,  fo  much  gain  to  come  in  every  year,  and  fuch  parts, 
&  gifts  and  duties  to  get  me  a  name,  to  live  before  the  beft  men,  and  to  be  good 
figns  f  CO  comfort  me  )  of  che  favour  of  God  :  This  is  a  goodly  thing,  the  very 
hopes  heat  and  warm  the  heart. 

1.  If  you  do  not  find  pangs  in  parting  with  a  friend,  a  bofom-blefling  fo  dear, 
you  are  not  dead  yet  to  it,  nor  rifen  to  a  lively  hope  of  better  things. 

2.  He  that  doth  not  prize  the  evils  of  the  world,  more  than  the  good  in  it,  his 
eyes  are  dazeled  with  ic :  If  the  life  of  the  world  be  not  death  to  thee,  the  com- 
fort of  the  world  forrow  to  thee.  Oh  they  draw  thy  heart  from  God :  Hence  cal- 
led lying  vanities.  Look  as  'tis  with  a  King  or  Msfter  that  gives  Talents  to  ufe, 
they  caft  them  by,  and  filh  for  themfelves,  they  look  not  for  the  coming  of  their 
Mailers:  So  the  Lord  gives  you  his  Ordinances,  and  Word  to  ufe  for  him,  and 
you  fcramble  for  your  felves,  to  enrich,  and  honour,  and  comfort  your  felves, 
you  look  notfor  the  Lord.  Factors  that  go  far  for  wealth,  they  will  not  bring 
home  ftones  and  rubbifh,  which  they  know  will  not  go  in  their  own  Countrey, 
hence  other  things  that  are  of  more  price  he  fpends  his  time  for :  So  here.    What 

do 


do  you  do?  You  thac  eat  the  bread  of  careful  neflfe ,  fell  your  commodides 
dear,  and  fet  your  buyers  on  Taincer-hooks  ?  I  look  to  be  richo  You  that  can 
fpeakwell,  and  have  parts,  and  profeflfc  fairly  ;  but  go  into  your  Clofets,  God 
IS  negle6led  in  your  hearts,  your  conftanc  union  to  Chrift ,  dependance  on 
CbriH:,  approvingyourfelves  to  ChriiV  is  not  maintained.  I  would  fain  be  ho- 
noured. You  are  come  far  from  your  own  Countrey :  Why  did  you  depart 
thence  ?  To  be  free  from  trouble.  And  now  here ,  what  ftay  you  for  ?  Oh 
foreafe.  Will  thefe  Coynes  go,  and  be  taken  atthelartday?  No,  you  look 
not  for  that. 

II.  They  that  fay  they  look  for  Chrift,  but  do  not  re  Joyce  abundantly  in  hope 
of  this  time.  Sometim.es  the  hopes  of  Gods  people  begin  to  die,  and  then  com.- 
fortlefle,  but  when  their  hopes  are  up,  and  ftirring,  and  not  Wounded  by  fom.e 
fin  or  fleeping,  there  is  a  double  joy  that  now  they  have. 

I,  This  alone  coirJorts  them  and  fils  them,  J«?/)»  14.1,2,3,  So  that  they 
wonder  at  God,  though  they  have  never  fo  little  here,  to  have  thefe  bleflincrs 
now,  and  everlafting  Glory,  endleffe  com.paffions  and  mercy  at  that  day,  John 
16.22. 

2.This  joy  is  Glorious  joy, higheft  com  fort,  ^0^^.5.3./^^  G/ory  In  hofe  ofthe  glory  of 
God.  Difgraced,  but  then  honoured ;  hated  of  men,  but  then  loved  of  Chrift  ;  ( 
poor,  buc  then  enriched ;  miferable,  but  then  bleffed ;  empty,  but  then  filted  ; 
fatherleffe,  f  riendleife,  but  then  glorified.  Oh  I  tell  you  miferies  thus  conftde- 
rcd,  are  fweet !  Can  it  be  otherwife  ?  Now  you  fay  you  hope  and  lo6k  for  this 
day,  Whereisyourcomfortof  it?  Where  is  your  glory  in  it  ?  A^s  1.11^1%. 
ComparedwifhL/i!j^  24.52.  So  thou  wilt  be  in  the  Temple,  nay  in  the  fields 
rcjoycing  and  blclTmg  the  Lord,  chat  ever  he  fhould  intend  to  fet  thee  at  his 
right  hand,  at  that  great  day  of  his  coming.  No  man  but  hath  fom.ething  to  joy 
his  heart.  Is  it  Corn ^  and  wine  mdOyl,  and  nox  the  Light  of  Gods  countenance  zt 
this  day  ?  Its  a  fign  they  never  look  for  k.  Do  the  world  rejoyce  in  their  hope  s, 
and  not  Saints  ? 

III.  They  that  content  themfelves  with  any  meafure  of  holinefle  and  Grace  -, 
they  look  not  for  Chrifts  coming  and  company.  For  Saints  that  do  look  for  him, 
though  they  have  not  that  Holmeflfe  and  Grace  they  would  have,  yet  they  reft  not 
facisfied  with  any  m.eafure,  i  John  3.3.  He  that  haththls  hope  pnrifieth  himfelfoi 
he  is  pare.  Chrift  finds  us  not  lovely,  but  makes  us  lovely,  by  putting  on  his 
own  garments,  imprinting  his  own  Image.  Hence  Saints  content  nor  themfelves 
with  any  drellings ,  till  made  glorious,  and  fo  fit  for  fellowftiip  with  that  Spoufe. 
And  when  the  Soul  fees  this  Love  to  be  a  Son,  and  then  to  be  proclaimed  Heir,  Oh 
this  makes  them  fet  Chrift  himfelf  as  the  pattern  to  walk  by.  Now  therefore, 

1.  When  men  fhall  think  this  way  is  bad,&:  another  way  of  fome  Saints  is  good, 
and  fo  take  a  Copy  of  his  courfe  from  them,  and  nowis  well,  this  only  is  to  be 
pure  as  m.  an  is  pure. 

2.  When  a  man  leaves  not  till  he  gets  fuch  a  meafure  of  Faith  and  Grace, 
and  now  when  he  hath  got  this ,  contents  himfelf  wich  this  as  a  good  fign 
he  fliall  be  faved,  he  looks  not  for  Chrift.    Or 

3.  When  me»  are  heavily  loaden  with  fin,  then  clofe  with  Chrift,  and  then 
are  comforted,  fealed,  and  have  joy  that  fils  them,  and  now  the  work  is  done, 
aiid  they  are  paft  Grace,  and  paft  Repentance,  and  daily  cleanfing,  now  they 
ftudy  not  what  to  do  for  Chrift,  that  neither  Family  nor  Church  inhere  they  live, 
are  the  better  for  them. 

4.  Wh6n  m.en  fhall  not  content  them.felve?  with  any  meafure,  but  wifti  they 
had  more,  if  Grace  woiild  grow,  while  they  tell  Clocks,  and  fit  idle,  and  (oGod 
muftdoall,  but  do  not  purge  themJelves,  and  m.ake  work  of  it  (  Indeed  Saints 
purge  not  themfelves  of  them.felves,  for  dirty  hands  will  never  wafh  a  foul  face  ) 
butbyadaily  dependance  on,  and   importunity  of  Faith  figh   after  the  Lord 

to 


sign  2  c 


Slgn^^ 


96 


The  ^^ arable  of  the 


codoic;  verilyif  noc  thus,  you  look  nocfor  Chrift,  2  P^^.7.1 1,12,14.  For  if  j 

you  did,  youwould  fay  and  think,  if  to  be  like  him  be  my  Glory,  Oh  then  that  j 

I  might  thenhive  it  novv.    Sons  that  are  born  to  their  hopc^  in  the  Court,  will  | 

go  in  the  Court-fafliion :  Beggars  that  are  born  and  brought  up  under  hedgc5,[ 

content  rhemielves  with  their  rags,  fo  here :  Lord  where  is  this  Spirit  ?  efpecial- j 

ly  even  among  us.  There  is  fcarce  any  but  either  would  be  honeft,  and  then  ho;es  f 

God  accepts  of  his  VYili,or  will  be  fo,  &  then  'tis  only  fo  much  as  will  credit  or  com- 1 

fort  him.    Lord  where  is  the  man  that  mourns  for  this,  how  far  fhort  he  falls  ofj 

Chrirt,  of  Chrifts  thoughts,  Chril-ts  prayers,  Chrilfs  fneechcs,  Chrifts  meeknefs,! 

but  only  patches  up  his  comforts  with  fom.e  ends  of  Gold  and  Silver,  and  fhredsj 

ofHoneliy  :  He  hath  heard  others  teach  and  preach,  and  gets  fome  i"hredsof{ 

knov^'ledge,  thence  he  fees  what  oihers  are,  and  do^  and  gets' fomewhat  tobej 

like  them.  Have  we  not  crycd  out,  rr.en  are  too  good  to  be  better  in  our  ownl 

Land?  And  unlelTc  a  few  under  Afrliition  or   Temptation,  who  is  ?  I  pray 

Godfucharace  comiC  not  over  hither,  where  God  looks  yoiill-iould  get  a  higher 

pitch  ;  put  off  your  mldernefle-lTioes,  get  thofefins  removed  that  provoked  God 

there;  orelfc  heftdes  the  mifery  of  a  heart-brand  upon  thee,  thou  dort  not  look  | 

forChrirt,  and  therefore  arc  either  not  efpoufcd,  or  ?.fleep;  andOialt  ifnor  byj 

the  Word,  by  the  tcrrour  of  God  be  dreadfully  aw-ikened.   Oh  Neiv-EngUnd^]. 

Neva-England^  that  art  now  making  a  conqueft  of  the  world,  and  feekeft  for  the 

fpoyi  ofittoenrich  thyfelf,  to  recover  thy  loffes,  and  therefore  makeftatruce 

with  thy  diftempers  for  a  time,  and  doir  not  purge  thy  felf  as  Chrift  is  pure,  I  dare 

not  yet  tell  thee  what  Chrift  Jefus  hath  to  fay  unto  thee  /    Therefore  think  of  this, 

lif  netthus,  you  have  no  hope,  'cis  but  talk  and  notion  in  thy  head.  And  you 

'that  do  not,  he  fhall  come  in  atim.e  when  thou  lookeft  not  for  him ;  And  haft 

I  not  fo  much  Grace  as  the  five  foolifh  Virgins  had  ?  This  is  the  fram^e  of  m^en 

and  Profeffors,  what  are  they  ?  They  were  troubled,  humiliation  is  paft,  they 

have  looked  for  falvation  by  Chrift,  that  is  paft ;  they  have  been  comforted, 

ithatispaft;  What  Holineffe  ?  They  will  pray  inFam.ilies,  keep  company  with 

i  Saints,  get  into  Chrift,  receive  Sacraments,  that  is  paft.  What  lack  they  yet? 

I  Many  wants,  but  God  accepts  their  defires  for  what  they  want,  and  that  is  their 

Circle  of  Honcfty  now,   and  there  reft.  Is  it  not  thus?  Is  this  to  purge  like 

Chrift?  If  any  have  more,  Oh  wonder  at  the  Lord  for  it.  But  if  not ,  Oh  thy 

doom  I 


\Ufe  4- 


o 


SECT.VL 

H  you  efpoufed  and  beloved  of  the  Lord,  look  for  his  coming,  look  for  his 
company;  the  world  looks  not  for  him,  becaufe  they  care  not  for  him.  ^/// 
joH  alfo  depart  ?  Hath  he  called  thee  as  a  Virgin  forfaken,  and  not  comforted,  a^ 
a  wife  of  youth,  and  given  himifelfto  thee,  and  given  thee  a  heart  to  give  content 
to  him,  and  thy  felf  to  him  in  lieu  of  his  love,  life  and  all,  if  it  might  do  him  any 
'good?    Oh  are  you  born  to  fo  great  hopes,  and  are  they  not  worth  the  looking  af- 
ter ?  God  forbid.  Do  this  therefore  efpecially  in  thefe  five  Cafes. 

I.  In  cafe  of  ftrangenefle  felt  between  thy  foul  and  Chrift:  It  may  be  thou 
thinkeft.  Oh  he  that  hath  faved,  preferved  me,  called  me,  when  I  never  lookt 
after  him,  redeeTxcd  me  when  a  captive,  every  m^oment  pardons  me ,  a  daily 
friend  unto  me,  that  hath  given  m^e  Ordinances,  given  me  the  comfort  of  them  : 
ButOh  yettobeaftranger  tohim,  this  cuts  :  Oh  look  novv  for  this  time,  i  Th. 
4.17,18.  When  thou  ft-ialt  fee  that  bleeding  heart,  that  hath  loved  thee  above 
all  Princes  and  Angels,  that  body  in  the  Glory  of  the  Father,  and  be  as  familiar 
with  him  as  thou  art  with  any  friend,  and  fee  his  Glory,  and  the  Father  in  him,and 
know  as  thou  arc  known.   Oh  bok  for  this,  for  it  fhall  be  fo.  ^ 

2.  In 


ten  Virpns  Opened  and  Appltcd. 


2.  In  cafe  Gods  pro'-nifes  are  not  made  good  to  thee.  For  at  thacinftanca 
man  beleeves  he  gives  Chriit  and  all  thing*;,  all  Grace,  ail  conrolation,  all  Glory, 
but  'tis  in  the  proT.ife,  becaufe  he  wo-uld  h.ivc  them  >ive  by  Faith  a  while  here* 
as  by  fence  m  Heaven ;  and  being  wrapt  up  in  the  promife,  they  feel  it  nor,  on- 
ly plead  with  God  :  Hall  notfaid  Lord,  thou  v^^ilt  fubdue  iniquities,  purge  me  as 
Gold  is  tried?  Why  then  do  I  go  childleffe,  grace'ieffe?  No  more  Grace,  no 
more  Spirit,  no  better  heart  for  thee?  Oh  now  the  heart  calls  in  quelHon  Gods 
promife  or  finks  I     Oh  now  remember  this  day,  for  the  perfect  rcliitution  of  all 

I  things,  perfect  accomplilliment  of  all  promifes  is  referved  for  this  time,  7/^.25.9. 
Thou  prayelUor  many  things  "^^^  ^^^y  come  not ;  Chriit  referve?  the  payment 
till  this  day.  What  a  coLtifort  is  chis  ?  What  a  fvveet  fpeechwasicof  Jo,/)^^^, 
Jofl1.23.14.  One  thlnghath  not  failed^  when  he  had  conquered  theLawd.  So  then 
when  theconqueif  is  made,  to  fee  all  the  promifes  made  good  to  thcc. 

3.  IncafeofGodsabfenceor  withdrawing,  or  when  thou  feelcll:  but  little  of 
his  prefence  here  in  his  Providences  or  in  his  Ordinances,  private,  publick,  and 
thzi  in  Nerv-EngUnd  too.  Thou  haft  found  one  half  hours  time  with  the  Lord, 
alone,  fweeter  and  better  than  a  thoufand  worlds .  Oh  but  chis  holds  not  1  Thou 
maift  it  may  be  wait  on  the  Lord  in  his  Ordinance,,  and  go  away  with  a  fad  heart, 
Oh  I  cannot  fee  him,  and  canft  not  find  out  the  caufe  why  fo  heavy,and  vile,and  fo 
lofttheft  thy  felf,  Ohnowrhinkof  thi>  day,  iCor.i'^.i^.  Then  God  (hall  be  all 
Jit  all ,   then  thou  ("halt  have  thy  fill  of  love,  and  fill  of  God# 

4.  In  cafe  of  forrow  for  the  uproar  of  the  world  a^ainft  God  and  Chrift,  and 
the  wrongs  done  to  Chrift  and  his  people ;  to  fee  Cnrift  crucified,  and  crying 
fpare  my  life,  and  faying.  If  yottfeek^me,  kt  thefe  little  ones  depart ^  yet  they  arc 
abufed,  and  every  one  agiinft  Chrift,  as  this  d^^^  the  world  is  coming  to  the  laft 
fie  of  madnelTe  againft  the  Lord  of  Glo  ry.  Oh  now,  remember  and  look  for  this 
day,  I  Cflr.15.25.  Us  m^fi  reign.  Lord  what  a  comfort  will  it  be  to  fee  Chrift 
King  then  ?  Men  come  to  fee  hioi  King  here,  but  Oh  what  will  it  be  when  he 
{hall come himfeif?  To  fee  all  fecrets  open,  and  the  Lord  glorified  in  him.felf 
and  people,  of  all  crftatures.  Look  for  this,  to  fee  the  great  and  laft  plot  of  God 
brought  to  perfc6tion.    Oh  think  that  is  our  day ,  that  is  our  vi(Story  / 

5.  When  you  come  to  die,  and  to  think  of  leaving  thy  carcafe  to  rot  in  the 
duft  a  long  time  ;  Oh  think  and  look  upon  this  day  /  They  that  hear  (haHlive.  Why 
dolc^ie?  John  5.2,8,2^.  They  jh all  then  come  mt  of  thlr graves-i^c.  Thus  look 
fortliis» 

JHotives* 

1.  All  creatures  look  fo-  this  in /a  manner,  Rom.S.  22,23.  Nay  Chrift  and 
Saints  in  Heaven  look  for  this  day^  Heb.  10.13.  From  thence  exfeUln?  till  his  e»e- 
mlesy  &c.  Nay  Devils  look  for  it,  but  tremble  ;  Only  a  fecure  world  rockc  afleep 
to  their  eternal  wo ,  look  not  for  it. 

2.  This  will  help  you  to  ride  all  ftorms,  bear  all  knocks  chearfully.  Our  Hope 
is  our  Helmet.  Our  Hope  is  our  Anchor,  tJe^.6.ip,  Efk6,.ij.  You  will  meet 
with  them  here  it  may   be  before  you  die; 

3.  The  Lord  hath  called  you  out  of  chis  world,  he  might  have  left  you  in  it, 
and  given  you  your  hope,  your  portion  here,  and  then  wo  to  thee,  but  he  hath 
called  thee  to  this  ho^e,  thit  if  Princes  of  the  world  knew,  they  would  lay  down, 
my  ciit  away  their  Crowns  at  thy  feet  for  it,  and  fay.  Oh  that  I  were  in  that  mans 
cafe/  Eph.1.18.  Hope  of  his  call l^. 

4.  Ho  :>e  md  expedlation  of  all  other  things  ftiall  fail,  if  G6d  loves  thee,  he 
will  make  you  know  whit 'tis  to  forfikeyour  portion*  If  ftot,  they  fhall  fail  you 
when  yoi  die,  this  fhall  not ;  it  makes  not  d^amed. 

5.  Me-thinVs  this  is  the  Glory  of  a  Chriftian,  that  he  turns  his  back  apon  the 
world,  ind  lives  and  waits  for  the  coming  of  the  Lord.  , 

6,  Oh  this  will  give  Chrifts  heart  full  content,  when  he  ftiall  co  ine»  Luki  i  **37.» 

o  m 


98 


Omfi. 


Qmfi. 
Anftv, 


'The  ^^ arable  of  the 


i 


He  will  make  thee  fit  down  to  eat  J  andfervethee.  The  lord  Jefus  himfelf  fhall  only 
ciien  pome  oil  ceo  thee  and  give  thee  whatever  thou  cal  left  for,  honour  thee  as  tc 
were  above  himfelf.  When  thou  art  at  reft  in  Heaven,  he  will  be  at  work  For 
thee. 

7,    If  not,  htrnvjceme  m  an  hour  thoti  looksft  not  for  htm*  Chriftmay  fay  to 
thee,  from  henceforth  fleep  on. 

what  Means  are  there  to  make  me  lookj^r  htm  ? 

I .  Get  fome  promife  that  thou  maift  beleeve  the  Lord  is  t  bine ,  elfe 
thou  wilt  never  look  for  him  ;  or  if  you  do,  you  will  be  deceived,  fovhopejsof 
things  not  feen*  Nay,  commonly  when  the  Lord  brings  any  man  to  his  hopes,  ha- 
ving given  him  a  promife,  and  Faith  to  beleiveit,  the  Lord  in  the  mid-way 


feems  to  crofs  his  promife.  When  the  Lord  promileth  life,  glory,  f  eacc^  ho- 
i^our,  joy,  fulnefs,  Heaven,  they  fhall  then  and  never  fo  much  before  feel  dark- 
nefs,  death,  fliame,  trouble,  forrow.  Hell.  For  the  Lord  tries  them  by  this, 
and  tribulation  breeds  experience,  and  experience  hope.  Hence  you  m.uft  firli  get  a 
promife  of  Chrift  and  Glory,  before  you  can  hope  for  it,  or  expect  Glory,"and 
then  you  may,  Heb.6.i%,  For  the  promife  will  fupport  hope,  when  heart,  and 
ftrength  and  all  fhall  fail :  Nay  it  v\iU  expedl:  contraries  out  of  contraries,  Gen. 
22.5;  rie  come  again  to  you.  Compared  vvich  //>^.i  1.18,1 5?.  So  that  foul 
that  hath  a  promife,  may  fay  when  he  coniiders  Gods  power,  and  what  Glory  he 
gives  to  God  by  beleeving  it,  God  hath  faid  he  will  comfort  me,  he  willcleanfe 
I  me,  he  will  give  me  Glory,  I  will  have  all  thefe  out  of  my  forrow,  my  fin,  my 
Hell. 

Take  heed  therefore  of  two  extreams. 

Flrfl^  Of  hoping  without  a  promife,  for  that  is  but  Faith  feared  out  of  its 
wits,  when  it  comes  to  be  examined  ;  I  hopefo,  and  I  have  had  joy  and  pcrfwa- 
fion  of  it.  .  , 

5^cw£///,  Of  not  expe6Hng  when  God  gives  a  promife.  Can  you  live  one  day 
without  it  ?  It  may  be  you  have  no  feeling  yet :  But  Ifa,^  5 .8 ,9,1  o.  Doft  wait 
for  the  Lord  r/.d".  From  a  fenfe  of  emptinelTe,  for  all  fulnelfe  chou  fhalt  find  it 
in  part  here,  and  fully  then,  mdhyy  Lo,thu  is  our  God,  we  ha^e  waited  for  him  ! 
When  a  mans  anchoris  ftrong,  and  in  good  ground,  he  will  look  for  fafety,  when 
at  anchor  in  the  Harbour.  Oh  thou  afflicted,  tolTed  with  tempefts,  the  Lo  rd  hath 
brought  thee  at  laft  to  Chrift,  after  many  drivings  to  and  fro,  and  it  clafps  about 
him  according  to  a  promife  ;  if  God  changeth  then  thy  comfort  may  not  be.  If 
revelations  come,  I  know  they  may  deceive,  but  a  promife  cannot. 

2.  Fear  the  terrour  of  the  Lord  at  this  day,  fear  parting  from  him :  Ifpeak 
!  not  of  doubting,  but  the  holy  fear  of  Saints,  for  that  is  the  nature  of  fear,  it  makes 
a  man  eye  the  thing  feared :  As  Jacob  when  EfauYfzs  meeting  of  him.  AW^ 
he  fears  and  looks  to  fafety  in  and  by  an  Arke,  Heb.ii*j.  Lots  children  took 
not  his  counfel,  they  feared  not^  hut  he  feemed  oi  one  that  mocked  to  them*  Paun 
2  Cor.  5.10,1 1,  knirv  the  terrour  of  the  Lord^  hence  looked  for  him,  fought  to  ap- 
prove himfelf  unto  him.  Men  that  fear  not  parting  with  Chrift,  .will  never  look 
nor  care  for  him.  And  let  it  be  a  ftrong  fear,  elfe  it  will  never  carry  you  above 
your  cares  and  furfettings  of  the  world. 

Hovp  fhall  I  fear  thm  ? 

i.Unleffe  the  Lord  put  it  into  your  heart,  none  can*  for  thefeeurity  ofthe 
world  is  not  flecpy,  but  deadly  :  Men  are  bound  up  as  ftrong  as  with  chains  of 
death;  that  till  they  feel  the  mifery,  they  cannot  fear  it  ftrongly.  Oh  look  up 
to  the  Lord  to  unchain  thofe  chains  of  death. 

2,  Know  the  happincffe  of  them  that  fhall  ever  be  with  Chrift,  what  is  the 
fweerneffeofChrifts  love,  and  worth  of  it.  Imagine  the  laft  day  come,  and  all 
the  dead  raifed,  Chrift  with  flaming  fire,  all  the  wicked  on  the  left  hand,  and 
thtn  ft^rft  away  With  depart  ye  cnrfed ;  all  the  Saints  on  the  right  hand,  and  then 

Oh  ? 


ten  Viy^ins  Opened  and  Applied. 


99 


Oh  come/  and  when  all  is  difpacched  ,  then  to  p,o  up  to  Heaven,  and 
when  gone,  there  to  be  for  ever  rejoycing,  triumphing  in  theprefcnceof  God 
Almighty  ;  and  now  what  it  will  be  robe  far  off  from  Chrift,weeping,never  to  be 
pitied  more.Oh  he  that  was  fo  full  of  pity,  no  heart  then  to  pity,  no  hand  to  help  .' 
lean  but  only  paint  this  fire.  Ohtqat  theLord  would  help  you  here,  thatfo 
you  might  look  out  for  him.  Saylors  ileep  in  calms,  and  fo  it  may  be  have  many 
herein  this  place  of  rert.  Othersof  you  take  heed.  He  tell  you  your  bar.  It  may 
be  mort  eftates  are  brought  low  and  funk;  when  you  fee  that,  now  you  either 
look  back,  or  look  for  Lots  accomodations,  and  fuch  anettate  as  is  loft,  it  maybe 
you  wilt  ipy  fome  hope  of  it,  and  then  follow  the  game,  and  never  look  out  till  you 
die.  The  Lord  keep  you  from  it  /  You  then  will  not  look  up  for  Chrifts  coming 
at  the  laft  day,  or  in  his  Ordinances  here  :  If  thou  doft  fo,  had  it  not  been  bet- 
ter thou  hadft  been  buried  in  the  Sea,  or  left  in  forrowon  the  Shore  ?  Oh  take 
heed  therefore,  look  for  the  coming  and  company  of  Chrift,  and  let  this  be  e- 
nough,  and  bec:!urc  you  cannot  look  for  him  in  the  the  clouds  now.  Oh  look  and 
wait  for  him  in  his  Ordinances ;  and  confider  if  efpoufed  ones  look  for  his  com- 
ing then,  and  for  perfcil  knowledge  of  him,  and  communion  with  him,  then 
think,  Lord  what  a  heart  have  I  that  look  not  for  him  here  /  But  Lord  who  mil  be-  j 
Ikve  our  report  ?  \ 

Thus  they  went  out  by  hope  and  expectation  of  his  coming :   Now  the  Second 
thing  follows,  they  went  forth  with  longing  defires  after  his  coming. 


CHAP.  XI. 


T'hdt  "Belieyers  do  long  dnddeftre  for  the  ap- 
pearance and  Second  Qoming  of  Chrisf. 


S  E  C  T.    L 

THat  all  thofe  that  are  efpoufed  to  Chrifts  and  beloved  ^  Chrtfi,  they  ought 
mt  only  to  looj^  but  ta  lonq^  for  the  com wg &fy  and  their  everlafting  commumon 
Tvtth  the  Lord  Chrlfi  Jefm.  For  the  confummation  of  their  marriage 
with  him,  that  thoaghhebegonc,  our  hearts  may  be  with  him,  before 
our  fouls  be,  or  before  our  fouls  and  bodies  be;  that  though  we  may  die,  and  lie 
down  in  the  duft,  our  defires  may  live  and  lie  in  Heaven,  and  cry  cor^e  Lord.  Now 
do  not  think  this  point  true,  and  fo  far  good  if  we  could  reach  it,  but  this  is  ^ 
high  pitch,  for  you  muft  long  for  it.  God  forbid  a  Chriftian  efpoufed  to  Chrift, 
;  ftiould  plead  that  vvork  too  much,  which  Hypocrites,  the  five  .foollfh  ylrgtns'm 
their  kind  attained  to.  See  Pr^fidents  for  this  is  all  a^es  r  Abraham^  and  thofe 
in  his  time,  whowsis  Father  of  the  Faithful,  Heb.i  1.15,1^.  A  better  Comtrey^ 
where  the/  might  have  fellowft=iip  with  the  Lord,  and  hence  God  is  not  ajhamedyScc, 
As  if  the  Lord  were  afliamed  of  all  them  to  be  his  people,  that  profeffe  them- 
felves  fo,  but  defire  not  this.  In  Chrift's  tim.e,  Simeon,  Luke  2.2 9.  with  25. 
Where  he  waited  for  the  confolation  of  Ifrael,  &c.  to  enjoy  more  of  him.  In  the 
Apoftles  tim.e,  'tis  alfo  that  which  they  all  felt,  2  Cor.  5.2.  Jn  this  we  groan  ear- 
neflly^Uc,  But  you  Will  fay.  It  may  be  this  was  becaufe  of  mif  cries,  and  wane 
of  Ordinances,  &c.  Therefore  fee  in  the  laft  age  of  the  Church,  when  the  new 
Jerttfalem  was  built,  and  when  peace,  and  when  Chrift's  face  was  feen  in  his 
Houfe,  yQtthtnrhe  Spirit  and  the  Bride  fay  come,  Rev.2i.ij,    They  are  the  laft 

O  2  breathings^ 


DoB.3^ 


loo 


r 


Reaf. 


Reaf.^ . 


breathings  of  Joh/i  and  the  Spine  in  him.  Lord  Jefm  comeqmckj)'-  But  Cam.^- 
14.  The  Church  there  increats  her  Beloved  m  fly  awaj  to  the  MoumdmsofSpees^ 
that  {he  might  enjoy  him  out  of  this  worlds 


SECT.   IL 


Ecaufe  they  are  bound  to  love  Chrift  and  his  appearing :  to  love  his  lool's 
when  he  l>i ail  appear  to  the  world,  2  T/»2.4.8.  The  Croven  of  GUrj>  combes 
as  IE  were  by  fuccefiHon,  not  only  to  me,  but  to  allthm  that  love  his  af petting.  Now 
can  there  be  any  love  of  him  and  his  appearing;  and  not  fo  much  as  any  deiire  after 
him  and  after  it?  Certainly' there  is  no  love,  or  if  there  be  any,  it  lies  languillTi- 
ing:  For  anfvverable  to  our  love  to  any  thing,  is  our  cefire,  what  we  love  only, 
wedeiireonly  ;  what  we  love  not  at  all,  or  but  liitie,.we  ddirenotat  all,  or| 
but  little;  fo  here.  Now  therefore  toqueftion,  Maya  Chriftian  defire  it.?  is  to 
j  queiHon  whether  a  Chriftian  ought  to  love  the  Lord  jefus  or  nc.  We  are  bound 
'  nor  to  love  earth,  hence  bound  to  love  Chrift  and  his  feliowfiiip^in  Heaven.  Let  :i 
him  he  Amthema  that  doth  not  fo.  I 

2.  Becaufc  the  Lord  Jefus  longs  for  them,  J-5^^  17.24.  Throughout  which! 
Chapter  he  prays  as  if  in  Heaven  already.  Hence  I  cm  no  thotc  jn  this  7vorld^\ 
md  where  I  am^  let  them  be  alfo.  He  was  on  earth,  but  looks  on  himJelf  as  in  Hea- 1 
ven.  That  as  it  was  with  the  High  Priett,  he  carries  the  Naisies  of  the!  welve^ 

[Tribes  on  his  htzn^  kfet  mth  freciom  Stones  i  very  dear  to  him, /«?ci  the  Holy  of 
Holies^  fo  Chrift.    Not  that  he  fees  any  beauty  in  them  of  rhdr  own,  why  he  i 
fhould  defire  them,  but  becaufe  he  freely  loves  them,  afid  dearly  loves  them.,  as , 
being  given  him  of  the  Father,    and  as  having  coft  him  dear ;  and  hence  if  he 
loves  them,  he  long-^for  them  :  Now  if  he  lorgs  for  them,  ought  not  they  much 
more  to  long  for  him?  PfaL27.8.   Thou  [mdfifeek^  my  face  ^^thy  face  Lord  will  1 

I.  He  longs  for  thee  now  in  Glory,  when  one  would  think  his  thoughts  and 
heart  jQiould  be  fwallowcd  up  with  it ,  and  fliall  not  we  long  for  him  here  in  the 
I  valley  of  Myrtle  trees,  in  m.ifery,  on  the  dungbiii  ? 

I  2,  He  longs  for  thee  when  thou  haft  nothing  to  make  himi  defire  thee,  he  hath 
all  that  thy  heart  can  defire,  being  the  very  bofom-delight  of  God  himfelf,  Jcev^ 
22»pemk,  He  did  but  fay  he  would  come,  and  Jo/i^  deiires,  Oh  come.  But 
doth  he  long  for  thee  ?  Now  not  to  bng  for  him.  If  this  love  be  not  worth  long- 
ing for,  truly  *tis  worth  nothing. 

3.  Becaufe  this  is  our  laftand  ultimate  end  that  we  are  made  for,  chofen  for, 
bought  for,  called  for,  fealed  for,  that  at  laft  we  might  be  with  the  Lord,  and 
be  made  perfe^  in  one,  2  Cor.  5.5.  He  that  hath  made  m  for  this  Is  God^  &c 
For  the  whole  Trinity  enjoying  infinite  fweet  fellowfhip  with  himf^if,  hence  de- 
fire it  might  be  communicated  ,  in  Chrift  'tis  fo,  and  no  w  the  laft  end  is  arrained, 
Now  if  this  be  our  laft  end,  ought  we  not  to  defire  it  ?  Then  we  ought  not  to  de- 
nreto  be  bieffed,  nor  to  defire  the  Lord  maybe  glorified.  Nay  you  know  that; 
whatever  we  make  our  laft  end,  itwill  fwallowup  all  our  defires  after  any  other  i 
^ing.  This  is  the  Center  and  reft:  and  jcurnies  end  of  our  tired  weary  fpi- 
rits.  And  the  ttuthisj  wheawc  make  it  our  laft  end  ,  we  cannot  but  defjre. 


SFCT. 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


SECT.  III. 

BUT  ought  not  a  man  to  dcfire  to  live  herein  tkis  world  as  David  and  Heze- 
ki^h  did.  May  not  one  fin  in  this  defire  ? 
I .  'Tis  true,  freciom  In  the  fight  of  the  Lord  is  the  death  of  his  Saint  s^  not  only  in 
regard  that  they  areas  precious  to  him  when  they  come  to  die,  as  while  they  live, 
as  Gold  when  'tis  melting  i.^  as  precious  to  the  Goidfmith,  as  when  whole,  and 
it  may  be  more  coo,  becaufe'tis  then  made  better;  butalfo  becaufe  he  will  not 
lightly  caft  away  their  lives .  He  that  bottles  their  tears,  and  will  not  lee  them  be 
loft,  will  not  €a(ily  [qx.  ^o  their  lives,  and  if  God  will  not,  they  ought  not  upon 
every  flight  occalionto  defire  their  death  ,  and  lofle  of  their  lives  to  be  with  the 
Lord. 

Now  there  are  two  cafes  Gods  own  people  may  not  defire  to  remove  hence, 
where  though  there  be  fome  fire  Iconfeffe,  yet  there  is  more  fmoak  than  fire,more 
fin  than  Grace. 

1.  In  cafe  they  meet  with  much  unkindnelTe  from,  and  many  forrows  in  the 
world,  and  behold  the  fins  of  it.  Thus  it  was  with  £//^,  i  Kings  19,^,  Who 
when  Jif^^^^-/ threatned  his  life,  fled,  and  would  needs  fetfail  prefently  and  be 
gone;  fo 'tis  with  Gods  people,  when  they  fee  enemies  without,  theuniverfal 
rot  of  Profeflion,  that  thc}^  think  they  are  almofl  left  alone ;  when  God  hath  be- 
gun to  do  good  by  them,  as  by  Elijah^  but  they  think  their  beft  daies  are  patt,  there 
is  all  tliey  fliall  do,  and  God  kirnfelf  it  may  be  meeting  them  with  fomie  crolTes 
uii  this  world;  now  prefenth  they  grow  we^ry  of  their  lives,  and  defire  to  die, 
which  is  nothing  e'fe  but  a  pang  of  difcontent,  truly  God  will  not  fuffer  it,  nor 
you  ought  not  to  de;i»e  i  t,  to  die  away  in  fuch  a  fnuffe :   No,  the  Lord  hath  work 

j  for  them  to  do,  andajourney  to  go.  This  defire  is  naught,  and 'tis  but  a  weed, 
!  and  to  be  pulled  up,  cha^  wrowe?  out  of  fuch  a  root  as  a  difcontented  heart  for 
Icroffes.    Iconfef^eCod  ufe'r  forrows  as  means  tofmoakus  out  of  our  Hive,  and 

we  may  ufe  them  for  that  end,  but  not  only  or  chiefly  them,  nor  fro  n  a  pang  or 

moody  fit  of  difcontent. 

2.  In  cafe  they  defire  death,  and  not  life,  before  they  be  ripe  for  death.  Hus- 
bandmen defire  their  Corn  in,  but  'tis  folly  to  defire  it  before  it  be  ripe,  and 
then  they  may.  I  confefTe  'tis  the  commendation  of  fome  trees,  if  not  only  good, 
but  if  ripe  betimes,  and  'tis  the  honour  of  a  Chriliian,  to  be  ripe  for  death  betianes; 
yet  ftill  before  he  is  ripe  he  is  not  to  defire  it. 

JVow  when  is  this  f 

1.  While  the  Lord  hides  his  face  and  denies  full  affurance  of  his  love,  in  this 
cafe  as  a  Chriflian  cannot,  fo  he  ought  not  ( if  it  were  the  Lords  will  J 'defire  to  be 
gone  as  yet,  and  this  i^  one  reafon  vvhy  David  and  Hifx^^-jz^  defired  life,  not 
death  as  yet,  God  had  broken  their  bone?,  and  his  arrovves  were  yer  in  their 
hearts;  now  a  man  is  to  delirehe  may  ftay  a  little  while  longer,  tnat  he  may 
fng  the  Song  of  the  Lamb->  and  tell  the  world  j^^^^f /-//^  Lord  hath  done  for  him  ^  and 
chat  he  may  not  fet  in  a  cloud  and  die  in  horrour.  Mariners  long  to  be  on  fhore, 
but  before  they  come  there ,  they  would  not  venture  in  a  mift ,  but  fee 
Land^nl,  fo  fhould  we  defire  to  fee  the  Lord  in  the  Land  of  the  living.  Nay 
thou2;h  the  Lord  gives  his  j^eople  a  promife,which  ftaies  their  hearts  and  is  a  twig  to 
i^^^.-.  fhe^n  from  linking,  nay  when  he  gives  them  fome  joy,  yet  fliill  God  hath 


lOI 


Ob]e!i. 
Anfw» 


Quefi, 
Anfrv^ 


kee; 


pro^nifed  to  reveal  more  of  himfelf  and  his  Chrift  in  the  promife,  feeing  him  but 
darkly  now :  Now  they  Ought  not  to  delire  but  wait,  as  in  Simeons  cafe,  fm»  let 
thy  Sorrviint:  depart  In  peace,  h^vin^lonorfialtedforthe  co^ifoiation  of  Ifrael.  Chil- 
dren that  wii!  be  up  before 'tis  day  muft  be  whipt,  a  rod  is  moft  fit  for  them,  ftay 
till'tisdgy.  •    - 

2.  While  their  work  remains  unfinifhed,  and  the  Lord  hath  got  little  or  no 


O  3 


Glory 


lOL 


"TheT  arable  of  the 


U[e, 


Glory  fro'.n  them,^,  though  they  may  have  clear  evidence  of  the  Lords  love: 
Chnii  himrclfdehred  k  not  riU  now,  J^hii  i7-5-  If  fthou  couldeil  fcale  Heaven 
before  thy  work  was  done,  the  Lord  would  fend  thee  down  from  thence  again,  as 
he  did  the  foul  of  Laz.arm^  and  truly  to  do  the  work  of  Chriii  one  moment  here, 
is  becrer  than  to  have  a  thoufand  years  felicity  in  Heaven,,  nakedly  con(idercd  in 
icfelf,  inasmuch  as  the  Honour  ofChrift  is  a  thoufand  times  better  than  our 
own  good.  It  may  be  there  is  much  work  wichin  doors,  many  odd  diftempers 
to  be  cailiierd,  fpirituall  decaies,  ^r.  It  may  be  there  is  work  without,  Chrift 
liath  many  enemies  in  the  world,  many  prayers  are  yet  to  be  fpent  againft  them, 
much  good  to  do  for  his  Church,  many  tears  to  be  llicd  for  them,  for  praying 
trade  15  paft  in  Heaven.  It  may  be  fome  friends  yet  to  be  converted,  thou  halt 
hc&n  afcandai  to  them,  it  may  be  as  yet  few  have  been,  or  can  fay  cheybcthe 
warmer  or  better  For  thee ;  that  vvork  is  yet  to  be  done:  It  may  be  God  hath 
fome  fecrets  to  reveal  by  thee  before  thou  dieft,  ftay  therefore  a  while,  while  your 
work  is  done;  'Tistrue,  thou  haii  but  one  Talent,  but  little  rhou  haft  orcanft 
do ;  yet  God  looks  you  iliouid  improve  it  whilit  he  is  gone.  A  man  that  will 
needs  10  bed  at  noon-day,  before  night  comes,  what  deferveshe  but  a  cudgel? 
So  he  that  will  die  before  his  night  comes,  and  while  'tis  light  to  fee  and  work  by. 
When  therefore  you  apprehend  your  work  even  done,  then  as  not  only  Chrift, 
but  Pa»ly  not  only  Faul ,  but  Gods  watchful  fervants  have  fecrec  warnings  of 
death.  And  as  Mariners  when  they  can  fee  no  Land,  yet  by  their  foundings  can  teli 
they  are  near  Land  or  Sands,then  you  may  defire  it,  for  then  you  are  ripe,but  its  fin 
to  do  it  otherwife.  And  verily  happy  is  that  man  that  accounts  not  his  life  dear, 
but  only  the  finisliing  of  his  courfe  with  joy.  To  conclude  all,  we  are  to  defire 
om  fellowHiip  with  Chrift,  as  a  man  deftres  his  laft  end,  which  defire  doth  nor 
exclude  but  include  defire  after  all  the  means  and  the  means  (irft,  hdon  ihe  end. 
Now  many  things  are  to  be  done  by  God  upon  us,  and  by  us  for  the  Lord  again, 
before  we  appear  before  Chrift,  which  wc  may  defire  firftly  for  this  our  laft 
end. 


S  E  C  T.    IV. 

HEncewefee  thevilencfie  of  the  great,  yet  hidden  fecrst  un  of  the  whole 
world,  which  may  be  in  part  alfo  in  Gods  deareft  Saints,  ■vU.  in  thciir  hun- 
gry luftings  and  dropfie  dehres  after  the  fwect  of  the  things  of  this  world.  You 
fhall  have  many  a  man  that  amends  his  life,  reformes  his  courfe,  forfakes  his  own 
righceoufnefle,  no  mans  tongue  can  tell  him,  his  own  Confcience  cannot  bear 
vvicnefle  againft  him  that  he  lives  in  any  unlawful  courfe ;  and  I  believe  it  is  fo,  and 
may  be  and  will  be  fo.  Shall  I  tell  you  therefore  what  hurts  them  ?  They  are 
inordinate  luftings  after  lawful  things  in  themfelves,  and  thefe  they  ferve,  TVf.3. 
5.  Partly  tkey  grieve  them  if  they  do  not  fatisfic  and  ferve  them,  partly  becaufe 
hey  pay  them  wich  pleafures  and  delights  if  they  do.  Hence  [erv'mg  lufis  and 
fleAfures  too.,  thefe  like  tops  of  mountains  arefeen,  now  when  floods  of  wicked- 
ne&  begin  to  abate ,  thefe  will  continue  while  the  life  lafts. 

I  intend  not  toftiewyou  at  large,  but  according  to  my  Text  the  vilenefle  of 
them. 

I.  They  eat  out  all  defire  after  the  Lord  Jefus  and  Ms  fcllowftiip,  that  he  can- 
not long  for  the  Lord  Jefus.  For  a  man  can  lay  out  no  more  than  he  hath,  now 
when  his  deftres  arelavilTit  and  let  out  to  other  things ,  How  can  he  lay  out  any 
onGhrift?  And  thus  the  Lord  of  Glory  comes  to  bear  moft  horrible  contempt, 
that  he  is  not  worth  deftring  in  fuch  &  mans  Books.  Thus  it  was  with  them,  Luke 
i4.i8.  Every  one  refufed.  Why?  Becaufe  of  their  Oxen,  and  Wives,  and 
Farms,    Lawful  things,  but  they  lufiedtoo  much  after  chefe.    When  a  Harlot 


!igit.A'''t*'*  '>»i.>iBrBll.iii  [■■■wMi-ii!ji?-^.g-y 


3 


ten  Vtrpn^  Opened  and  Applied.  i  o 

feekstofadsfieherluRs,  l>.e  cares  not  ho\7  far  her  Husbmd  be  off,  never  defires 
his  coming  home ;  fo  here :  Many  a  one  complains  he  cannoc  dehre  the  Lord  Je- 
fus,  vviiich  I  confede  is  inmercy  tofome.  Bur  where  is  the  caufc  of  if  ?  Oh 
they  are  running  in  another  channel,  and  fp ent  on  other  things  .•  What  a  heavy 
curfe  is  this  ?  Some  never  think  of  death  once  in  a  Moon,  much  lefle  long  for 
Chrift ;  defire  not  his  fellowQiip  here,  much  Icfife  there.  And  why  ?  '  Becaufe 
of  their  lufts  that  eat  out  ail. 

2.  Suppofetheydo  notthus,  but  your  heart  is  divided,  fo  that  you  long  for 
thefc  things  now,  and  preferve  your  longing  for  him  againft  you  com.e  to  die  •  yec 
thefe  will  make  you  lofe  his  fvveec  fellowihip.  For  a  mans  affe6lions  are  precious 
things,  and  'tis  pity  any  ellc  ihould  have  them,  they  are  all  little  enough  for 
Chrirt,  and  Chrill  is  worth  defiring  and  longing  for,  and  he  ftands  upon  it,  and 
will  make  them  know  that  have  him,  that  all  is  loo  little  for  him,  and  they  fhall 
give  him  all  before  he  give  himfelf  to  their  comfort.  Hence  deny  him  thefe,  and 
never  think  to  have  himfetf,  and  his  fellowOiip,  Pfal. 7  3.25,26.  Its  good  forme 
to  draw  n'lgh^  How  ?  By  deGring,  not  Earth  nor  Heaven,  but  him.  Hence  he 
faith,  Thoti  deflrojeft  ali  them  that  go  a  whoring  fiom  thee,  V.  27 . 

3 .  Suppofe  thou  Ihouldrt  have  him  at  laft,yec  he  will  never  defire  theejnever  take 
any  delight  in  thee,  until  that  you  com.e  to  get  your  affedHons  unloofed  here, 
PfaL^$  .10,11.  Doll  not  find  a  ftrangencffe  between  Chrift  and  thy  foul  ?  Doth 
-he  not  hide  his  face  ?  Doth  he  not  foon  depart  from  thee,  though  he  appears 
fomtimes  to  thee  ?  Doth  he  not  let  thee  lie  like  a  Broom  behind  the  dooc  ?  And 
doth  little  by  thee  either  within  or  without.  And  is  not  this  a  fad  and  heavy 
thing  ?  Why  faift  thou,  doth  the  Lord  deal  thus  with  me  ?  Oh  thy  heart  is  yet 
after  thy  Fathers  houfe,  if  thou  didft  forget  it,  then  he  would  take  pleAfare  in 
thy  beamy.  What plcafure  can  earth  give  thee,  when  the  Lord  takes  no  pleafure 
inth^e? 

But  may  not  a  man  defire  thefe  things  ?    If  we  may ,  how  far  ?  I  Ohje^, 

I.  Amanmay  lawfully  defire  thiCm,  provided  his  defires  are  not  fvv.r  lowed  up  |  ^»/»', 
in  them,  but  run  through  them  to  Chrift  himfelf.  For  'tis  not  lulV  |  roperly  to 
deiire  a  creature,  or  any  pleafure  in  it ;  but  to  defirt  it  for  it  fe  If,  ?nd  forplea- 
fures  fake.  For  now  a  man  makes  a  god  of  it.  Thus  it  was  with  the  IfraeUtes^ 
Exod .  1 7.  Give  m  water  that  we  may  drink  5  fo  give  me  fleep  that  I  may  reft,  give 
mecloaths.  that  I  may  be  warm.,  give  me  eltate  that  I  may  be  rich,  &c.  Now 
when  a  heart  defires  them,  but  his  defires  end  not  there,  but  run  through  them 
to  Chrift,  that  he  fling?  dovvn  all  comforts,  and  faith  what  is  this  to  fellowfliip 
with  Chrift :  Thus  far  a  man  may  defire  and  rejoyce  in  them,  and  'tis  a  fin  to 
do  othervvife.  Nehem.9.  i^.  A  man  may  be  content  to  have  a  Spring  run 
through  his  ground  to  the  Set,  to  be  fwal lowed  up  there,  but  to  fwell,  and  rife, 
and  overflow  his  ground  and  houfe,  that's  riot  fafe,  he  maybe  drowned  fo:  So 
men  come  to  be  drowned  in  their  lufts,  that  let  them  fvVell  within  doors. 

IL  A  man  may  defire  then,  if  he  doth  not  fpend  more  defire  upon  the  u  than 
they  be  worth.  A  man  may  defire  them  for  a  good  end  as  he  think?,  but  then  he 
laies  out  too  much  upon  them.  A  maii  mayfperidtoo  much  in  his  Inne,  when 
he  takes  it  up  only  as  a  way  to  his  home. 

1.  They  arc  perifhing  things,  therefore  let  them  have  pcrifhing  defire?.  The 
world  pafeth  array.  They  are  paflfengcrs  by  us,  that  ftay  to  reft  with  us  for  a  time^ 
let  them  have  paffehgcrs  welcome. 

i.  They  are  not  neceflfary  things,  let  them  have  therefore  indifferent  defires : 
I  muft  have  Chrift,  and  his  Spirit,  &c,  not  thefe  things:  They  are  to  be 
fought  not  in  the  firft,  but  in  the  fecond  place.  Therefore  fay  firft  Chrift,  new 
let  me  have  Chrift:  Men  fay  now  thefe  things,  then  Chrift.  I  fay  now  the 
Lord  Jefus,  whether  ever  you  have  them  or  no.  [ 

liL  Now  all  fuptrfluity  of  evil  defires  are  to  be  crucified.  Gal.  5 .24.  They  that  [ 

are ! 


104 


T'he^P  arable  of  the 


\Ufe2. 


are  in  Chrifi  ^  have  crucified  ^Uc     Chrilt  was  not  a  dead,  but  firft  acmciM 
Chrift  before :  So  no  Saint  living,  but  he  hath  fome  fuperfluous  defire^,  but  though 
they  live,  they  do  crucifie  them,  fo  ought  you.     There  is  two  things  in  crucify- 
ing. 
.  I.  There  is  extream  pain  upon  the  Crofs. 
2.  A  looking  for  death  :  So  then  lufis  are  crucified, 

1.  When  youtaft  the  bitternefle  of  your  lufts,  by  putting  them  on  Chrifls 
Crofle.  Ohthe  wrong-;  they  have  done  the  Son  of  Cod/  And  do  this  with  vio- 
lence, fay,  youfhall  to  theCrolfe,  he  that  looks  to  Chrift.  with  afrolick  heart  to 
kill  his  lulls,  lliall  never  find  him. 

2.  Now  looking  and  longing  for  their  death,  by  holding  them  there.  Unlefs 
the  Blood  of  ChriLt  flay  thefe,  I  will  never  have  any  death  for  them.  For  all  the 
reafonin  the  world  will  never  killaluft,  no  more  than  all  the  reafon  will  per- 
fwade  the  Stomach  not  to  hunger.     The  Belly  hath  no  ears. 

Thus  you  are  to  moderate  your  defires  after  thefe  things :    "Which  I  fpeak 

of, 

f/r/?,  Becaufe'tis  .a  wildernefs-fin,  PfaLi  06.14,1$^  Which  it  may  be  you 
feel  brings  leanneiTe  on  your  foul.     And 

Secondly  J  Becaufe  "tis  the  lin  of  profperity  and  peace  which  God  hath  given  us, 
which  will  grow  up  and  choak  the  Word,  that  all  Ordinances  and  Truths  will  in 
time  be  fapleffe,  favourlelTe  things  unto  us. 

Thirdly,  Becaufe  I  have  had  ilrong  fears  lately  of  fom.e  unexpected  trials  among 
us,  and  I  lliould  be  glad  if  it  might  not  be,  if  the  freedom  from  them  might  make 
us  better,  elfe  1  fay  let  them  come.    But 

Fmrthly,  Becaufe'tis  a  rare  thing  among  us  to  fee  fuch  burning  Lamps  as  look 
and  long  for  Ghrifts  coming,  which  when  I  confider,  though  there  be  other  caufes, 
yet  one  great  one  is  this,  Ohthe  heart  is  gone  away  by  violent  lufts  after  thefe 
things  here .'  Oh  therefore  take  heed  of  them  /  And  therefore  confider, 

I.  You  fhall  have  Chrift  and  his  fellowfhip,if  indeed  you  long  for  him,  Jahv^, 
10.  That's  his  love,  you  are  not  fo  delirous,  but  he  is  a  thcufand  times  more 
Thou  maift  defire  thefe  things,  and  if  God  loves  thee  miffc  of  them.  God  will 
make  thee  poor  when  thou  wouldft  be  rich,  bafe  when  thou  wilt  be  honoured,and 
when  you  would  have  honey,  he  will  give  you  ftings;  and  caufe  you  have  to  thank 
the  Lord  too,  that  he  will  not  give  you  your  portion  here. 
.2.  If  thou  haft  them,  and  doft  defire  them,  and  God  gives  them',  and  thou 
letteft  Chrift  go,  thou  hadft  better  a  thoufand  times  be  without  them,  PfaI,78.3o, 
51.  The  meat  was  in  their  mouths^  arid  the  wrath  of  God  came  Hpn  them.  If  the 
Lord  gives  thee  Chrift,  happy  for  ever ;  if  thefe  things  when  thou  doft  fo  dciire 
them,  oh  wo  for  ever  / 

;.  The  Fellowship  of  the  Lord  Jcfus  thou  fbalt  never  lofe.  Death  fhall  not 
part  thee  from  that,  nothing  fliall  rob  thee  of  that ;  but  look  after  and  long  for 
thefe  things,  they  will  perilh  and  die  away.  All  fiejh  ugrajfe,  the  fVordrfthe 
Lordj  and  the  Lord  himfelf  much  more  endureth  for  ever. 

4.  Why  doft  defire  thefe  things?  For  fomefweet  in  them.  Why  is  not  all 
thatintheprcfenceof  theLord  Jcfus,  and  enjoying  him?  It  pUafeth  the  Father 
that  In  himfhoHldalifulnefed-^vell,  fo  that  thou  (halt  drink  as  out  of  a  pure  Foun- 
tain all  that  is  there.  If  there  be  any  fweetnefle  here ,  he  gave  it,  'tis  much 
more  eminently  in  himfelf,  Exod.  24.  11.  They  faw  the  God  of  Jfrael ,  a»d 
eat  and  dranl^  Had  they  meat  up  with  them  ?  Oh  no.  Bu  t  the  fight  of  him.  was 
meat  and  drink  and  all  unto  them.  As  therefore  you  defire  Chrifts  fcUowlhip, 
Oh  long  no  more  after  thefe  things  here  / 

Hence  fee  death  is  not  to  be  feared,  but  defired  of  all  Saints.     Ic  was  an  odd 
fpeech  of  a  Heathen,  'Ti^  ill  to  deftre  deaths  and  vporfe  to  fear  It ;  he  meant  not  be- 
caufe of  any  good  in  it,  but  becaufe  we  muft  die:  But  death  brings  us  into  ver- 
nal 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


nal  Fellow ihip  vvirh  the  Lord  Jems.  Ie  doth  Saints  more  good  than  all  Ordi- 
nance?, all  affid^iom,  (wherein  we  complain  we  can  gee  no  good  j  than  ail 
means.  It  brings  us  inco  his  Fellowlliip,  i.  Quickly,  as  ChrilV was  caught  up, 
fo  the  Soul  byChriPc  to  himfeif.  2.  Immediatly,  for  the  next  thing  we.fhall 
fee  is  Chrili  himfeif,  our  Husband  himfeif,  and  then  fee  the  Kingdom,  and  then 
wonder  at  the  Lord.  3.  Everlaftingly,  never  to  part  more.  Oh  fear  it  i9)t 
therefore,  Chriit  hath  fweetned  it  to  you. 


10 


SECT.    V, 

HEnce  fee  a  clear  foundation  and  ground-work  of  longing  for  fellowfhip  with 
the  Lord  Jefus  in  his  Ordinances  here.  This  is  that  I  lliall  exhort  to.^  For 
I.  You  cannot,  fhall  not,  mull  not  now  go  to  him  in  Fieaven,  nor  enjoy  fellow- 
fhip with  him,  nor  meet  him  in  the  clouds  though  you  do  long  for  that  day;  but 
in  his  Ordinances  you  may  meet  with  him  now.  And  truly  thofe  whom  we  love 
and  long  for,  df  we  cannot  go  to  their  houfc,  or  find  them  at  home,  we  are  glad 
to  meet  with  them  abroad.  As  with  thofe  who  ttand  before  Princes,  if  we  can- 
not be  with  them  on  the  Throne,  or  at  Court,  we  will  defire  to  be  with  them  in 
the  Countrey,  Nay  ontheDunghil.  Oh  the  Spirit  of  David!  Pfal.27.4.  One 


thl  g  have 


?^,  and  that  I  wiUfeekJor,  though  I  never  have  it.  What  is  that 


David  ?  Is  it  to  wear  the  Crown  in  ferufalem  ?  Is  it  to  have  all  thine  enemies 
lick  the  duft  of  thy  feet  ?  Is  it  to  have  thy  Name  fpread,  and  thine  Hoinour  great 
through  all  the  Kingdomes  of  the  world  f  No,  but  that  I  may  dwell  In  the  Courts 
of  the  Lords  Honfe  ail  the  dates  of  my  life.,  and  that  feeing  I  cannot,  fhall  not  die 
prefently,  and  fo  go  to  fee  his  Glory  in  Heaven,  therefore  that  I  may  fee  his 
Beauty  here,  enjoy  him  here,  and  that  not  for  fome  years,  but  all  the  daies  of 
my  life. 

2.  Ought  you  not  to  long  to  taftand  paffe  through  the  forrovvso^reath,  that 
you  may  be  with  him  ?  And  are  Chrifts  Ordinances  more  bitter  than  death, 
that  you  are  loath  to  break  through  the  difficulty  of  them,  that  in  them  you  may 
enjoy  him  ?  The  truth  is  fo  'tis  with  many  a  man,  that  fuch  is  the  ftrength  of  his 
hidden  contempt  of  Chrift,  and  his  love  to  his  lloath,  that  he  had  rather  die  than 
pray,  and  be  damned  eternally  than  to  follow  the  Lord  in  an  Ordinance  till  he 
hath  found  him  gracioufly*  How  come  Gods  own  people  to  lament  this,  if  there 
were  not  this  > 

S .  I  remember  a  fvVeet  fpeech  of  one  vvith  God,  That  a  Chrifllan  oughi  to  prepare 
for  a  Sacrdmem  ds  he  would  prepare  todte^fof,  faith-hc,  there  is  but  this  difference^  when 
we  die  we  then  go  to  Chrijl^^  In  a  Sacrament  Chrlfl  comes  to  w.  What  he  faid  of  a  Sa- 
crament, I  fay  of  every  Ordinance,  in  every  Ordinance  Chrift  comes  to  us,  when 
vvedietvegotohim.  Now  ought  you  to  long  when  you  are  abfent  from  him  to 
be  with  him,  and  will  you  not  care  for  him,  nor  long  to  fee  him  and  enjoy  him 
when  he  comes  to  you  ?  And  fo  be  worfethan  poor  naked  Indians^  Chrift  comes 
not  to  them.,no  dews  fall  down  on  their  Gllboahs^noMmna.  at  theirTcnt  doors,and 
hence  they  live  without  him,  and  dcfirehim  not ;  and  when  h^  comes  to  you,  do 
you  fee  no  beauty  in  him  now  why  you  fhoiilddefirehim?  Will  you  thus  requite 
him  for  his  love,  ahfootlfh  children  and  unwife  ? 

4^  Truly  Beloved,  you  can  have  but  little  evidence  you  do  defire  the  Lord  Je- 
fus company  in  Heaven  at  the  laft  day,  that  long  not  vehemently  after  him  in  his 
Ordinances  now.  Tou  have  followed  me  in  the  regeneration,  faith  Chrift,  Mat.T-9, 
28.^  thtxfioxQ you  jhatl  ft  with  me  upon  Thrones,  IfChrifts  prefence  h^re,  a  little 
of  himfeif  be  burdenfom.  What  will  it  be  in  Heaven  then  ?  Depart  fiommeyhkh 
Chrift,  1  was  inprlfon  and  you  vifited  me  not »  Shall  you  depart  for  notvifiting  an 
imprifoned,  perfecuted,  fick,  forrowful  Chrift  in  midft  of  miferies,  and  fhall 

P  not* 


% 


Ufi3' 


10(5 


"The^^  arable  of  the 


not  you  deparr  for  i  ocviluing  acomtortirgChrift,  a  teaching  Chrift,  anmtreac- 
ing,  embracing  Chrili;  in  the  midft  of  his  Ordinances.  If  the  Lord  tries  you  with 
waccr,  with  a  little  of  himfelf  here,  and  you  care  not  for  him,  long  not  afcer  him, 
and  hence  let  all  leak  out  again,  How  {hall  the  Lord  truft  you  with  wine  ?  with 
full  fruition  of  himfelf  in  Heaven  ? 

%.  Oh  Beloved  have  ycuever  found  him  in  his  Ordinances?  If  not.  Oh  the 
heavy  wrath  of  the  Lord  Jefus  upon  thee  :  If  you  have,  if  ever  he  hath  comforted 
thee  when  fad  and  forrovvful,  if  ever  quickned  thee  when  death  and  darkneile  did 
lie  upon  thee,  if  ever  he  did  deliver  thee  when  difirefldd,  Oh  then  take  heed  of 
defpiiing  him  .  in-  his  Ordinances  now,  but  long  for  him  again.  That  I  may  fee 
thee  as  Ihavefeen  thee^  P[al.6'^.^.  Let  them  that  never  found  him. ,  deal  io  with 
him.  Peter  when  he  faw  Chrifts  Glory  on  the  Mount,  Lord  faith  he,  'tii  good  for 
ns  to  be  here.  Hath  the  Lord  ever  transfigured  himfelf  before  thee,  fo  as  he  hath 
appeared  in  another  manner  to  thee  in  his  Ordinances  than  ever  thou  faweft  be- 
fore ?  Then  fay,  feeing  Lord  I  cannot  come  to  Heaven  to  thee,  'tis  good  being 
in  the  Mount,  in  thy  Ordinances  with  thee,  its  good  being  here,  1^^^2.2,3,4, 
I  know  Brethren  you  have  many  employments  in  the  world,  and  are  called  away 
to  them,  and  cannot  ever  be  with  the  Lord,  )  et  let  your  longings  be  there,  nay 
though  caft  out  of  Gods  fight,  yet  look  to  the  Temple;  this  will  give  you 
peace. 

6.  This  if  I  may  have  leave  to  fpfeak  plainly,  is  the  great  fin,  one  of  them,  of 
New-England.  Men  come  over  hither  for  Ordinances,  and  when  they  have  them 
negledl  them  i  or  if  it  be  too  horrible  to  live  in  agrofrene§le6lofthem,  yet 
who  maintains  his  Fellowiliip  with  Chrift  ?  or  longing  after  the  Fellowfhip  of 
Chrift  in  them  ?  And  therefore  I  fhall  ftay  a  while  on  this  point.  Men  that 
are  fick  of  confumptions  have  fomtim.es  a  mighty  ftomach  after  meat,  and  when 
'tis  brought  them,  they  are  weary  of  the  very  fmell  of  it,  and  then  fay,  truly  I 
had  thought  I  could  have  eaten  fo  much  ;  fo  men  loath  Ordinances,  nay  the 
Cooks  that  dreffe,  and  the  Difh  that  brings,  and  the  Miniftry  of  Chriit  Jefus 
that  provides  the  meat,  becaufe  confuming  and  pining  away  in  their  iniquities. 
I  know  many  ufe  Ordinances,  but  are  they  not  indifferent  vvhether  they  find  him 
therein  or  no  ?    Now, 

1.  When  men  had  enough  by  them  to  live  comfortably  upon,  then  God  and 
his  Ordinances  were  defired  by  them,  but  here  mens  removing  begetting  want, 
wantof  the  creature  joyned  with  fear  and  diftruft  of  Gods  Providence  to  provide 
for  them  and  theirs,  either  fink  their  hearts,  that  Ordinances  are  not  fweet,  no 
more  than  Mo[es  meffage  to  a  people  in  anguidi,  or  meat  to  a  wounded  man ;  or 
elfe  makes  them  hungry  after  the  creature,  and  hence  lavifhing  out  their  defires, 
that  they  have  none  after  the  Lord  himfelf. 

2.  When  men  are  pcrfecuted  by  enemies,  driven  into  corners,  or  to  Townes 
fix  miles  off  to  find  a  Sacrament,  or  hear  a  Sermon,  then  the  Gofpel  of  peace, 
and  them  that  brought  the  glad  tidings  of  peace,  their  feet  were  beautiful,  and 
then  men  thought  if  one  Sabbath  herefo  fweet  where  Ordinances  are  much  cor- 
rupted, if  fome  of  them  be  fo  comfortable  in  the  midft  of  enemies.  Oh  how  fweet 
to  enjoy  them  all  among  Saints,  am.ong  Friends?  And  fo  I  know  they  be 
to  fome,  and  I  hope  to  more  than  I  know ;  but  New-BngUnds  peace  and  plenty  of 
means  breeds  flrange  fecurity ;  and  hence  prayer  is  negle(Sted  here:  There  are 
no  enemies  to  hunt  you  to  Heaven,  nor  no  chains  to  make  you  cry  ;  hence  the 
Gofpel  and  Chrift  in  it  is  fleighted.  Why?  Here  are  no  foure  herbs  to  make 
the  Lamb  fweet.  And  if  I  get  no  good  this  Sabbath,  this  Sermon,  this  Sacra- 
^mentjthis  Prayer,!  hope  I  (hall  fome  other  time,  when  my  heart  is  better,and  my 
bufineffe  is  over :  Not  confidering  that  the  daies  of  trouble  may  be  near,  or  Gods 
final  farewel  may  be  quickly  taken. 

3.  It  was  a  fad  fpeech  of  a  Brother  lately  ,  which  hath  oft  affe61ed  m.e,  that  a 

man 


I-™ 


tenVirs^ins  opened  and  Applied* 

man.  may  pray  om^  hear  om  aUtke  Grace  of  hii  heart:  Meaning  this,  whefiGod 
begins  to  work  upon  a  mans  hc^rc  atfirft,  then  prayer  and  Word  is  iwecc,  ftay  a 
while  they  heir  out  their  hearing,  and  pray  out  their  praying,  fo  as  in  prayino, 
they  pray  not ;  and  in  hearing,  they  hccirnot  !  Would  to  God  there  were  n6c 
a  generation  of  thofe  men  among  us,  that  having  been  fo  oft  Sermon-trod  jind 
Prayer-be -uen,  that  now  their  hearts  arc  hardned,  and  being  ufed  to  Ordinances, 
and  being  fo  long  ridden  under  them,I  willi  they  were  not  tired,  and  jaded  under 
them  before  they  come  half  way  home,that  they  had  rather  lie  &  die  in  the  hi^h 
way,  than  gee  up  and  with  mighty  groans  and  invincible  wraltiings  of  heart  feek  af- 
ter, and  fo  find  the  Lord  in  them. 

4.  There  is  no  place  in  all  the  world,  where  there  is  fuch  expectation  to  find 
the  Lord,  as  here  ,  and  hence  m.en  blefle  the  Lord  for  our  rifmg  Sun,  when  'tis  fet- 
ting  every  where,  elfe:  Here  therefore  they  come  and  find  it  nor,  hence  Hot 
confidering  the  grc,it  and  laft  temptation  of  this  place,  whereby  God  tries  his 
friends  before  he  will  trurt  them  with  more  of  himfelf,  vi^.  deep  and  frcqr.ent  dc- 
fertions  ,  they  give  in  ,  and  therefore  care  not  for ,  nor  defire  after  thofe 
plaifters  which  they  feel  be il  them  not,  nor  that  food  which  they  find  nouriin- 
eth  them  not.  "Tis  ftrangc  to  fee  what  a  Faith  fom.e  men  have  that  can  clofe 
with Chrilt  as  their  end,  and  comfort  themfelves  there;  'tis  not  means  ('fay 
they  )  but  Chrif^,  not  duties  but  Chrift,  and  by  this  Faith  can  comfort  and  quiet 
themielves  in  the  ncgleCi  and  contempt  of  Chrift  in  m.eans,  as  infallible  a  brand 
of  Gods  eternal  reprobation  of  fuch  a  foul  as  any  I  know.  So  that  this  is  Ner^-Em- 
lands  (\n.  Is  not  Prayer  neglected,  wanting  place  and  heart  ?  if  not  in  family, 
'  is  it  not  in  fecrct  ?  fo  that  you  have  none,  nor  poor  fervants  have  none.  If  any 
Prayer  in  fecret,  yet  doth  it  not  die  ?  Didfl  ever  find  thy  Spirit  fo  flraitned  ? 
Where  are  the  mighty  groans  ?  What  is  become  of  meditation  ?  Dofl  not  let 
Sabbaths,  Sermions  pafl^  over,  which  fhall  bepreacht  over  again  at  t^claft  day, 
and  find  no  Chrifl,  no  Spirit  in  them  ;  and  thus  lie  famifhing,  and  yet  not  cry 
for  bread?  If  it  be  not  fo,  I  am  glad,  God,  Angels,  Saints,  and  A\  the  world 
lliall  call  you  bleffed  ••  If  it  be  fo,  I  dare  be  bold  to  prophefie  ruine  to  this  place 
and  people,  and  that  you  or  yourpoflericy  flial I  either  in  woods,  or  in  the  Land, 
or  hands  of  your  enemies  in  this  place  lam.ent  with  tears  the  contempt  of  means ; 
and  you  even  Difciplet  o^  Chn(\  fhall  dejtre  to  fee  ore  of  the  dales  of  the  Son  of  wan  , 
and  '^  all  not  fee  them.  Jer.8.1 3,14.  het  us  go  intoflrong  holds,  &c.  I  know  there 
are  many  that  do  meet  the  Lord  ,  but  arc  you  not  apt  to  fall  aflcep  again  ?  Oh 
therefa'-ekt  me  entreat  you,  if  the  Lord  hath  efpoufed  you  to  himfelf,  if  you  have 
any  longings  after  him  in  Heiv&n,  feeing  thofe  dcfires  cannot  be  fulfilled  prefent- 
ly.  Oh  lon^  to  m.ccc  him  here,  and  fo  long  to  m.cec  him,  as  that  you  may  indeed 
meet  with  him  and  with  m.orc  and  more  of  him. 


107 


jQ^eft. 


S  E  C  T.  VI. 

WHat  is  it  t&  meet  Chrift  ^  and  to  have  Fellowfhif  yfilthhim  in  an  Ordi- 
nance ? 

I  havebeenoft  asked  this,  and  for  the  fake  of  them  that  be  weak,  IfhallgiveL^»/a><. 
youataftofit. 

I.,  Therefore  look  as 'tis  with  a  man  that  receives  any  common  mercy  from 
God,  from  Chrift,  if  he  fee?  not  the  Lord  Jefus  really  giving  it,  heenjoyesit, 
but  not  Chrifl  in  it,  though  he  get  fome  good  out  of  the  thing:  So  let  a 
manreceive  more  knowledge  of  Truths,  and  more  Truth  be  difcovercd,  more 
I  Promifes  revealed,  more  afFc61:ions  and  lifedropt  into  the  heart,  which  may  do  a 
man  fome  good,  yet  if  he  fees  them  as  feparatcd  from  Chrift,  if  he  fees  not  the 
Truth  as  it  is  in  Jefus,  if  he  fees  not  Promifes  fpokcn  from  Heaven  by  Jefus,  if 

Pa  he) 


ic8 


Qmfl. 


The  ^^ arable  of  the 


he  looks  not  on  all  Commands  as  part  of  the  fecret  ofjefus,  if  he  receive  affecti- 
ons, and  by  them  behold  not  the  Lord  Jcfus,  he  doth  not  at  that  time  enjoy  the 
Lord  Jefus.  For  he  now  indeed  enjoyes  his  gifts,  but  by  thefe  he  doth  not  en- 
joy him  :  And  therefore, then  a  man  may  be  faid  to  have  fellowiliip  with  Chritt 
in  an  Ordinance,  when  by  all  the  light  and  life  and  comfort  there,  he  com.es  to 
fee  him.,  and  fees  them  all  in  him,  and  feeing  a  tranfcendenc  Glory  in  him,  fee^ 
and  beholds  a  hidden  Glory  in  them.  This  Command  is  afecretofjefus,  this 
Promife  the  fweet  voice  of  Jefus,  thefe  Confolations  the  comforts  of  Jefus,  thefe 
Meflengers  the  Miniiters  of  Jefus,  thefe  Ordinances  the  Kingdom  of  Jefus.  And 
therefore  look  throughout  all  the  Scriptures,  you  fhall  fee  our  Fellovvlliip  with 
Chriit  both  in  Heaven  and  here,  'tis  expreft  by /m»^  c/Z/j^  Lord,  John  I'j .2^. 
PfaL6^,2.  &  27.4.  I  have  oft  faid  to  my  friends,  the  great  fin  of  Chriftians  is 
to  fee  Scriptures ,  Ordinances,  Truths,  Commands ,  Blowes,  Kindnefles,  as 
not  flov^ing  from  and  abiding  in  the  Lord  Jefus,  to  fee  them  feparate  from 
Chrift,  andnotChrift  and  them  together.  And  hence  Promifcs  comfort  not , 
becaufe  you  receive  them  not  as  fpoken  by  Jefus:  Commands  awe  not,  becaufe 
not  as  the  voice  of  Jefus :  Every  Truth  is  not  dear,  becaufe  you  fee  it  not  as  the 
Bridegrooms  voice .  Parents  that  have  had  rude  children,  have  turned  them  out 
of  doors,  they  themfelves  have  fent  them  money  and  cloaths  in  pity,  but  them" 
felves  have  not  been  feen,  that  they  might  fcek  for  a  Fathers  face  at  laft  t  So 
when  God  is  angry  with  fome  of  his  people,  he  doth  fend  to  them  in  his  Provi- 
dences and  Ordinances ,  beaufe  he  pities  them,  but  himfelf  is  not  feen»  Why? 
That  at  laft  they  might  come  home,  and  feek  to  fee  his  face  again,  and  fay.  What 
good  does  all  this  do  me,  if  I  fee  h o  God  ?  I  confefTe  he  that  receives  gifts  from 
another,  ought  to  be  thankful ;  but  a  heart  that  loves  and  longs  after  the  Lord,  1 
willfay,  here  is  BlelTing,  Means,  Truth,  Warmth,  but  Lord  when  wilt  thou 
come  thy  felf?    Oh  labour  for  this  / 

2.  When  a  man  feels  the  power  of  the  Lord  Jefus  in  his  Ordinances ;  this  is 
the  fecond  part  of  Davids  defire,  Pfal.63 . 2,3 .  That:  I  may  fee  not  only  thy  Glory, 
but  thy  foveer^  for  there  is  never  a  child  of  God  but  feels  a  ftrong  party  within  him 
againd  Chriil,  fo  that  he  cannot  feek  Chrifl:,  cleave  to  Chrift,  livctoCkift, 
now  you  will  find  in  fome  Ordinances  your  hearts  fhaken  and  troubled  for  fin,  and 
fome  defires  and  confolations  ftirred  up,  and  hopes  never  to  be  as  you  have  been  ; 
But  Beloved  all  dies  and  falls  down  again :  ^  Now  I  confeffe  there  is  fom.what  ©f 
Chrift  in  all  this ;  but  yet  content  not  your  felves  with  this,  becaufe  you  want 
a  power,  or  until  you  find  a  mighty  power  of  Chrift  by  little  and  little  fubduing 
fin,  for  when  Chrift  comes  into  the  heart  indeed^  he  comes  with  his  power, 
Pfal.24.7 ,8,  The  Lord  of  Hofis  mighty^  In  Battel.  His  fiefh  is  meat  indeed^  Col.  i , 
29.  Chrifts  power  works  in  a  man  mightily.  If  you  enjoy  never  fuch  comfort, 
but  find  not  a  power  pulling  down  thy  lufts,  there  is  no  Chrift.  If  a  man  be  fick, 
and  he  eats  his  meat,  and  great  care  be  had  to  tend  him,  but  the  difeafe  isftron^- 
er  than  the  ftrength  of  nature  and  food  j  ask  him ,  Do  you  eat  f  Yes,  but  it  doth 
me  no  good;  So  here  :  Such  comfort,  fuch  a  Chrift  doth  you  no  good,  unlefle 
you  feel  a  power.  Oh  long  to  meet  Chrift,  and  enjoy  Chrift  thus  / 
Hovp  foall  1  do  this  ? 

1 . '  Mourn  bitterly  for  the  Lords  abfence  as  for  one  of  the  grcateft  evils  that  can 
befall  thee.  For  Chrifts  prefence  will  never  be  fweet  to  him  that  can  live  without 
him,  and  can  you  look  for  him  then?  John  i^.?2.  Ton  have  now  forrorv-i  which 
he  (nid^  filled  their  hearts,  ht  I  will  fee  jmagaifty  v'lCit  you,  come  down  to  you  by 
my  Spirit  agMn,  and  you  fliall  re  Joyce,  and  none  fliall  take  it  aw»y:  And 
therefore  its  noted,  the  firft  that  had  comfort  was  Mary,  when  fhe  fate  at  the  Se- 
pulcher  weeping,  John  20.11,  &c.  And  therefore  do  but  obferve  your  own 
hearts,  when  your  hearts  have  been  foakedin  grief,  for  want  of  or  for  the  abfence 
of  Chrift,  Oh  I  have  lived  withouc  him,  and  prayed  without  hirs,  and  heard 

without 


tenVtrgim  Opened  and  Applied, 


rop 


without  hull,  andipokewkhouc.bim,  him  that  hath  picied  me,  fparedrne,  over- 
caineme,  laid  down  his  life,  fenchis  Spirit  to  me/  that  then  you  iTiallmoreor 
leife  fee  the  Lord,  and  feel  the  power  and  prefence  of  the  Lord.    Oh  Beloved, 
tkallnoc  Heaven  be  fweec  to  you  without  him,  and  fliali  earth  be  fweeter  than 
Heaven,  chat  you  can.  live  here  without  him  ?    Beloved,  whatever  you  account  of 
it  now,  in  Hell  the  fHng  of  all  forfowes  fliall  be  this,  Oh  Ch-rift  hides  his  face  ? 
I  One  frown  fhall  be  more  bitter  than  death ,  than  a  thoufand  deaths,  and  {hall  it 
I  be  fo  in  Hell,  and  Oiall  not  many  frowns,  manydaiesbe  more  bitter  than  death  ? 
Shall  it  be  fo  to  Devils,  and  nor  to  Saints  ?    Shall  the  biding  of  Chrifts  face  from 
;  enemies  be  heavy,  andfhall  not  his  friends  aake  it  to  heart  ?     If  you  do  not,  then 
think  not  to  meet  him,  but  that  Word  and  Prayer  fhall  be  dead  drink  to  thee; 
'butifyowdo,  I  tell  thee  if  he  maniferts  himfelf  to  any,  he  will  reveal  himfelf  to 
tliee. 

2.  Prize  and  love  his  prefence,  his  face,  thelifdngupofthelightof  hiscoun- 
H'enance.    Princes  will  not  come,  or  if  they  do,  not  ftay,  if  they  perceive  thear 
company  IS  a  burden,  and  is  not  etteemed ;  no  more  will  the  Lord  Jefus,     They 
;that  are  fallen  in  love  together  will  find  out  each  other  though  it  be  at  midnight  ^ 
iprizeChrirts  company,  and  you  will  not  complain  for  want  of  rime,  and  fay  you 
I  cannot,  bur  you  will  find  him  out  in  Word,  in  prayers,  though  ahers  be  fatt  a- 
fleep,yWi^M3,44.    When  the  mmfensally  now  he  bayss  the  fields  hath  it,  and 
enjoyesit.    You  would  have  the  Lords  company  and  fellowfhip,  I  believe  you; 
Butwhst  will  you  give  for  it  f  I  will  tell  you.    It  may  be  you  will  give  him  the 
bearing  for  it,  and  give  him  a  few  good  wifhes,  and  a  few  good  words,  and  a  lit- 
■  tie  leifure.    But  will  you  turn  the  VYhole  world  behind  your  back ,  and  whatever 
'you  have  out  of  doors,  that  he  may  come  in.-    That  now  'cis  not  honour,  nor 
;  wealth,  nor  life,  noreafe,  nor  Heaven,  but  him,  and  that  not  only  ia  Heaven, 
.lucin  his  Swadling-clouts,  his  Ordinances  herc:^  beleeve  it  falvation  is  at  your 
■doors^    Z^^rA^/^beingalowmanofftature,  gets  out  of  the  crowds  ikndsinthe 
way,  and  the  Lord  bids  him  come  down.    Do  thus  when  you  come  to  rny  Ordi- 
nance ,  I  tell  you  'tis  better  tha-n  an  hoft  of  Angels  compaffijpg  thee  pboutwith 
praifes.    Oh  that  you  had  the  life  of  experience/     Haft  mot  found  him  better 
than  friends,  than  means,   than  thy  felf  ?     Oh  that  you  would  believe  expe-: 
Irience/ 

3.  Make  it  not  your  tasV  but  your  trade  to  feek  for  him?  that  you  may  en  joy 
him  here.  Make  this  your  bufineife.  Men  make  it  not  their  main  buiineflfe  to 
feek  our  Chrift ,  but  only  fome  work  they  muft  difpatch  by  the  by.  They  make  it 
i  not  their  Trade  but  their  Task  which  muft  be  done.    Efau  would  have  theblef- 

g,  but  'tis  his  hunting  that  he  delights  in.  You  fhall  have  s  man  that  h  a  clofe 
fvYoridling,  come  and  hear,  and  joy  therein,  but  his  trade  his  heart  1%  after  that, 
JE^e^.33.3;i.  Lock  but  on  a  Chriftian  at  his  firft  converfion,  what  great  gains 
gets  he  then  ?  Oh  'tis  his  trade  to  follow  the  Lord,  afterward  he  is  idle,  and  then 
feels  little.  Mat.- 1 3 .46.  Like  a  merchant ,  he  ventures  all ,  and  then  finds. 
Now  you  fhall  find  him,  JIeb.ii,6.  He  is  the  revoarder,  not  of  them  that  feek^him 
'fluggifhly,  but  ^iV/^^^f /y.  What  do  you  elfe  feck  for  ?  why  [find  jbh  your  rmney 
for  that  which  Is  not  bread  ?  Or  if  there  be  ought  elfe  that  is  neceffary,  let  thy  care 
be  for  him,  and  his  care  fhall  be  for  thee. 

4.  Look  before  thou  com^  to  an  Ordinance,  if  there  be  HO  luft?  no  ftumhling 
block  of  iniquity  that  thou  harbourdl  in  thy  heart,  or  fufferdlto  remain  in  the 
jfightof  God,//^.59.i,2,  I  have  known  in  experience,  and  feen  it  in  Scripture, 
many  of  Gods  people  and  others  have  taken  on  that  God  hides  his  face,  &c.  And 
this  hath  been  found  to  be  the  caufe,  either  fome  fin  not  yet  fubducd  or  mortified, 
or  fon;e  fin  that  they  have  not  gone  for  pardon  of  to  tht  Blopd  of  Chrift,  and 
fo  unpardoned.  When  both  thefe  have  been  removed,  the  Lord  hath  appeared, 
Exod.2^.iQ,  After  the  Coven^|it  made  by  Bloody  they  farv  the  God  oflfrael. 

F  g  Ezek 


"'*;'^, 


no 


U^e-J, 


The  Titrable  of  the 


Ezek.  1 4. 3 .  should  1  he  enquired  of  by  them  that  fet  theflumblmg  block^dfil.  e'lr  Imqm- 
ties  ?  &c.  Come  therefore  to  an  Orelinance  that  the  Lord  would  take  away  thy  nn , 
do  not  co-p.e  to  it  that  you  may  be  conaforted  in  your  fm,  fo  that  though  there  be 
fin  in  your  heart,  yet  the  Lord  will  not  caft  that  in  thy  dilli,  when  thou  corned  to 
him  to  take  it  away.  It  may  be  you  know  none.  Ten  k^orp  not  what  Sprit  ym  tare 
of.  Get  the  Lord  to  dii'cover  it  to  thee. 

5.   Oh  be  thankful,  and  cleave  ^the  clofer  to  Chrift  for  a  little  :  For  that's  the 
infinite  mercy  and  love  of  Chrilt  to  his  people,  he  Icts^  them  fee  their  end,  the 
heightofGrace  and  Glory  the  Lord  will  bring  them  to,  but  makes  them,  feel  the 
want  of  it,  and  taft  but  a  little,  but  the  firft-fiuit?.  Now  there  is  Satans  policy  tol 
make  them  fleight  what  they  have,  becaufe  they  have  not  what  they  would  have.j 
Hence  Chrift  eflrangeth  him.felf  greatly  ;  Do  you  thus  defpife  my  love ;  Oh 
therefore  cleave  cloie  to  him  for  that  little,  and  then  fee,  John  1.50.     Tkonx 
fhalt  fee  greater  things  than  thefe^  the  Son  of  God^  and  Angels  afc ending  and  defcending  \ 
on  him.     Think  that  I  feel  or  have  the  fenfe  of  any  want  of  Grace,  and  peacej 
and  Q;ercy ,  and  Chrirt,  Oh  'tis  mercy  .'  That  I  hjve  the  Star,  oh  this  is  m^ercy,  this 
brought  them  to  Chritt  him.felf  afterward.  Oh  unthankfulnefie  flops  Gods  heart ! 
God  will  never  ceafe  pouring  out  on  thee,  that  art  pouring  out  praifes  on  him; 
for  elfe  m.ans  kindnefie  lliould  exceed  the  Lords. 

Thus  you  fee  the  Means,  now  ufe  them.,  and  iopg  fcr  the  Lord  Jefus  in  them, 
and  fo  long  as  that  you  may  meet  him  ;  and  do  it  prefently,  clfe  you  may  feek  and 
not  find  him.,  and  die  in  your  Jins^  John  8 .2 1 .  A  fad  and  heavy  fpecch.  Hath 
God  fingled  you  out  of  all  people  in  the  world  to  enjoy  him,  and  will  you  now 
forfake  him,  and  be  eaten  up  with  your  Lots^  and  buried  in  the  bellies  of  your 
Beafts,  or  fit  grieving  that  your  eftates  are  funk?  It  may  be  Hypocrites  will  for- 
fake the  Lord  Jefus,  but  will  yon  alfo  depart  f  Others  care  not  for  him,  others 
long  not  after  him,  others  give  him  no  meeting,  will  you  depart  ?  Lord  to  whom 
(hall  we  go?  Oh  and  long  for  more  of  him,  forget  what  is  behind^  and  hear,  and 
pray  as  if  thou  never  didft  fo  before,  as  if  but  new  to  begin.  There  is  a  plot  a- 
fooEtomake  you  loath  Ordinance?,  thiE  fo  God  may  loach  you:  Men  that  are 
hck  and  like  to  die,  can  eat  no  comm.on  wholfom  mieat,  but  are  now  nourillied  by 
conferves,  and  Alchcrmies,  and  Spirits  of  Gold :  So  when  wholfom  Truths  of 
God  are  defpifed,  men  are  deadly  hck,  when  any  new-fangled  device  fh all  feed 
their  fancy.  The  Lord  keep  you  from  ir.  Oh  do  you  love  and  long  for  the  Lord 
in  them  the  m.ore,  for  his  Sp»rit,  his  love,  his  Truth,  his  Chrifi,  his  company, 
his  Grace,  his  confolations,  and  then  when  death  comes,  you  iliall  not  need  to 
fear  it,  butmakeit  welcom.e,  and  when  Confcience  fhall  ask,  Doyou  think  to 
be  with  the  Lord  ?  Ohitfballbe  peace  in  thy  bofom  /  Lord  thee  have Ilonged 
for,  thee  have  I  fought  for,  wept  for  here,  becaufe  I  could  not  come  to  thee  pre- 
fently in  Heaven.    Now  Lord  let  m.ccome  to  thee,  and  fo  go  triumphing  to  Glo- 


SECT.   VIL 

HEncc  we  fee  no  Chriftian  ought  to  content  himfelf  with  any  meafure  ,of 
knowledge  or  fcUowfhip  with  the  Lord  Jefus  here.  For  if  full,  perfe6l  and 
immediate  fellowfinip  with  him  in  Heaven  and  at  lalt  day  ought  to  be  the  mark  he 
aimesac,  and  journics  end  of  all  his  defires,  then  he  is  not  to  fit  down  in  the 
mid-way,  but  to  breath,  and  afpire  after  fiill  more  and  rrxore  of  him.  Thus  Paul^ 
though  fully  fealed  tvith  the  Spirit,  yet  he  makes  this  his  mark,  P/;//.  3.1 4,1 5, 
16,  I  ^^^.1.10,11,12,13.  TheApoftle  tels  them  the  Prophets  looked  after 
the  Grace  given  ;>/  their  tim.CS,  therefore  gtrd  up  your  loyns  ^  and  hope perfeUly  for 
\  Grace  to  be  given ym  at  the  revelation  ofChrifi  Jefus.  Men  that  have  preferment  in 
'  their 


ten  Vtrgm  Opened  and  Applied. 


their  eye,  and  areco  come  on  by  degrees  to  it,  never  content^ themfelves  with  a- 
ny  ( though  they  will  sot  fleight  what  they  have  )  unnil  they  come  to  their  hicrh- 
eii ;  You  are  born  to  great  hopes,  fleight  not  what  you  have,  but  look  a^ccr  more, 

Hence  three  forts  are  to  be  greatly  bhmed.  For  as  'tis  with  finfullufls,  fo 
'tis  vvith  fpiritual ,  they  are  endlefle  ,  infinite,  and  unfaciable,  if  they  want,  they 
are  not  fatisfied ;  if  they  ha^^c,  they  are  whet  on  in  their  appetites  after  more.  Oh 
let  it  be  fo  here  / 

1.  Some  there  be  that  are  fo  far  from  thirfting  after  more  of  him,  that  they 
have  forfaken  his  fellovvfhip,  and  liefiill  content  it  fhould  befo.  Time  was 
while  horrour  was  upon  their  Confciences,  trouble  in  their  minds,  and  heat  of 
atfe6tion  lafted,  that  their  prayers  were  many,  their  rears  abundant,  they  could 
not  cake  their  reft  in  the  night,  but  pray  they  muft,  they  could  not  hear  of  a  Ser- 
mon, but  through  wet  and  dry  to  it;  and  it  may  be  the  ^o^d  drew  them  voith  the 
cords  of  a  man^  and  laid  meat  before  them,  and  fweetned  their  labours  with  great 
hopes  to  them ;  but  the  Father  not  having  drawn  them  with  an  invincible  power, 
and  knit  them  by  an  indiflblluble  union  to  Chrift,  they  are  now  fallen  off  from 
Chrift,  John  6.66.  And  if  you  obferve  it,  he  looks  not  after  them,  fpeaks  not 
one  word  to  them ,  beeaufe  content  to  be  without  him.  Would  to  God  this  were 
not  the  temper  of  Saints  that  know  it  was  better  with  you  once  than  now,  and 
God  hedgeth  your  way  with  thorns^  and  gives  you  no  reft.  But  Oh  the  grievous 
wracks  of  Profeffours  /  One  can  fee  fome  Boards  and  Phnks  at  low  water,  but 
that's  all,  J^r.2. 1 3,14.  The  Lord  will  fetch  you  home  if  he  loves  you,  byweqjing 
CrolTe. 

2.  Som.e  there  arc  that  fall  not  to  forfake  the  Lord,  but  like  the  door  on  the 
hinge,  and  wheel  on  the  pin,  hang  and  turn  about  where  they  did.  This  Gods 
own  people  are  very  apt  to  do,  ancl  hence  the  Apoftle  wiflieth  them  to  take  heed 
of  it ,  from  a  dreadful  Argument,  Heb.6.^^  5><^)7« 

Ftr/i^  Beeaufe  the  Lord  at  firft  converfion  drawes  his  people  fweeiy,  drives 
them,  gently  j  being  weak  and  young  Infants,  as  yet  keeps  them  in  hi^  nrm.es,  that 
they  m-ay  find  a  greater  good  in  him  than  in  the  world  :  But  afterward  he  fuffers 
Sc\j;an  to  tempr,  himfelf  deferts  them ,  leads  through  a  wildernefie  of  finncs 
and  miferies,  that  they  m.ay  know  what  is  in  their  own  hearts.  Hence  now  if  they 
will  have  m.ercy,  tliey  mutt  fetch  it,  fight  for  it,  and  overcome,  now  hence  floath 
is  apt  to  prevail  for  a  time,  as  with  the  Difciplcs. 

iS'i?(r(7W/y,Becaufc  before  they  have  Chrift,  they  feel  a  total  want,  afterward  but  a 
partial,  &  hence  apt  to  be  ful  &  felf-confident  in  what  they  have,thcir  ftomachs  are 
ftaid  by  fome  bits,&  hence  theLord  is  fain  to  wirhdraw  the  feeling  of  all  that  which 
they  had  before,  that  they  feeling  how  foon  that  vaniilieth,  mig^t  hunger  after 
more;  as  the  Difciples  could  hav^c  been  content  with  Chriib  Sel'ng  upon  earth 
with  them,  thenhith  he,  the  Sprit  mil  not  eome\  hence  away  he  goes,  that  they 
might  have  more  of  him  in  the  Spirit.  But  this  is  coo  common  with  many  Hy- 
pocrites. 

1.  When  men  ferve  their  turn  of  Chrift.  There  is  never  a  Hypocrite  living^  but  | 
clofcrh  with  Chrift  for  his  own  ends,  for  he  cannot  work  beyond  his  Principle. ' 
Now  when  men  have  ferved  their  own  turns  out  of  another  man,  away  they  go  , 
and  keep  that  which  they  have.  An  Hypocrite  clofeth  with  Chrift  as  a  man  with 
arichfbop;  he  will  not  be  at  coft  tobiiyallthe  fhop,  butfo  much  asfcrveshis 
turn.  Comm.only  men  in  horrour  feek  for  fo  much  of  Chrift  as  will  cafe  them , 
and  hence  profelfe  and  hence  feek  for  fo  much  of  Chrift  as  will  credit  them,  and 
hence  their  defires  after  Chrift  are  foon  fatisfied.  jif^etltHs  finis  pfl  mfini- 
tm. 

2.  No  Hypocrite  though  he  clofeth  with  Chrift,  and  for  a  time  grow  up  in 
knowledge  of,  and  communion  with  Chrift,  but  he  hath  at  that  time  hidden 

lufts, 


IIZ 


The  ^^ arable  of  the 


lufts,  and  thorns  that  overgrow  his  growing'?,  and  choakallatlaii  ;  and  in  conclu- 
{ion  mediates  a  Lengue  between  Chrirt  and  his  lufts,  and  leeks  to  reconcile  rhenTi 
together :  Chrift  faith  out  with  every  Luft  ,  and  let  more  of  m.y  felf  conr.e  ill ;  nc 
faith  fm,  let  m.e  flay  here,  remember  what  eafe,uhat  honour  1  bring  you,  I  can- 
not leave  you :  Now  a  man  moderates ,  Tie  keep  my  Lullbecaufe  1  love  it ,  but 
rie  keep  it  as  my  burden ,  that  I  m.ay  have  Chrift  with  it.  Chrift  calls  t©  feek  ft>r 
more  of  him,Lufl:  faith  no,  the  work  is  hard,  and  duties  are  difficulr.  And  'tis  .  it 
may  be  to  no  purpofe  to  feek,  you  have  other  irons  in  the  fire  ,  m^any  worldly  bufi- 
ne&s :  Now  here  men  moderate ;  Do  not  fay  thou  wilt  feek  no  m.ore  after  him, 
nor  indeed  ufe  means  diligently  for  miore  of  him ;  be  fure  only  you  give  him  fom:e 
defires  to  be  better,  and  this  will  ferve  the  turn.  The  Lord  Jefus  wooes  many  a 
foul  whom  he  never  m.atcheth  himfelf  unto ;  one  com.es  and  wins  the  heart  after- 
ward,and  makes  the  match  :  fohere.  The  lifts  of  a  mans  heart  grow  fwceter  than 
Chrift  and  his  Ordinances,and  hence  there  is  no  heart  to  feek  after  m.ore  of  Chrift, 
when  the  Match  is  once  made  with  the  world^nd  atfe61:ions  won,  2  Tm.4. 10. 

3.  Some  feek  for  m.ore  of  Chrift,  but  °tis  of  an  idol  chrift,  not  as  manifefting 
himfelf  in  ?nd  by  a  Word  :  for  look  as  any  adi  of  obedience  is  an  zS:  of  vvill- 
worfliip  and  imageryjthat  wc  have  nor  a  particular  command  for,  or  is  notdireillyj 
dcdu6ted  from  fom.e  rule  in  the  Word ;  fo  that  acl  of  Faith  is  an  ad  of  will-| 
worfbip,  which  fees  and  chufech  Chrift  as  his  own,  when  he  hath  not  a  particular} 
promife  for  it,    *Tis  an  imagination  of  Chrift,  not  Chrift  ;  and  you  have  more  of 
your  own  imagination,  not  more  of  the  Lord  Jefus,  i   Pet.  1.  25.  Monks  had 
fublime^ontemplatioHsofGod,  X^f^^r  calls  them  fuch  as  looked  upon  ^  Bern 
&  Chrlftm  abfolutpu^ —  not  beholding  the  beams  of  his  love ,  and  glory  in  the 
word.  Oh  therefore  labour  for  more  of  fwch  a  Chrift,  as  the  word  holds  forth.  And 
look  as  in  Heaven, 

Firft,  They  are  all  one  with  him  in  fellowftiip,  the  Father  in  him ,  and  he  in 
them,  and  they  in  him ,  and  fo  made  perfedl:  in  one. 

Secondly  ,  They  have  his  fellowftiip  only  :  fo  do  you  long  for  more  of  hisfel- 
lowfhip,  fo  as  to  be  made  more  one  with  him,  and  him  with  you  ,  fo  as  he  may  be 
your  ftrength,  and  life,  and  peace,  and  for  his  fellowfliip  only  ,otherwife  you  may 
go  without  him  at  h^Luhe  1 3 .  '^6^^q.Iimje  we  mt  eat  anddrmkjn  thj prefence,&f. 
The  Jews  before  Chrifts  coming  had  Chrifts  prefence  then ,  but  a  greater  meafure 
of  it  is  given  to  the  Church  fince  his  Refurredtion  and  Glorification ,  for  it  was  re- 
ferv'ed  to  honour  Chrift  in  his  firft  coming.  But  how  many  be  there  that  fee  not 
the  Lord  Jefus  fo  as  they  did  under  vails  ?  either  get  more  ,  or  fay  Chrift  is  not 
rifen,  John  14.  16.  Chrift  promifeth  to  fend  his  Difciples  another  comforter :  who 
was  that  ?  the  fpirit  of  truth  whom  the  world  could  nor  receive ,  becaufe  it  knew 
him  not :  Wlay  had  the  Difciples  no  fpirit  now  f  yes,  he  vy  as  in  them,but  not  that 
full  meafure,  v^nth  which  chough  they  were  not  as  yet  fesled  ,  yet  they  knew  they 
had  him ,  and  that  Chrift  was  theirs  too.  So,  haft  thou  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  Je- 
fus, Oh  begg  for  more  of  it,  not  miraculous  gifts,  for  that  is  in  vain,but  more  of  the 
fpecial  powerful  prefence  and  fulneffe  of  it ,  for  »tis  this  that  the  world  cannot  re- 
ceive. I  have  oft  feared  it's  the  great  fin  of  this  laft  age  to  comfort  and  fettle  chri- 
ftians  in  their  weak  beginnings,  as  though  there  was  no  more  of  Gods  Spirit  to  be 
^poured  down  in  tim.es  of  the  Gofpel.  But  confider, 

Flrfi ,  What  came  you  into  this  wilderneflc  to  fce,Reeds  fhaken  with  the  wind? 

No,  for  more  of  the  Lord  Jefus ,  and  will  you  now  forget  the  end  for  which  you 

I  come  ?  it  may  be  you  never  found  leffe ,  no  but  God  is  emptying  of  you  that  you 

might  feek  for  more.    Herod  a  long  time  defired  to  fee  Jefus ,  and  then  defpifed 

him. 

Secondly ,  You  have  here  more  means  to  have  fellowfhip  with  the  Lord  ,,  and 
will  you  content  your  felf  with  what  you  have  had.  If  you  do  what  can  you  look 
for,   but  that  the  Lordfhould  take  away  Ordinances,  iftheydo  younomorc 

eood 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


good,  aiid  eale  you  of  the  burden  of  the  Lord  of  Hoils ;  or  fend  fad  and  heavy  try- 
als :  It's  that  I  have  oft  thought  of,  why  are  the  wicked  ex.ilred  ,  and  Saints  deba- 
fed?  the worilarenotbad  enough  to  receive  their  plagues,  nor  thebeftaood 
enough  to  partake  ofbleflings.  You  have  had  fome  mein^  do  you  fome  oood 
here  you  have  more ,  that  you  may  receive  more  good,,  more  life  ,  more  of  Chrill 
Jefus ;  if  not,  then  look  for  fire  to  purge  you  if  you  be  Gold  ,  or  flames  to  devour 
you  if  you  be  but  rotteaneffe  and  ftubble.  But  is  this  thus  ?  the  Jews  did  loni^  for 
ChriR,  and  when  he  cam.e  they  crucified  him  ,  they  loved  the  Prophets,  they  lliail 
have  Prophets  and  their  blood  too,  tofliy  the  n;  you  love  the  MelTengers  of  Chrifi, 
and  you  would  have  more  of  Chriii  ,  &c.  they  have  them  Lord,  but  defpife  them, 
they  have  them,  but  condemn  them ,  they  have  them ,  and  though  they  will  not 
c^^  them  out  of  their  places  yet  chey  will  fo  weary  their  fpirics ,  and  grieve  thy 
Spirit  in  them,  that  they  will  m.ake  them  glad  to  bury  themfclves ,  and  leave  their 
places.  You  iliall  have  Prophets,  and  their  Blood  too,  and  their  tears  and  forcows 
too.  But  why  do  I  complain  ?  Let  me  perfwade :  oh  labour  for  more  of  Chrift  in 
his  Servants,  in  his  Ordinance^,  in  his  Providences,  in  his  Saints ,  until  at  hfi:  thy 
defires  break  thy  vefiel ,  and  carry  thee  up  to  behold  the  Lord  in  Heaven.  If  there 
were  never  faving  work  of  Grace  wrought,  but  thou  haft  only  refied  in  Duties 
without  Chrid- ,  now  fell  thy  felf  out  of  all  for  him..  If  there  be  any  that  the  Lord 
hath  fetled  there  on  his  promiie  which  never  can  be  fhaken,  hold  your  ftedfaftnefs 
but  yet  ftill  grow  in  Grace,3nd  in  the  knowledg  of  the  Lord  Jefus«  ,, 


SECT.Vm. 

OH  long  to  be  wich  the  Lord  Jefus.  Before  a  man  hath  Chrift,  now  his  de- 
fires  lliould  be  to  have  him;  when  he  hath  Chrift,  now  his  longings  iliould  be 
to  be  with  him.  Do  thus  in  this  place,  efpecially  in  this  Age,  I  have  oft  thought 
one  great  end  of  Gods  bringing  his  own  people  into  this  place  is  to  learn  them  to 
die,  and  be  with  Chrift.  Men  have  heard' of  Chrift,  and  pafied  thrugh  the 
wavesofdeath,  and  flood  many  a  week  within  fix  inches  of  Death  to  fee  Chrift 
here ;  well,  when  you  come  here,God  vifits  you  with  troubles,  temptations,lolfes, 
defertions,  fears  for  future  times ;  here  it  may  be  you  fee  (as  fome  fee)  an  end  of  all 
prfecl'wH  ,  Church-builders ,  Church-ordinances ,  Church-profeffors,  &c.  or  if 
they  find  the  Lord ,  'tis  foon  gone ;  why  all  is  that  you  might  long  to  be  at 
home. 

The  Lord  when  he  called  Ahrahamovit  of  his  own  Country  to  his  Friends  ,  he 
followed  the  Lord  he  knew  not  whither.  You  live  now  out  of  your  Fathers  houfe, 
and  from  all  your  Friends  that  long  to  fee  you,  nay  are  left  among  enemies,and  you 
know  whither  you  are  to  go,  to  G  od  the  Judge  of  all,  and  to  an  tnnumerahle  comtmy 
of  Angels^  and  to  the  Sprits  ofjttfl  men  made  ferfe^> 

Look  but  upon  the  men  of  this  world ,  they  long  for  things  here ,  though  bnt 
temporal,  though  they  have  no  Chrift.  Oh  long  for  this  though  thou  haft  no 
world. 

When  Chrift  would  needs  go  to  Jemfalem  ,  John  1 1. 1<^.  faith  Thomas,  Let  m 
go  and  die  with  him  ,  and  iliall  not  we  go  to  live  with  him  f 

Did  yI</(?/^j-forfake£^)/p«  honours.,  treafures,  and  embraced  the  reproach  of 
Chrift  as  far  better.  Oh  if  God  fhouldfet  thee  up  in  a  Throne,.  Oh  depart  from 
it  to  enjoy  the  glory  of  Chrift  himfelf  in  Glory  / 

Grant  Death  be  dreadful ,  yet  when  Soldiers  fee  their  Captain  upon  the  walls 
among  the  enemies,  they  will  preffe  hard  after  to  follow ,  though  they  die  in  the 
breach.  T'o  part  with  fin  is  bitter,  ortoparc  with  Chrift ,  but  to  part  with  tht 
body  for  a  time,  and  caft  off  the  clothes,  this  will  be  found  to  be  exceeding 
^fweer. 

Friends 


"5 


Ufey 
OfExh  ort» 


Motive'^* 

Motive  3. 
Motive"^* 

Motive^* 
Mothe  $, 


114 


The  ^^ arable  of  the 


JId&tive  6. 


Motive  7. 


Adems  1. 


Qu4. 


Mems'^* 


Friends  that  fend  co  us,and  provide  for  us  in  a  defart  place,vve  long  to  fee  them. 

Now  who  hath  clothed  thee,  comforted  ,  p.irdoned,  revived,  found  thee,  kept 

thee  that  nothing  hith  hurt  thee  ?  nay  that  thy  fins  have  humbled  thee,  and  done 

1  thee  good:   Oh  *cis  Chrift/  Wilt  not  fay,  who  and  where  is  he  that  doth  all 

I  this?  . 

Oh  conlider  how  glad  the  Lord  Jefus  will  be  of  thee,  though  the  world  and  thouj 
art  weary  of  thy  felf,  Ze^h.  3«  17.  Ltike  10. 2 1.  1  thankjhee  O  Father ;  fo  will  rhe 
1  Lord  fay  then. 

Labour  for  affurance  that  Chrift  is  thine,  clfe  you  will  fear  Death  and  Hell  that 
follows  it  ,and  fuch  an  alTurance  as  doth  not  only  chafe  away  vexation  and  anguifb 
of  fpirir,  but  fears,  at  leaft  in  the  power  of  them  ;  for  there  is  many  a  chrillian  can  \ 
find  the  Propofition  true  in  the  word  ,  He  that  comes  to  Chrifi  he  will  mt  cafi] 
away  ;  the  Spirit  clears  Gods  work,  and  his  own  experience  ,  md  faith-.  Thou  co- 
meft  mto  CM}?,  now  when  he  comes  to  make  the  conclufion,  though  he  dares 
not  fmagainft  clear  light  and  evidence  of  the  Spirit ,  and  conclude  ,  yet  1  fkall  he 
cafi' away  :  yet  he  dares  not,  nor  cannot  for  a  rim.e  conclude  fully ;  why  ?  becaufc 
of  fomefears ,  vvhat  if  I  fhould  be  mittaken,  and  when  I  die  al  1  prove  naught?  and 
while  this  fear  iafts  you  will  noc  long  (riti  needs  muii )  to  be  with  Chrilt;  for 
while  you  fear  or  fufpect  Chrift  as  an  enemy ,  you  will  not  heartily  love  him,  nor 
long  CO  be  with  hi  m :  therefore  get  thefe  fears  removed. 

How  may  this  he  ? 

Rom.  8.  1 5,16.  By  the  Spirit  of  Adoption  only ;  for  though  I  do  not  exclude 
the  work  of  fan6tified  reafon  from  the  vvitnefle  of  the  Spirit ,  yet  this  I  fay,  that 
all  the  men  in  the  world,  nor  atl  the  wifdom  and  reafon  of  man  can  never  chafe  a- 
way  all  fears,  fcatter  all  mifts,  till  the  Spirit  it  felf  faith  peace  and  be  ftill,  and  puts 
its  hand  and  feal  to  the  Evidence ;  till  the  Spirit  not  by  an  audible ,  >but  powerful 
voice  {hews  and  perfwades,  AEis  12.13, 14, 15, 1 5.  They  had  been- praying  for 
Fetsr.^  Peter  knocks,  the  Damfel  faith,  Peter  is  there ;  now  fee  their  unbelief  after 
fuch  a  mighty  Spirit  of  Prayer ,  'Tls  his  Angela  fay  they ,  and  could  not  be  per- 
fwaded  till  he  came  in  and  fhewed  himfelf.  So  the  foul  is  praying,  a  mans  owo; 
I  Spirit  goes  out  and  fees  there  is  m.ore  unbelief  and  fear,  fay  no  'tis  a  delufion:  well 
che  Spirit  IHll  knocks,  and  the  foul  opens ,  and  then  he  comes  in,  and  the  foul 
is  aftonilhed.    And  that  you  may  have  it, 

1.  See  there  be  no  guilt  upon  thy  confcience,  no  refervation ,  love ,  liking  to 
fomeluft,  Hei>,  10.  22.  For  thefe  fears  are  commonly  the  fruit  of  guilt  which  is| 
Jiot  wafhed  away,  but  i>^^  the  blood  of  ffrinkl'mg,  \ 

2.  Pray  for  the  Spirit,  P/^/zw  8  5.  from  4.  to  9.  fay  they,  i.  Turn  us  from  fin; 
1 2.  Turn  from  thy  wrath ,  when  the  Father  is  angry,then  no  good  word.  5.  The 
end  5  That  our  hearts  may  rejoyce  In  thee,  4.  Shew  us  mercy,  5.  Then  they 
\  come  to  liften  after  it ,  for  many  times  a  Friend  fpeaks  not  becaufe  he  hath  us 
I  not  alone. 

3.  Mourn  heavily  for  want  of  it,  Pfal.  51.8.  and  fo  look  for  it  ina  VYord. 
Labour  to  partake  of  the  fellowihip  of  Chrifts  Refurre6lioD,  elfe  no  defiresXan 

be  raifedup,  Co/,  3. 1,2. 

Qiiefi,  what  Is  that  f 

Anf,  Look  as  we  then  have  fellowfhip  with  Chrift ,  and  with  the  Church  iji 
miferies,when  vyefrom  the  ferious  apprehcnfion  of  their  forrows,  condole  and  fuf- 
fcr  with  them,  fo  with  Chrift  in  Glory ,when  from  ferious  deep  apprehenftons  of 
his  Glory  ,wc  reign  with  him ,  we  are  rifen  with  him;  for  let  a  man  be  alfured 
Chrift  is  not  his,  if  he  knows  not  what  the  worth  and  glory  of  his  fellowfhip  is ,  a 
man  will  then  never  long  to  be  with  him  :  Oh  therefore  labour  to  comprehend 
this  glory  of  the  Lord  Jefus,  and  that  by  the  fpirit  of  Revelation,  Efhef.  i .  17,18. 
The  word  reveals  the  Glory  of  Saints,  chat  there  is  a  Idngdom,  that  they  (hall  be 

ferfeB, 


tenVirzins  Opened  and  Applied. 


11^ 


ferfeU  Ik  one,  that  they  lliall  have  that  Glory  the  Father  hath  given  to  ChriM,  John 
1 7.2  2.  Oh  gee  the  Spirit  to  fhew  rhce  the  thing  what  this  means  what  .:his  u  i 
clfa  foaithing\n  the  world  will  make  you  lookback.  There  are  falfc  Spies  that  vi- 
lifieGodsKi^ngdom  to  his  Saints,  Oh  fay 'tis  a  good  God,  and  countrey,  and 
Chrift,  and  Mercy,  and  love ;  let  mcgo  up  and  pofejfe  it.  Oh  gee  the  Lord  to 
give  thee  but  one  dimpfe  of  this  / 
Thus  much  of  the  firft  verfe. 


CHAP.  XII. 

Shewing  that  there  are  Hypocrites  in  the  best 
and  purest  Qhurches. 

V.2.  And  five  of  them  rveremfe^  and  five  were  foollfh* 
SECT.    I. 

FRom  this  Second  verfc  to  the  Fifth  there  is  fct  down  the  difference  appear- 
ing^ between  the  Virgins,  wherein  the  Lord  the  fearcher  of  hearts,  makes  an 
op^n  difcovery  of  the  particular  eftates  of  thefe  Virgins,  for  all  the  beft 
Churches  cfpecially  to  take  notice  of,  to  the  fecond  coming  of  the  Lord  ]e- 
fus.    This'difccflceisfetdown, 

I.  Generally, in  this  fecond  verfc. 
^,  Particularly,  in  the  3^  and  4'^vcrfes. 
I.Generally  in  this  verfe. 

I.  That  fomeofthem  were  fincere  and  wife-hearted  to  the  number  of  five. 
3.  Others  of  them  were  fooUlli  and  falfe-hearted  to  the  number  of  five  more. 
Sothacthcfummei=^  this,  one  half  of  them  were  indeed  Virgins,  another  half 
were  in  appearance  Virgins;  the  one  part  wtre  Virgins  in  the  fight  of  God,  who 
faith  they  are  wife  ;  theother  were fo  in  the  judgment  of  man,  and  hence  called 
foolifh  ones.  In  this  general  defcription  therefore  of  them,  we  may  note, 
Flrfi^  Their  defcription  from  the  number  of  each  fort,  vk.  five. 
Secondly y  From  their  different  qualities  or  qualifications,  holywifdoni  or  pru- 
dence in  the  one,  finful  folly  in  the  other.     He  doth  not  fay  five  were  holy  and 
five  prophane ;  five  were  friends  to  the  Bridegroom,  five  were  r  erfecutors  of  him , 
but  five  Toere  mfe  and  five  ypere  foolijh :  Why  the  Virgins  are  dcfcribed  by  the 
number  of  ten,  Ifpake  before,  cither  becaufe  it  was  a  perfe£^  number,  and  fo  fig- 
nifies  the  eftate  of  all  Virgin-Churches ;  or  becaufe  it  was  the  cuftom  not  to 
exceed  the  number  of  Ten ,  to  honour  them  at  their  Marriage.    Now  why  five 
of  them  were  wife,  and  five  foolifh,  as  though  the  one  half  of  them  onlyvvere 
fincere,  the  other  falfc,  thisfeems  t6  carry  the  face  of  Truth;  but  I  am  fearful 
to  rack  &  torment  Parables,vvherein  I  chiefly  look  unto  the  fcope,and  that  is  this, 
that  not  one  or  two  but  a  great  part  of  them  were  fincere,  and  a  great  part  of  them 
falfe.    And  hence  the  Obfejrvations  out  of  thefe  words  are  thefe,  omitting  all  the 
refi-. 

1.  Tijat  when  the  Churches  of  Chrifi-  Jeftu  prove  Virgln-ChnrcheSy  and  aremofl 
j)0re,  yet  even  then  there  velllbe  fowe  fecret  Hypocrites  that  fhall  mingle  themf elves  with 
them.  Or,  There  will  be  a  numher  of  Hypocrites  y  mingling  themf  elves  with  the  ptreft 
Churches.  0^2  2.Th^t 


Ohfervd* 


ii6 

Obferv.  2. 
Obferv.  3. 
Obferv.  4- 


I'he  T arable  of  the 


obferv.  1. 


Reaf.i, 


2.  That  whenthe  Churches  are  V'lrgin-Churches.itke  Hjfocrhes  In  thdfe  tmes  will 
be  Evangelical.     Or,  Thefecrec  Hypocrites  of  fare  Churches  are  Evafjgelical. 

3'  Thai  there  are  certain  fpecialj  faving  (qualifications  ofheart^vAjerebyarifetha, 
great  internal  difference  betrveen  fincere-hearted  Virgins  and  the  clofefl  Hypocrites. 

4*  That  the  Spring  or  one  main  principle  of  Evangelical  Jin  cent y  or  hypocnjie  it  lies  in 
the  underfianding  or  mind  of  man. 


SECT.   II. 

THat  there  is  and  will  be  a  mixture  of  c  lofe  Hypocrt  tes  with  the  wife-h  carted  Virgin^ 
inthepurefi  Churches. 
This  I  might  manifett  out  of  feveral  Scriptures,  from  fevera I  times.  Look  but 
upon  Jofioi  time,  where  there  v^^as  as  great  a  reformation  as  under  any  Kingbe- 
forehim,  2 /O';?^. 2 3. 2 5;.  Yet  J^-r. 3.10.  &  4.3,4.  Look  on  the Apoftlcs  time, 
and  what  aportacy  afterward.  The  Apoftle  com4^1ained  of  it,  Every  one  feeks  their 
w»,  Phil. 2. 21.  M(fnywalk^^Scc.  Phil.3.1^^19.  Whom  he  could  not  think  on 
without  tears.  The  myftery  of  iniquity  began  to  work  even  then.  Chrift  mani- 
fefts  this  by  divers  Parables  ,  yT/<?f.22.i4.  Many  are  called  ,  .and  fo  called  as  to 
com.e  in,  and  fo  fit  and  not  to  be  k  now  n,  till  the  Lord  looks  on  them.  And  here 
the  vvife-hearted  could  not  difcern  and  keep  out ,  but  opened  the  door  for  the  five 
fooliili.  Look  as  'tis  faid,  Job  1.6.  There  wm  a  day  the  Sons  of  Godprefemed 
themfehes  before  the  Lord.,  and  Satan  came  in-alfo,  fo  here.  Ifhallnot,  do  not; 
fpeaic  of  every  particul  ar  Church,  but  of  the  ftate  of  the  Churches  in  general.  For 
its  poffible  there  niay  be  a  Philadelphia.,  a  new  Jerufalem  which  comes  down  from 
Heaven,  ^  Golden  Foundation,  zndiov  <l  time  no  hay  f7orJlubble  built  upon  jt:  But 
this  is  rare,  and  not  ufuall nor  general. 


SECT.     IIL 

FRcrm  Satan  ,i:he  ancient  enemy  of  the  purity  of  the  Church ;  he  being  an  un- 
clean creature  him.felf,  if  he  could  he  would  m.ake  Heaven  it  felf  unclean ;  but 
that  is  beyond  his  reach ;  hence  he  feeks  to  make  Heaven  on  earth  unclean ;  hence 
he  will  get  into  Paradife,  and  if  he  cannot  come  in  the  fliape  of  a  man,  yet  in  that 
ofa  Serpent  to  beguile  and  pollute  innocency  there:  He  will  follow  ChrifHnto 
the  wildernefle ,  and  tempt  him  there ,  and  hence  will  feek  to  get  into 
Churches,  to  pollute  them.  And  if  he  cannot  pollute  the  Church  by  unclean 
Ordinances,  he  will  then  feek  to  defile  it  by  unclean  Y>^^^on5,Mat.i3.2^.  The 
Tares  be  in  Judea  like  the  Wheat,  yet  indeed  annoy  the  Wheat :  And  how  com^e 
they  there  ?  They  are  fown  there,  /.  e.  hid  for  a  time,  and  mingled,  and  die 
thereto©.  Who  doth  this?  Why  the  enemy  did  ir,  fo  that  Satan  will  do  it. 
If  there  be  a  Devil  in  the  Church,  he  will  fow  his  tares. 

Ob^.  But  we  fee  him  not. 

.Anf.  No,  'tis  therefore  faid  he  went  away.,  his  care  is  over  now  they  are  fown. 
Look  as 'tis  the  Jefuits  policy  at  this  day,  the  end  of  their  Order  is  to  raife  up  the 
coUapfed  ruines  of  Rome.,  and  to  bring  all  Chriflendom  YandifitbepolTibleall 
the  world  J  to  thq  Hellilli  bondage  and  blind  obedience  of  the  See  of  Rome. 
Hence  Ibme  Kingdom es,  becaufe  they  cannot  conquer  them  by  power,  they  feek  to 
do  it  by  craft;  hence  they  feek  to  lay  their  Leaven  and  make  their  party  wit  hifs, 
from  whom  they  may  have  intelligence,  and  hence  they  fhall  do  well  enough  with 
them :  So  Satan  feeking  the  ruine  of  the  Church,  feeks  to  make  his  parry  within 
the  Church,  for  one  of  thefe  three  ends  chiefly. 

I.   Either! 


ten  Virgms  Opened  and  Jpplied. 

1.  Eirherchan  he  may  divide  ihe  Church,  that  when  any  Errour  fliall  be 
hatched,  he  may  have  his  party  to  maintain  it,  and  his  fadiion  to  plead  for  it.  Or 

2.  That  he  may  corrupt  it^ifhe  cannot  divide  itjthat  the  Tares  may  fuck  out  the 
heart  and  life  and  power  of  Godlinefife  in  the  hearts  of  the  Ele6l ;  for  you  know 
'tis  not  the  Briar  but  the  Ivy  that  fuck  >  out  the  Irfe  and  fap  of  the  tree,  and  'tis  not 
prophane  pricking  perfecutors,  butfeeming  friends  to  the  Church,  that  fuck  out 
the  heart  and  life  of  it.  It  was  not  Jeroboams  greatnefle,  Ixit  the  old  Prophets 
gravity  and  feeming  Piety  that  fuckr  out  the  Spirit  and  Sap  of  the  young  Prophet.^ 
I  Kit^gs  13.  That  foby  txhis  little  Leaven  he  may  defile  the  whole  kunp,  and  fo 
provoKC  wrath  againft  them  all. 

3.  If  he  cannot  do  either,  yet  that  he  may  blur  and  ftain  the  Glory  of  the 
Church  :  For  the  greateft  Glory  in  the  world  is  w  fee  a  Temple  buiIr,not  of  ftones 
of  Gold  or  Pearl,  but  of  living  precious  Saints,  holy  to  the  Lord  only  and  his 
Son,  and  the  fight  of  which  in  Heaven  Hull  be  one  part  of  the  Glory  in  Heaven. 
HenceSatan  willdo  whathecan  to  blur  it;  that  though  the  greateft  Glory  God 
hath,lliines  in  his  Church,  yet  that  he  may  blur  it: And  hcncsjude  (mh^So/^/e  that 
cre^t  in  unawares y  were  Spts  in  their  Feafis.  And2  Pet. '2^. 2.  'Bjreafonofvuhom 
the  way  of  Truth  (hall  be  evil  fpoken  of. 

.  2.  From  the  Officers  chiefly  of  ■  a  Church,  who  when  they  fhould  be  full  of 
eye?,  as  they  aredefcribed,  Rev.^.  And  thefe  eyes  ftiould  be  ever  watching, 
they  arethenfleeping,yl//^f.i  ^.25.  For  'tis  not  the  having,  fo  much  as  the  ail- 
ing of  Grace  that  helps  men  to  read  and  underftaud  the  Book  of  the  Scriptures,  and 
c>he  Book  of  mens  hearts  and  lives,  2  Pet. 1.9.  Hence  in  afflidtion  and  temptati- 
on vye  know  the  Lord,  and  his  mind,  and  our  own  hearts,  and  the  world  beft  : 
When  Jonathan  eats  the  honey,  his  eyes  are  of  en  :  Now  fomtime  the  watchmen 
are  not  a6ling  or  watching,  bur  fleeping,  and  hence  thofe  arc  taken  for  wheat, 
chat  indeed  are  but  Tares.  The  Book  hath  a  fair  Superfcription  or  Frontifpiece, 
itnd  they  fo  fleepy  they  do  not  read  it  through,  and  fo  either  fee  no  fault  at  all, 
or  if  any,  they  be  but  Errata  in  the  Printing,  and  wcakneffcs  to  be  born  with  ;  or 
^  if  they  do,  yet  the  man  is  commended,  and  hath  a  Name  to  live  w!  en  indeed 
he  is  dead ,  and  fo  this  ferves  the'  turn,  and  though  fee  comes  in ,  yet  they 
fhall  do  well  enough  with  him,  though  indeed  they  herein  have  but  a  wolf  by  the 
ears. 

]  ^.  In  regard  of  Hypocrites  themfelves,  who  muft'be  like  thcmfelves^  ever  to 
a61:for  their  own  ends,  for  they  ever  have  an  evil  eye  ;  now  it  makes  for  their 
ends,  zo  joyn  themfelves  to  the  pureft  Churches  of  the  Lord  Jefus. 

I.  Sometimes  it  makes  for  their  honour:  Hence  you  know  the  Church  of 
Sardis  loft  her  power  of  life,  for  that  is  a  burden,  yet  kept  their  name  to  live,  for 
that  is  an  honour.  For  if  men  live  out  of  Church-FellowlTnip,  that  is  a  great 
fhame,  and  now  they  havelitflelovc  from  Saints;  Indeed  the  wicked  may  ho-, 
nourthem,  but  what  is  that  to  the  honour  of  the  whole  Church?  Who  would 
think  5 W  (houid  have  cared  for  Samuel,  that  dealt  fo  plainly  and  fharply  with 
liim  ?  Yet  Oh  homur  me  before  this  people ;  that's  the  bufineffe.  There  are  ma- 
ny excellent  gifts  Chrift  poures  down  upon  his  Church :  Sitnon  believes  alfo^ABs  8. 
and  would  give  any  money  for  thofe  gifts,  that  he  might  bewondredat,  as  he 
.was  before.  A  man  feeing  others  gifts,  and  the  love  they  have  thereby,  even  a 
Stmm  may  defire  fuch  gifts,  and  a  mighty  power  of  Grace  to  animate  thofe  ^ifts, 
and  wowld  give  any  money  for  this,  that  he  may  be  vvondred  at.  Some  refmed, 
poliiKed  Spitits  fcqm  honour  of  bafe  men  ;  anc  ':  nee  filK  for  it  elfc-wherc. 
,  2 .  Their  gain  ,  'tis  ftrange  that  Judas  follows  Chrift  for  the  bagg,-  that  was  fg 
poor,  yet  he  did,until  he  faw  after  three  years  and  ahalf  waitin'g,fo  little  came  in. 
So  'tis  ftrange  men  fhould  feek  to  joyn  to  poor  Churches  for  that,yet  they  do  and 
will  fo  long  as  they  have  any  lots  to  give,  or  purfes  to  lend  ,  or  hearts  to  take  care 
and  provide  for  thofe  that  are  joyned  to  them.  You  fhall  have  many  poor  Chriftian 


117 


Reafi' 


ReafS' 


CL3 


men,' 


n8 


The^^  arable  of  the 


Reaf  4. 


\Rcaf.S' 


men,  ch.u  be  but  kind  and  bountitul  to  them,  you  may  lead  them  into  any  errors, 
citch  [hem  at  your  \  le^ilure  with  a  filver  hook,  until  they  fee  their  giin  grows  lictle 
and  refpect  Iclle,  and  then  they  fall  off. 

3.  Their  comfort  for  union  to  the  Church  of  God,  i .  Covers  their  iin,and  hideg 
it  from  the  eye?  of  the  world.  Theeve>  walk  without  fufpition  in  true  men?;  compa- 
nics,and  thus  they  make  the //i!'»/^<'/ Pr^'ifT  ^Den  ofTkeeves^  and  this  is  fome 
comfort.  For  Hypocrites  if  they  can  carry  it  cleverly  that  none  fee,  though  God 
fee  'tis  no  matter.  Ix.  will  not  be  thought  that  a  Member  of  a  Church  dares  do 
fuch  a  wickednefl'e,  yet  fo  it  is  fometime^.  2.  Comforts  their  conscience  in  their 
I  fin;  men  love  their  lufts,  but  what ,  no  refped^t  to  Ordinances  of  Chrift  ?  yes,  and 
fo  confcience  is  quiet,  and fm lives  too,  Jer.j,  3.Becaufethere  is  much  com^ 
fore  in  Gods  Ordinances,and  in  attending  on  God  there,notonly  verbal,but  the  vi- 
fible  Gofpel  is  fweet,  the  Sacraments :  hence  they  joyn  themfelvcs  as  in  Joh^s 
Miniftry,  Tou  rejoiced  for  a  feafon  ^  nor  only  in  Chrifl:,  but  in  communion  of 
Saints ,  efpecially  in  dangerous  times ,  that  a  man  fc.irs  the  judgem.cnts  of  God 
will  coT.e  in  thofe  places  where  ever  they  live  without  them.  And  now  they  arc 
quiet  when  got  into  the  Cities  of  the  Levite>,from  the  purfuer  of  blood. 

4.  In  regard  of  the  Saints  themfelvcs. 

Hrft,  There  is  feen  many  times  a  Divine  Majcfty  and  excellency  in  them, 
W^ich  haih  a  drawing  vertiie  with  it ,  that  many  out  of  refpeil  tothar,clofe  with 
them,  as  Gen,  16. 27,  28.  God  makes  Balaam  to  fee  Jfraels  glory  in  his  Tents,  and 
he  cannot  curfe  fif  he  might  have  all  the  world  j  but  muft  blcfs  them. 

Secondly,  There  is  much  charity  which  thinks  no  evil,  that  where  they  fee 
evils,  they  cover  them  ;  where  there  is  but  little  good  appearing,  they  hope  there 
is  more  than  they  fee ,  the  Kings  DaHghter  being  all  glorious  veithin. 

Thirdly,  There  is  a  fpirit  of  humility  in  them,to  think  others  that  appear  fair  bet- 
ter than  themfelvcs,until  God  difcovers  them,  efpecially  if  they  ars  yet  unfeded. 

Fourthly,  A  fpirit  of  delire  to  have  all  as  near  the  Lord  as  they  can,  and  though 
there  be  evils  in  them,yet  rhcy  hope  that  will  make  them  better. 

5.  From  the  Lord  himfelf:  who  hath, 
Firft,Refervedthisexa6lfeparationasonepartof  his  own  glory  at  his  Second 

coming :  Then  he  (hall  fcparate  fheep  and  Goats. 

Secondly ,  Becaufc  fome  arc  very  ferviceable  to  his  Church,  and  fo  to  Chri0,  as 
Caput  foliticHm,hoth  in  regard  of  outward  means  of.fubfirtance  ,  and  alfo  with  edi- 
fying gifts :  hence  into  his  Family  he  will  let  them  come,  bei'j.g  fervants^  and  like 
Cctrriers  that  carry  anothers  money  and  wealth  to  him ,  and  then  turns  them  out 
of  doors. 

Thirdly,  Becavfeof  a  certain  real,  yet  not  thorow  work  of  the  Lord  ,  whereby 
he  draws  them  to  fome  fellowfhip  with  the  Church,  the  Members,  and  feme 
kind  offeIIow(hip  with  his  Son;  yet  it  not  being  a  thorow  cfte(5^i'al  Almighty 
drawing,they prove unfound,  Joh» 6.6^. 

Fourthly ,  That  the  Lord  might  manifeft  the  exceeding  greatnefs  of  his  wrath 
in  fome,  for  Gods  lai^  end  in  all  the  wicked  is  to  fbew  the  greatnefle  of  it,  ^om>9» 
21,22.  yet  in  fome  more  than  others :  and  hence  raifeth  them  up  in  the  Church 
to  great  eminency  of  profcflion,  and  parts ,  and  honour ,  that  all  the  Saints  alfo 
may  admire  Gods  Grace  to  themfelvcs  the  more,  that  when  Tm  in  the  fields  one 
jhould  be  taken ,  another  left ,  that  they  fliould  fit  in  the  faitie  feats ,  and  yet  fome 
called,others  left,  and  of  them  that  are  called  to  leave  many,  and  love  me,and  that 
men  of  great  parts,  and  I  a  poor  fimplc  one  to  chufc  fuch  a  bafe  thing,  to  confound 
the  wife,  the  mighty.  But  as  it's  faid  o£  Pharaoh  ,  what  meant  all  the  miracles  ? 
all  the  humblings  of  heart  ?  and  yet  he  would  not  let  them  go  .•  For  this  caufe  have 
I  raifed  thee  up  ,  Exod.g.  16,  Of  all  that  thotthafi  given  me  (^3\zhChni\)  not  one 
is  loft  5  ht :  the  Son  of  Perdition  ,  that  the  Scripture  might  be  fulfilled.     So  here. 

SECT.' 


tenVirgins Opened  and  Applied. 


SECT.    IV. 

THis  ferves  ro  clear  us  in  this  Country  from  a  foul  afperfion  chat  is  caft  our  r 
the  mouths  of  Pulpirg  upon  us,  chat  we  hold  the  Churches  of  Chrilt  to  hwp 
noHypocmesm  them.  We  anfvver,  that  though  if  Hypocrites  could  beopenlv 
and  Ecclefiafiically  difcerned,  they  {hould  not  be  received  in,  nor  V^ot  in  bee  r 
matter  fit  to  ruine  a  Church  are  not  fit  to  make  a  Church  :  yet  we  fay  cher  "  M 
beTaresandWhe.it,cherewillbechaffandcorn,  there  will  be  wife  and  foJlIfv 
Virgins,  there  will  be  good  and  bad  mingled  together  in  the  Churches  unr\\  XI 
worlds  end.  "^  "-"^ 

To  the  Watch-men  of  the  Churches :  nay  to  all  thic  profefTe  themfelve^  ro  b 
their  Br^threns  keepers  ;  to  all  thit  are  wife-hearted  Virgins    nor  m  i,.,;/V 
charity  too  far,  it  s  a  precious  l^race ,  and  you  have  little  enough  for  them  thir 
fincere,  but  to  bear  a  jealous  heart ,  and  to  labour  for  a  quicf  d'Tcernina  eveT 
find  out  them  that  will  mingle  themlelves  among  you.    This  was  the  commend. 
t:oii  and  honour  of  the  EphefJans,   Rev.  2.  2.  I  confelie  it's  a  fmful  extream  to  r 
down  all  the  Virgins  as-fooliili ,  when  there  be  Five  mfe,     Satan  will  feek  ro 
break  he  bond  of  Brotherly-love  by  fowing  falfe  reports,  and  horrible  fuLvi 
ons:  and  tis  a  hard  tmng  foTiFanl  afrer  the  Lord  h^th  wrapt   him  up  ro    h 
Third  Heaven  in  Revelations,  not  to  bepuftup  ,  and  in  feeincr  himfe'f  at      W*^ 
ftance  from  other  men,  not  to  defrife  and  condem.n  them  that^have  not  rifen  f 
high  as  he,  efpecially  in  a  difcontented  fpirit  nothing  vvill  pleafe  them      A  f  If 
heart  when  he  fees  m.ore  than  others  as  he  thmks,  now  thinks  hiahly  of  himfeff 
fomegr^ar  reformer  of  Churches  and  world,efpedal!y  if  n:.en  of  fhallow  heads-and 
hence  fuch  do  cenfure  and  condemn  all  that  do  not  maanifie  them    and  reve 
thdr  Judgements,  and  the  duft  of  their  feet.    And  yet  'tis  another  finful  ext'rTam 
to  fvvallow  down  all  flies  that  be  m  the  cup,  and  to  think  too  charitably  of  evm 
onethatdothprofefle.  Chi  dren  that  have  no  children  thenfelves,  will  make 
children  ofclouts,  and  then  love  them;  and  hence  many  a  foul  lies  ble  "•  a 
death  becaufe  they  have  fuch  tender  F-ien^s  as  will  not  iearch  the  n    An'^'fA^  U^ 
not  but  matiy  in  Hell  may  fay.  Oh  that  I  ftiould  live  among  fuch  and  fuch    Id 
they  never  deal  faithfully  with  me.  °  '  *"'^ 

Ifamafjwalkj^mrly-ifhouldlcenfurehmi?.  ' 

No,  but  y&c  maintain  a  holy  jealoufie  ove-*  them,a5  P  w  d\A  nv^r  rh^^  j  t- 
This  ftands  with  love,  as  it  was  with  Joi>  ck  1 .  5.  As  ^kwkhclf      -  ^''^ff'T'' 
to  cut  to  the  quick.    Love  them  becaufe  they  appear  to  be  Ch^^r'^'T  "  V'^" 

be  that  hid  which  w's  never  yecfeen.  «*ui'- uic^c  may 

1 .  It  may  be  thou  maifl  fnve  a  foul,  and  thev  will  lovp  thf>^  .  ^,.  ^tr    l     ^   . 
:clear  juftice  by  being  a  wirneffe  agomit  then.    ^  "'^  '  °'  '"^  ^''°"  ^'^ 

2.  'Tisthechiefwork  for  Chrift  here,  thefebeinannnrnnK^r,^^  - 
to^erchrovv  che  kingdom  of  hypoc„4,  as  well  'Z^'S^^yZI ^^Zl 

3 .  You  will  fave  the  Lord  a  purging  and  cleanfms  time    for  wrf^^n  ru.-n 
geth  not  with  the  Holy  Ghoft  in^?  Saints  and  Ordi^nanc^J^M  &e   I?e« 
I  might  give  rules  for  difcerning  mens  fpirits,  as  cwmwitnnre.  Here 

^  F/V/?  ,  Mark  their  fpeech  for  ^y  thy  r,ords  thou  (halt  be  juftified  and  manv 
times  oneword  Will  giveaght  to  fee  all  as  in  <:'«,  »'M^n  ^ejHjnjiea^  ana  many 
I,  •     I  r       1       »    ^        ,  »    ,  ^ '*^  ^^ 'j^W'*  ■'^^/a.f :  as  with  men  m  a  3- 

byrinth  found  out  by  one  thread.  ^  ^  ^ 

W/y,  Mark  them  that  you  fee  not  grapling  with  Sin  and  Temptation    for  if 
Thrdly ,  Get  thy  felf  to  (land  at  adidance  from  finful  men.fromaU  the  world; 

We 


up 


llfet. 


Ufe  2. 
Of  Advice. 


ObjeH, 
Anfw. 


IZ 


K4. 


'oe 


i 


or  tm 


t'beoQielves «  bur  ftatidins  iafc  onihoi^ 


As  men  chat  are  in  r he  vvaier  look  only  to  I 
they  fee  others  drowning:   I  ip-e.ik  thisfi 


ihecmiQ  I  fear  the  Churches  are  h  bufie  about  their  own  things,  that  iheir  waxcii  is 
I  Slot  kept  i  if  they  fee  no  grofle  Cm  then  all  is  well . 

j  HefiiGe  be  not  oifend^d ,  if  you  fee  great  Cedars  f.ili ,  ^^'''-rs  fall  from  Heaveiij 
[great  Prof  eflbrs  die  and  decay:  i.  Do  not  think  ib^y  be  all  fiich.  2.  Donor' 
icfaink  die  Elec^fh all  fall  Truly  fome  are  fiith,  thai  vvben  they  fall,  one  would 
I  daink  a  man  truly  fanilifed  might  fall  away,as  the  ^rmlma^^s  think,  1  Johi  2.,  i^» 
i  Thj  wrre  mt  of  ms  %  I  fpeak  this  becaul-e  the  Lord  is  fliakirg^^nd  Mook  for  great'; 
\  Apoftacies  towards ,  for  God  is  trying  ail'  his  Friends  through  all  the  chriiHcTii 
I  world  I  in  Gtrmmny  what  profeffion  was  there  ?  who  would  ha^  e  ihovght  it  ?  The 
I  Lord  who  delights  10  mj.nifefi  thatof  enly  which  was  hid  lecretly ,  fends  a  fword^- 
\^nA  ttieyfall';  others  in  other- pi  aces  receive  the  Woid  with  joy  ,  the  Lord  fends 
I  Psrfccutionj  and  fearing  men  more  than  the  filth  of  f^n,,  and  anger  of  Chriii ,  tbey^ 
fall  I  others  fland  it  out  there,  and  ft,£er  and  venture  hither ,  and  Jfacl-ar-l'ikQ  fee' 
relHs  gc-3d,and  croucii  under  their  burdens ,  andfo  ihey  fall.  Others  have  had' 
[fwcetneffein  Ordinances,  the  Lord  departs ,  and  fo  tbcy  falL ,,  Others  have  cor- 
!-mp£  hearts ,  and  received  the  caith  in  the  form,  not  in  Icye  ,  and  flood  in  defer cc 
pf  the  truth-,  not  love  of  the  truth,  the  Lord  lets  errour  loofe,and  they  fall.  Well,'! 
never  be  offended  at  this,  I  am  not,  becaiifelnever  knew  man  fall  but  he  lo\^d 
iiiftjand  was  never  broken  from  fin  ,  and  although  this  is  not  feen  when  they: 

; fall, it  offends  not  me. 

Oh  therefore  fearch  your  own  hearts :  when  Ghrift  faid  to  the  Difciples  me  jhall 
i£^  Lm-d  is  k  Jf  fay  they  t  fo  when  not  one  ,  but  many,  Lord is  it  1^ 
on  many  a  cbriffian  lies  fyft  afleep,  never  com.es  to  a  thorow  fearch ,  a  flri^t- 
watclic    Do  but  confider  this :  1.  That  in  Churches ,  nay  purell  Churches  many- 
may  lye  Md  not  difcerned,     2.  Thoumaiftbeone.     3.  Ifthoubeefl,  thatof  alJ 
men  living  none  fhall  fo  deeply  fink  in  Hell.    4.  That  all  Ordinances  ihall  tend 
mthh  end,  and'all  thy  joyes,  all  thy  afiflidliens  :  and  therefore  Oh  fearch  before,: 
tlie  Lord  fearch,  and  fay.  Lord,  as  no  mans  punilliments  and  plagues  can  be  like 
mme,nor  iins,  if  I  perilb/o  if  pardoned,  loved,  never  any  {hall  have  fuch  caiife  t© 
blefle  thee* and  therefore  take  not  up  vvith  weak  and  groundleffe  hopes,butlove  tbat  | 
laand  that  fmites  and  wounds  thee ,  for  this  difcovery  is  to  awaken  thee:  but  you 
feave  fo  much  bufineffe  you  will  nor,  cannGt,c^<;.  Confider  what  a  fearfuLthi  ng  'tis 
to  be  hung  up  as  for  a  "azin^-ftock  to  Saints^fo  an  everlafting;  terror  to  the  damned 
tnemfelvcs=  ^ 


CHAP, 


tenVirgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


CHAP.   XIII. 


Qont dining  a  T>ifco'very  of  ^of pel-Hypo- 


crites. 


SECT.     I. 


Goffel 


are 


T  Hat  the  mofi  hidden  hjfocr'ites  of  the  furefi  Churches  Uf^d^r  the 
Evangelical-,  or  Gof^el  Hypocrites, 
Forthcfechkt  were  fooliih  were  nor  fuch  as  in  appearance  refted  in 
the  Law,  or  in  a  Covenant  of  Work":;,  but  they  had  efcaped  thofe  intan- 
glemenrs,  and  now  were  Virgins  that  plead  their  intereft  in,  and  their  commu- 
nion and  fellow iTiip  ,  and  love-knot  with  Chrift ,  they  had  now  their  Lamps  rea- 
dy, and  made  much  preparation  for  him  ,  and  they  did  wait  for  him  ,  and  verily 
looked  to  h  we  ecernal  fellowibip  with  him  their  Beloved ,  infomuch  that  they 
took  their  flight  fo  high  towards  Heaven  and  Chrift,  that  they  pafled  for  a  time  the 
difcerning  of  the  wife  :  for  you  muilknow  that  where  the  Gofpel  comes,therc  are 
'  two  forts  of  enemies  againft  it. 

1.  Open,  and  thofe  are  your  Jufticiaries ,  thatfeeking  to  eftablifh  their  own 
righteoufneffe ,  and  being  puifed  up  with  it,  can  with  pretended  good  confcien- 
c^  in  doing  God  fervice,  oppofe  the  righteoufneife  of  God, 

2.  Secret  and  fub til  enemies,  yet  fceming  Friends ,  and  thefe  are  your  carnal 
Gofpellers  that  cry  down  all  their  own  righteoufnefle,  and  cry  up  Chrirt,  and  fee 
nothing  in  thcmfelves,  as  there  is  good  caufe  fo  to  think  ,  and  look  for  all  from 
Chrift ,  and  yet  thefe  when  the  Lord  comes  to  fearch  are  found  falfe ;  and  thefe 

i  are  the  worms  that  grow  in  this  wood,  in  this  building,  in  thefe  Churches.     Thus 
it  was  in  Chrifts  time,  the  Church  of  the  Jews  had  left  their  groffe  idolatries ,  yet 
this  was  their  ftumbling-ftonc ,  they  fought  toeftabiilli  their  own  righteoufneffe, 
,  and  hence  he  cime  to  his  own,  and  his  own  received  him  nor,  and  hence  were  cut- 
off for  this  their  unbelief,but  others  (divers  forts  of  themj  did  receive  him,belee- 
vedin  him,  John  2.  2g.  Many  took  hold  on  Chrift,  and  he  took  no  hold  on  them, 
:  wondred  at  him,  and  entertained  him  when  others  did  reje6l  him,  as  Capermum 
■  did,  yet  under  his  vvoe.     And  thefe  arc  the  fpots  of  Evangelical  purity,  wenns  in 
s  the  belt  bodies  of  thcbeft  conftituted  Churches.    Look  but  upon  Chrifts  own  Fa- 
mily: J*^«5. 69,70.  The  Difciples  profefled  when  others  departed,  Lord.,  to 
rphomjhould  we  go  ?  thou  hafi  words  of  life  ;  yet  faith  he,  Ihavechofen  you  indeed  to 
be  for  me.,  but  one  is  a  devily  viz.  Judas  the  Deacon  flood  not  on  his  own  righteouf- 
nefTcbut  was  for  Chrift,and  followed  him,  and  yet  in  this  Evangelical  Angel  with- 
out, is  a  Devil  within,  becaufe  he  ftill  harboured  his  lufts  within.  This  the  Apoftle 
Paul  fore-faw,  AHs  2  0.29, 3  o.  Some  Wolves  without  ftiould  come,  and  alfo  fom.e 
cankers  within  ftiould  fret,that  fhould  draw  manyDifcipIe?  afrer  theni(in  a  Church 
bought  by  Cbrifts  own  blood)  fpeakingperverfe  f/?/;z^^,prerending  CO  draw  Difciples 
af  er  Chrift,but  'tis  indeed  after  themfelves;  and  PWlam.ents  i\\i?..,Mafiy  walkj.e. 
profeffc  Chrift  and  his  Croffe,  yet  enemies  to  it ,  Phil.  ?.  ip.     This  Chrift  fore- 
rels,  Luke  1 3 .2  5,26.  Many  feek,  m.any  knock,  and  zx.  laft  cry  Lord^Lord open,  and 
in  their  life-time  they  pleaded  communion  with  Chrift,yet  Depart  ye  workers  ofim-\ 
equity.  Jude^.  Certain  men  ate  crept  in  turning  Grace  into  Lafclvioufnefle ;  for 
that  is  the  very  form  of  an  Evangelical  hypocrite ,  in  denying  his  own  righteouf-i 
neile ,  to  eftablilli  his  fm ,  'tis  advancing  Chrift  to  advance  his  Luft.  The  Epittles 

R  of 


111 


Obferv.  2. 


IZZ 


"The^  arable  of  the 


Reaf.i 


[Rea[»2, 


ite/.3. 


oi  James  and  John  are  ancidoces  againlt  this  kind  of  poyfon,and  I  look  on  thcni  as 
lamps  hung  up  to  diicover  chefc  men  ,  not  but  that  thcle  men  arc  indeed  under  a 
covenmt  of  Works ,  for  there  be  but  two  forts  of  men ,  and  two  ends  of  all  men, 
hence  but  Two  Covenants;  hence  thofe  that  are  not  indeed  under  Grace ,  are  un- 
der the  Law, and  under  theCurfe  ;  butbecaufe  themoft  fubdl  hypocrites  appear 
or  fcem  to  be  under  Grace,  and  their  external  operations  are  chiefly  Evangelical, 
hence  I  call  them  Evangelical  Hypocrites. 


I 


SECT.    II. 

N  regard  of  the  power  of  the  Word  and  Gofpel  of  life  and  fpirit  in  fuch  Chur- 
ches: For  the  Gofpel  whete  it  comes, as  it  advanceth  the  glorious  and  everlaiHng 
righteoufneffe  of  Chrift ,  fo  it  knocks  under-foot  all  mans ,  as  a  m.eans  fubfervient 
to  that  end,  and  it  coming  with  power  and  light ,  it  would  be  too  grolTe  for  Hy- 
pocrites to  maintain  life  by  WorKS :  hence  Chrift  is  that  which  they  look  unto;for 
Chrift  when  he  preached,  not  only  many  believed  becaufeof  his  Miracles ,  hut 
when  they  heard  his  Word  ■>  Jehn^.^o,  Mat.  it,.  In  the  Parable  of  the  Sower,thc 
Word  came  with  much  power,  that  they  received  it  with  joy,  and  did  believe,but 
fell  by  their  Lufts.  And  look  as  'tis  vvich  the  Sun,  there  comes  light  and  heat  with 
it,  fo  there  comes 

1 .  Truth  to  the  mind ,  and  conquers  the  judgements  of  Hypocrites,  that  there 
is  no  life,  good,  righceoufnelfe,  but  in  Chrift,  nor  falvation  but  by  Chrift. 

2.  There  comes  fomegoodnefle  of  the  Gofpel  to  the  heart ,  that  men  hearing 
and  feeing  Salvation  wrapt  up  there,  Oti  that  is  fweet  and  good  /  and  hence  their 
affe6tions  and  hearts  are  in  fome  meafure  conquered  by  the  power  of  the  ovcr- 
dazeling  truth  ,  and  hence  Hypocrites  being  thus  conquered,  partly  being  of  this 
opinion ,  partly  tafting  fome  good  of  it ,  defire  it  out  of  felf-love,  expe6t  it  ©uc  of 
fclf-delu(ion,and  profefle  themfelvcs  Virgins  outof  thefe  Principles. 

In  regard  of  the  power  of  Evangelical  examples  in  the  five  wife  Virgins :  for 
look  as  'tis  with  living  men  when  the  Sun  ftiines  upon  their  heads ,  they  caft  their 
ftiadows  that  follow  them ;  fo  when  the  Lord  Jefus  fhincs  upon  the  fouls  of  his 
own  people,  almoft  every  honeft  ftncere-hearted  man  will  caft  his  Ihadow  that 
will  be  like  him ;  hence  Hypocrites  in  thofc  Churches  which  are  comm,only  rather 
led  by  example  than  by  rule,  will  be  very  like  them ,  and  imitate  them  :  if  they 
ftiould  not,what  communion  could  they  have  with  them,  or  what  love  could  they 
receive  from  them  ?  for  there  is  a  mighty  power  in  eminent  examples  to  over- 
bear Hypocrites,  that  if  they  will  turn  thenafelves  into  any  form,  theymuft  into 
theirs ,  as  in  Jeafh :  for  there  are  two  things  in  the  carriage  of  the  Saints. 

1 .  TThere  is  a  condemning  power  in  it ;  hence  men  fear  to  live  unlike 
them. 

2,  There  is  a  winning  vertue  in  it,  an  attractive  vertue  ;  hence  men  endea- 
vour to  be  and  live  like  them,  to  be  of  the  fame  mi»d,  the  fame  heart  with  them: 
and  hence  others  take  them,  and  they  take  themfelves  to  be  ftncere,  and  hence 
they  are  Evangelical  Gofpel  Hypocrites  that  lye  hid  in  thefe  Churches :  Hence 
Zach.  8.23.  Manj  Jhall  take  hold  ef  a  Jem  skirt  (  I  doubt  not  but  fome  falfe 
ones,)  we  have  heard  God  is  with  joh.  And  as  Chrift  when  lifted  up  and  rifenjfo 
Saints  draw  Hypocrites  to  them. 

Becaufe  the  Gofpel  brings  thic  grcateft  and  fwceteft  confolations  VTith  it.  Hence 
a  man  under  the  terrour  of  the  Law ,  and  fence  of  curfc  for  his  (in  ,  will  make  his 
laft  refuge  hither,  dnd  hide  himfelf  under  the  wing  of  the  Gofpel ,  not  fo  much  out 
of  love  to  Chrift,  or  Gofpel,  but  becaufe  they  ferve  his  turn  ,  and  give  him  eafe. 
Like  men  fcorchcd  with  heat,  and  almoft  ready  to  die,  the  fhadow  of  a  Tree  is  now 
very  comfortable,  and  therefore  there  they  fit ;  fo  thefe :  Or  as  men  with  fcalded 

arms 


""^     ~  ten  VirginsOpened  and  Applied. 

arms,  they  put  ihem  into  vvaccr,  which  gives  them  eafc,  no  cure;  butbccaufe  it 
gives  them  c.Ue ,  there  they  keep  them  ,  fo  here :  Men  have  been  fcalded  with 
wrath.  Oh  now  Gofpel  is  very  r»veet,  and  Co  are  eafcd  b«' it ,  never  cured  by  ir. 
Therefore  here  you  tliall  find  them  difclaimall  Works ,  and  cry  up  Grace  only; 
where  the  purclt  Churches  arc,  there  are  uiually  great  awakening-? ,  there  God  is 
very  near  men,  and  made  molt  manifert  to  mens  coniciences,  and  there  arc  mo{t 
foul-pbgues,  contempt  of  the  Spirit  of  Grace  ,  and  hence  vnoA  dreadful  torments 
ofconfcience,  and  fearful  lookings  for  of  Judgement.  Now  hence  it  comes  to 
piflfc  whenChrirt  is  offered,and  general  notice  given  to  mens  minds,  that  yet  there 
is  hope  and  merq  for  greaE  Tinners ,  this  fills  them  with  ;oy  and  peace,  as  Johm 
hearers,  Jokn  5.35-  and  hence  they  beleeve  as  the  ftony  ground  that  had  lome 
plowing,  and  hence  received  the  Word  with  joy  and  believed  ,  Pfalm  66, 3 .  It's 
a  Prophecy  of  the  Kingdom  of  Chrill:,  Antichrili  he  tormented  the  conicicnccs  of 
men,  iJfz/.p.  Men  have  no  peace  within  or  without.  Luther  \s  raifed  up,  and 
preachcch  theDo6lrine  of  Free  Grace ,  which  a  world  ofm.cn  looking  to  their  tii^^ 
others  in  truth  receive  it ;  for  fome  time  before  his  death  he  cries  to  God  that  he 
may  not  live  to  fee  the  ruincs  that  were  coming  on  Germany  for  their  contempt . 
The  Law  h  the  Minirtry  of  Death  ,  theGofpelpropourids  great  priviledges,  with 
much  more  fweetnciie  to  Tinners,  and  hence  hither  men  fly. 

4.  Becaufe  the  Gofpel  yields  the  faircft  Colours  for  a  mans  (loath,  and  ftrong- 
eft  props  for  that.  Hence  you  lliall  fee  them  walking  in  this  garden.  For  the 
latt  fin  God  conquers  in  a  man  is  his  floath.  When  the  fwine  have  no  fwill  to 
eat,  yet  you  fliall  find  them  in  the  mire  of  floath;  t^is  Jlaies  the  fiolljh.  Hence  r 
the  bcft  Hypocrite  will  plead  the  Gofpel,  its  croublcfom  totheflefh,  to  bear  a 
daily  fenfe  of  the  fms  and  wants  of  the  fOuI.  ;  Hence  you  fliall  hxvQ  Caper»aht» 
receive  Chrilt,  and  wonder  at  his  Do6i:rine;  andyet  Chrift  upbraids  them,  f% 
repeated  ftot,  Mat.iT-.'^o.  Its  troublefom,  nay  impolfible  for  a  man  to  break  his 
chaincs  and  get  his  foul  loofed  from  his  lutts,  and  free  for  the  Lord.  The  Gofpel 
ihcws  all  fulnefs  in  Chritt,&:  that  he  muft  do  all,a  floathful  falfe  heart  theref  re  clo- 
feth  with  Chrilt  as  the  end^but  ncgle61:s  him  in  the  means.  Why  ?  Chri[l  mull  do 
ail,  fay  they,  and  hence  if  Chrirt  do  drop  upon  their  hearts,  well  and  good,  if 
not,  'tis  Chrifts  fault,  he  is  a  hard  Mafter  that  gathers  where  he  did  not  fow,  and 
hence  wrap  it  up.  A  mans  falfe  heart  is  weary  of  the.  yoke  of  Chrirt,  and  hence 
would  fain  be  eafed  of  it.  Now  the  Gofpel  promifeth  liberty  from  the  bondage 
and  curfc  of  the  Law,  and  a  floathful  heart  can  find  out  reafons  to  freehimielf 
ftomtheRuleofit,  as  part  of  Chriftian  liberty,  this  Is onr  Liberty  in  Chrifi  Jefm^ 
2  Pet.^.i9.  And  they  rejoyce  exceedingly  that  the  Law  is  dead,  as  they  did, 
Rev.ii.io.  for  the  death  of  the  v^ritneffcs,  becaufe  they  tormented  them  .•  I 
fay  again,  they  rejoyce  not  becaufe  the  Lord  makes  them  like  himfelf,  and  be- 
cauleof  his  Image  reftored  by  the  Gofpel,  and  becaufe  they  feelthepowerof  ir^ 
but  becaufe  they  are  free  from  the  power  of  ir.  Its  an  old  deceit,  yetfubtil,  to 
rejoyce,  and  love,  and  bleffe  Chrift,  becaufe  he  will  pardon  fin,  though  I  lie  and 
live  in  them.  Or  if  they  do  not  free  themfelvcs  from  it,  the  Gofpel  fliews  the 
Law  within  clofing  with  the  Law  without,  to  be  an  evidenc<2  the  Lord  will  not 
impure  it,  and  that  *tis  not  therefore  they,  but  fin  in  them.  Hence  a  floathful 
heart  will  continue  in  his  floath,  and  to  cafe  himfelf  of  trouble  for  fin  and  obedi- 
ence too,  fay,  'tis  not  he,  but  fin.  And  hence  Armimus  makes  a  ftrangc  inter- 
pretation of  Rom. J.  BecaufC'he  law  German  Profcffours  plead  that  for  thcmfelves. 
The  Ifraetites  entred  not  into  Canaan^  unbelief  caufed  it :  And  why  did  that  fliut 
them  out  ?  Oh  there  were  walled  Towns  and  difficulties ,  and  this  was  theM 
fiiock,  and  hence  they  fell  off;  fo'tis  ia  Hypocrites  now.  The  fafcft  place  to 
lie  afleep  is  in  Chrifls  Lap. 

5 .  From  the  mighty  cunning  of  Satan,  the  ftrength  of  whofc  Kingdom  is  made 
and  continued  by  peace,  Lnhe  1 1.41.  Hence  he  mltttirn  himfelf  into  an  Ahgel 
R  2  cf 


123 


Keaf  4. 


Reaf.^, 


A 


1X4 


"The^F  arable  of  the 


fe  I, 


&f  light,  andfuftermen  to  goto  Chrill  and  GofpeljCO  avoid  the  ie;irch,  chat  they 
may  be  Chriftsin  appeirance,  and  his  indeed,  2  Cor .4.4.  He  huh  .i  mighty 
power  over  men  to  blind  chem :  For  there  be  three  things  which  trouble  metiu- 
fualiy,  and  make  them  quelUon  their  eltatcs,  and  the  Gofpcl  quiets  and  abfolves 
them  from  all. 

1 .  Confciencc,  that  cries  dolefully  fometimes,  thefe  flus  fhall  h;ive  thefe  woe?. 
Yes,  unleffc  I  believe ;  but  I  believe,  and  truft  to  Chrift ,  and  flee  to  Gods 
Mercy. 

2.  Miniftry,that  cries  and  fearche:h  into  the  deepeft  windings  of  mens  hearts, 
tliac  mai  cannot  but  fee  that  Chrift  hath  eve^  of  flaming  fire  to  fee  through  them. 
Now  hence  men  avoid  the  ftroke  and  power  of  all  Miniftry,  thus  it  is  with  m:C, 
thus  it  will  be  with  me,  but  I  believe  and  truft  to  Chrift.  And  hence  men  beat 
back  like  Brazen  Walls  all  Blowes. 

3.  Gods  judgment-feat.  What  though  men  fee  you  not,  yet  God  fectk 
Why,  they  have  iinned  they  confeife,  but  Chritt  hath  fuffered,  they  have  (inncd, 
but  they  truft,  ere.  Micah3.11.  Is  not  the  Lord  among  ml  Look  as  it  was 
with  'joab^  ke  runs  to  the  Horns  of  the  Ahar^  yet  there  he  perifheth,  there  he  would 
die,  there  was  the  lafl  refu-ge  from  fearch  and  death,  fo  here. 


SECTt    iir. 

HEncedo  not  think  your  eflaces  good,  becaufc  you  look  oiaIy,for  jufiificatloB 
by  Chrift,  and  look  only  to  Gods  free  Grace,  and  count  of  Grace  in  Chrift, 
Its  a  common  errour  for  men  to  think,  being  they  be  of  this  opinion,  only  10 
look  for  Grace  in  Chrift,  to  think  chat  chereforq  their  eftates  are  fafe,  and  they 
are  juftificd  by  Chrift.  Why  there  may  be  fuch  a  power  of  Word  and  Spirit  to 
conquer  their  judgments  as  tnofePapifts  that  have  been  pleading  againftit,  have 
been  overcome  by  it.  Thou  maift  receive  the  Notions  of  it  in  thy  Head,  hm.  the 
power  of  it  never  into  thy  Heart. 

Obj.i*  But  my  heart  hath  been  afFc6^ed  with  this,  to  fee -when  my  fins  ck- 
fcrve  death;  yet  there  is  mercy  for  the  vilett  in  Chrift. 

\^>7jr)^.  Thou  maift  taft  and  joy,  and  yet  fall  ofir  at  laft. 
I     Obj.io  But  I  have  Fellowiliip  vvith  the  Lord  Jefus. 

Anfys,  Thou  maift  eat  and  drink  in  his  prcfencc, ,  and  yet  be  bid  Depart  .^ 
\Jkf?owyQHnot.y'^wcr'kerofmqmtj!. 

I     Obj.'^*  ViWilh^se.  efcnpedthefoUmimsf  the  )yorld->  2 /'iff. 2. 20.  And  that  through 
I  this  knowledge  of  Chrift,  his  love  hath  much  moved  me  to  part  with  my  ftns. 

An[w.  It  may  be  fo,  and  it  maywafli  thee  from  all  external  pollutions,  and 
yet  thy  fwiniftinature  remain  ftill  hidden  from  thee,  but  feencf  an  all-feeing 
God. 

Ohj.^.  But  Hook  for  Chrift,  and  wait  for  him  and  delirc  him,  and  all  that  arc 
wife  think  well  of  me. 

Anfyv.  You  may  do  all  this,  and  yet  you  may  be  found  foolifh  for  all  this* 
Evangelical  work  which  is  accompanied  with  Salvation  in  fome,  it  may  be  Hypo- 
critical in  tliee:  And  therefore  take  heed  you  do  not  take  ftiews  for  fubftancc* 
For  look  as  in  the  GofpelGods  utmoft  pcrfe<flion  pf  wifdom  and  love  appears,  fo 
the  moft  hidden  and  admirable  dclnfions  of  Satan  are  Evangelical.  There  his  pow- 
«r  is  employed  to  undermine,  and  fo  to  keep  his  head.  Oh  thac  we  could  but 
imagine  andjct  before  our  eyes  the  amazing  condition  of  fuch  a  man/  whol^ 
jplagues  fhall  be  made  wonderful!,  that  hath  been  troubled  with  lin  a  long  time, 
'at  laft  looks  to  Chrift-,  and  there  refts,  and  fo  hears  all  Sermons,  and  there  ftill 
deeps,  and  conftders  often  that  his  waies  are  evil,  but  never  fufpe(?cs  his  Faith  to 
be  evil,  then  he  comes  to  die,  and  then  looks  for  Chrift ;  at  lafl-  the  week  or  fnutf 

dies. 


ten  Vtrgiyis  Opened  and  Applied. 


IZ«J 


dies,  and  Sun  fets,and  darknefle  approachech,  and  then  fuddcniy  flips  into  Hell, 
where  he  fees  Chrill:  aud  Saints  afar  otf :  And  what  hath  deceived  them  ?  Oh  their 
Faith  hath  deceived  them,  to  fee  Chrift  fhaking  them  off  as  du(i  .•  Oh  they  vvifn, 
Oh  that  I  had  known  orfeared  this  before/  and  will  you  not  fear  now?  as  for 
you  prophane  ones  that  can  feoff,  and  drink,  and  break  Sabbaths,  and  live  idIy,your 
judgement  is  writ  upon  your  foreheads :  but  Oh  take  heed  you  that  have  eiCciped 
thefe  pollutions,  left  you  deceive  your  felves  here.  To  iliew  you  that  deceit  parti- 
cularly, it's  not  my  time  yet ,  bur  go  alone  and  think  fadly  of  it ,  I  may  took  for 
juftification  by  Chrill-,  and  wait  for  Chrirt,  and  yet  perifh.  Oh  let  me  be  fure  I 
get  fuch  a  Faith  as  will  not  deceive  m^  here :  Should  not  a  man  you  will  fay  trull 
Chrirt  ?  yes   when   you   can  in   truth ;    but  thy  Truft  may  be  bur  Pre- 


to 
fumprion. 

II.  Take  not  up  therefore  every  Opinion -and  Do(9:rine  from  m.en  ,  or  Anoel 
that  bears  a  fair  iliew  of  advancing  Chrill ,  for  they  may  be  but  the  fruits  of  Evan- 
gelical Hypocrifieand  deceit,  that  bemg  deceived  themfelves,  may  deceive  others 
too,  Mat.'].  15.  Beivare  of  them  that  come  In  Sheep  clothings  in  the  Innocency^ 
parity  J  And  meeknejfeof  Chrifl:  and  his  people,  i^ut  wmardly  are  Wolves  y  proud, 
cruel ,  fenforloHS ,  [peaking  evil  ef  what  they  know  not ;  by  their  fruits  you  Jhall 
know  them.  Do  rot  think  Beloved  that  Satan  will  not  feek  to  fend  deluhons  ,1- 
mong  us,  and  do  you  think  thefc  delufioiis  will  come  out  of  the  Popifli  pack,whofe 
inventions  fmel  above  ground  here  ?  No,  he  mult  come,and  will  come  wiih  more 
Evangelical  fine-fpun  devices.  It'>  aruleobfervedamongjefuitesatthisday  ,'  If 
they  would  conquer  Religion  by  fubtilty  ,  never  oppofe  Religion  with  a  crofle  Re- 
ligion ,  but  fet  icagainft  itfelf ;  fo  oppofe  theGofpel  by  cheGofpel :  and  look  as 
Churchesplcadingfor  Works  had  new  invented  devifed  Works ;  fo  when  Faith 
is  preached,  men  will  have  their  new  inventions  of  Faith ;  1  fpcak  not  this  againft 
the  DoArinc  of  Faith  where 'tis  preached,  but  am  glad  of  it,  nor  that  I  would 
have  men  content  themfelves  with  every  form  of  Faith  ;  for  I  beleeve  that  moft 
triens  Faith  needs  confirming  or  trying,but  I  fpeak  to  prevent  danger  o  t  ih?z  hand. 
Forit  was  that  which  Chrift  did  fore-rell,  Mat,^^.^^.  Many  falfe  chrift s  fhould 
^ife,  t.  e.  fuch  as  lliould  mifapply  Chrift,  that  had  a  fpirit  for  Chrift ,  which  was 
a  fpirit  againft  Chrift,  and  would  deceive  If  it  veere  pofslble  the  very  'EleU ',  for 
coming, with  Chrifts  Spirit,  they  dare  not  oppofe  them ,  left  rhey  oppofe  the  Spi- 
rit of  Chrift ;  the  o\ily  remedy  is  to  hold  to  Chrifts  Word,  and  not  to  depart  one 
hairs bredth  from  it ,  Rev,  3.  10.  and  to  a  Word  well  underftood,  and  then 
difpute  no  more.  Satan  comes  to  Eve^  and  bids  her  eat,  no^  God  forbid ,  yet  eat 
to  be  like  gods ;  He  dazelcd  her  eyes  with  that  which  was  not :  now  fhe  fell. 
Take  the  truth  from  what  the  Word  faith,and  depart  not  from  it. 

III.  Here  fee  the  dreadful  eftate  of  all  them  that  be  found  falfe-hearted  in  the 
\  pureft  Churches,  and  that  in  thefe  three refpe^ls. 

Firft ,  That  they  ftiould  fohorriblyforfake  and  blafpheme  theNameof  God,to 
make  the  glorious  Gofpel  of  God,  and  all  the  fwcet  Doctrines  of  Grace  a  cover  for 
their  hypocrifie  and  fin,  as  indeed  it  is ,  for  were  it  not  for  this ,  they  might  be 
found  out  in  their  fins ,  but  now  they  are  beyond  the  difcovcry  of  all  men  ,  or 
means. 

Secondly ,  That  theyfhould  be  fo  lamentably  forfaken  of  God ,  as  to  be  left, 

1,  To  the  mott  fubtil  and  fpiritual  Hypocrifie  in  the  world  ,^ which  being  moft 
croffe  to  God,  iTiall  receive  m.oft  fierce  and  fcarching  wrath.  For  as  ^Divines  fay 
ofChrift,  he  was  forfaken  inSoul,bccaufeinan  had  finned  with  his  Soul:  foGods 
wrath  will  fearch  deep  in  their  hearts,  whefc  hearts  have  guilefully  departed  from 
the  Lord. 

2.  That  he  fiiould  lead  them  fofar,and  yet  in  the  main  forfake  them;  Oh  this 
is  heavy  wrath,  for  a  man  to  be  lead  in  the  day-light  of  the  Gofpel ,  almoft  to  the 
end  of  his  journey ,  and  at  laft  the  Sun  fets ,  and  he  left  to  wilder. 

R  3  Thirdly,  In 


Ufe  2. 


life  I. 


iz6 


"The  ^^ arable  of  the 


Thirdly,In  regard  of  the  cries  of  the  very  Gofpel  ic  felf  againft  them.Oh  rhac  the 
precious  Gofpel  of  God  coming  withfo  much  Peace,  Love,Grace,  mercy,  fhouid 
win  them  to  be  Hypocrites, but  never  to  be  Friends.  Beloved  as  there  is  vengeance 
of  the  Law,  and  of  the  Temple,  fo  there  is  vengeance  of  the  Gofpel  when  the  foul 
lliall  be  drawn  before  the  Tribunal  of  Chrili ,  and  fhall  fland  there  quaking ,  ail 
fins  fee  in  order  before  you,  and  your  mouth  ihall  be  ftopt.  What  fay  you  ch«5n 
for  your  life  ?  Oh  Grace  and  mercy  Lord,  Oh  now  iTiall  the  Gofpel  come  forth  and 
fay ,  all  this  I  did,  I  fpakc,  I  ilrove,  I  comforted  ,  I  terrified ,  and  yec  he  hath  op- 
pofed  the  Lord,  and  me,  he  hach  made  a  cover  for  all  thefe  evils,  and  therefore 
Lord  let  him  never  be  comforted  more,  J(7^«  3.19.  Oh  Chriit  hath  heavy  things  a- 
gainft  thefe  Times,  that  take  light  of  the  Gofpel  to  fee  to  commie  their  fin  by/ 
And  therefore  lament  your  pi^cfent  elhtes  you  that  know  your  felves  naught,never 
yet  drawn  to  Chrift,  never  yet  humbled  at  the  feetof  Chrirt  ,  and  look  up  to  the 
Lord  what-ever  mifery  heinfii6ls,  not  to  fuffer  thee  ro  be  deceived  here ;  not  on- 
ly to  have  fuch  a  Faith  as  may  catch  hold  on  Chrill,  but  he  on  thee ,  and  come  un- 
to the  light  to  manifell  the  hidden  enmity  cherc.  Never  was  yec  man  deceived, 
but  he  that  was  willing  to  be  deceived,  chat  would  not  ufe  the  means,  and  fearch. 


SECT.  IV. 

ALL  you  therefore  chat  live  under  the  light  of  the  Gofpel ,  confider  if  it  doth 
not  nearly  concern  you  to  fearch  and  try  your  felves  whether  you,  or  fome  of 
you  may  not  be  Evangelical  Hypocrites ;  the  time  is  com.ing  that  you  fhall  ftand 
before  the  Tribunal  of  God ,  wherein  the  hidden  things  of  darknelfe  fhall  be 
brought  forth  to  light ,and  it  will  be  too  late  to  know  your  felves  thenrOh  therefore 
fearch  now.  No  mans  mifery  will  be  fo  great  as  this,  if  your  heart  be  found  falfe.  I 
fhall  fpeak  in  a  manner  but  generally  now. 

I.  Thofe  that  do  believe,  and  yet  fail  in  refpe6t  of  the  efficient  caufe  of  Faith, 
it  never  had  the  right  maker ,  never  came  out  of  the  right  Ihop,  nor  mint ,  it  Wis 
never  a  Faith  of  Gods  making,  but  a  faith  of  your  own  making,  fo  that  it's  a  bafe- 
bafiard  Faith ,  that  though  it  be  born  in  the  Houfe,  it  fliall  never  poffcffe  the  inhe- 
ritance ,  becaufe  it  was  never  begotten  of  the  right  Father,the  Lord  never  wrought 
it,  but  themfelves ,  for  many  a  man  is  convinced  by  the  Law ,  and  fpirit  of  bon- 
dage that  he  muft  die,  and  that  he  is  a  moft  grievous  finner,  and  that  when  he  hath 
done  all  he  is  unprofitable,  but  yet  he  crufts  to  Chrift  ,  and  Gods  mercy ,  and  fo 
believes,  he  finds  no  great  difficulty  in  this,  nor  no  great  need  of  the  Almighty 
power  of  the  Lord  to  work  this,  and  all  men  living  (hall  never  make  him  chink  but 
thic  he  doth  heartily  and  truly  belecvc :  but  ask  him  ,  have  you  no  doubt  of  your 
eitate  ?  and  of  Ghrifts  not  taking  hold  of  you  when  you  take  hold  of  him  ?  Yes,but 
feeing  he  h:ith  been  troubled  about  his  eltace,  and  repented  of  his  fin  (in  his  fafhi- 
on)  and  reformed  himfelf  and  Family ,  and  loves  the  beft  things,  he  believes 
without  queftion ,  and  fomifappliespromifcs  to  himfelf,  never  feeling  a  need  of 
the  revelation  and  donation  of  Jcfus  to  him  by  the  Father;  and  thus  the  Lord  finds 
this  man  a  Chrift,and  this  man  finds  the  Lord  a  Faith,  and  the  Lord  Jefus  redeems 
this  man  by  price,  and  this  man  redeems  himfelf  by  pow£r,and  fo  the  Father  fhall 
have  fome  Glory  for  providing  a  Saviour,  Chrift  fhall  have  fome  Glory  for  paying  a 
price,  and  the  Spirit  of  Chritt  which  only  can  draw  to  Chrift ,  (hall  lofe  his  Glory, 
and  fo  this  man  may  take  it  to  himfelf.  And  is  this  good  think  you  ?  Col.  2.12. 
Rifen  with  Chrlfi  through  Faith  ef  the  operation  of  Gody  i  Pec.  i.  3.  The  fame 
popper  that  raifed  Chrlfi  from  the  dead,  muff-  ralfeyon  to  a  lively  hope.  Mat.22. 
1,2,3.  One  man  came  from  his  hedges  and  High-wayes  to  the  Feaft  of  the  Pro- 
mife,and  Ordinances  of  the  GofpeI,till  the  Lord  faw  him  without  Chrift ;  but  John 
6.  6^^6>y.  tlnlejfe  the  Father  reveals  Chrlfis  face  ,  the  Father perfwadcs thee  of 

Chrifts 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


117 


Chrifts  love  ,  you  can  never  come  to  Chrifi  ,  men  know  not  thy  Hypocrite ,  ihou 
doitnot,butJerusdoLh,  and  what  good  v\ill  thy  Faith  do  thee  then?  It  was  a 
fvveet  Ipeech  of  Chritt,  Thy  faith  hath  favedrhee.  Oh  heavy  when  it  ihall  be 
faid,  thy  Faith  hath  damned  thee  ,  that  which  1  thought  to  be  the  way  of  life,  is 
the  way  of  death  ;  truly  fo  it  will  M  you  do  not  fetch  it  out  of  Heaven. 

II.  Thofe  that  do  beiieve^but  they  fail  in  the  ob je6t, i.e.  they  clofe  with  Chrift, 
but  they  know  not  who  he  is  :  that  as  the  Wonian  o^  Samaria  that  had  fome  look- 
ings  CO  the  Mejjiah^  llie  did  worfnip  whom  ihe  knew  not  :  fo  men  belecve  in  one 
whom  they  know  not,  only  have  heard  the  fame  of.  For  there  are  two  things  in 
theGofpel.  i.  The  outward  words  and  letters.  2,  The  things  contained  in 
rhofe  words :  Hence  there  is  a  double  knowlcdg  of  Chrift. 

I .  A  fantacy  knowledg,  as  a  man  that  hears  of  any  thing  abfent  ^  prefently  fan- 
cies the  thing  in  his  head. 

2.  There  is  an  intuitive  knowledge  whereby  the  foul  doth  hot  only  fee  words  and 

fancies,  but  beholds  the  things  themfelves :  Hence  it  comes  to  palfe  that  many  a 

man  hearing  the  Fame,  and  receiving  the  fancy  of  Chrift,  belceves  in  him,  but  not 

feeing  him  indeed  as  he  is,  therein  he  beleeves  in  one  whom  he  knows  not :  and 

hence  the  Lord  Jefus  may  be  a  hid  thing  to  many  a  man ,  and  the  Gofpel  a  fealcd 

iBook,  thov  gh  he  lives  and  remains  in  the  very  light  of  the  Sun ,.  and  that  all  his 

dales  :   Hence  Chrift  laments  Jerufalem-,  Oh  that  thou  hadfi  knovpn,  but  now  hidjhid  ; 

and  yet  Chrift  Preacht.    "Yes  ,   Dent.  29. 4.  Tofi  have  heard  and  [een  ,  and  yet 

the  Lord  hath  not  given  a  heart  to  fee  to  this  day ;  So  'tis  with  many  a  foul ,  you 

have  heard  with  your  ears  the  great  things  of  the  Kingdom  of  God ,  yet  the  Lord 

hath  not  given  you  eyes  to  fee  ,•  you  have  feen  deliverances  on  Sea,  yet  the  Lord  j 

hath  not  given  you  hearts  to  underftand  .•  and  if  fo,  all  your  Faith  is  naught ,  and 

profeflion  and  affedlion  vile,  and  eftates  miferable,  2  Cor,  3.18.  All  m  with  of  en 

face^^c. 

Bat  many  fee  tt  not  [0. 

I  confeffe  fome  may  fee  more  darkly ,  and  be  mourning  under  it ,  yet  he  that 
doth  not  in  part ,  he  to  whom  it  is  hid,  2  Cor.  4.  3,4.  is  one  of  them  that  be  loft, 
whofef^-f-f  Satan  hath  blinded^  John  6.  45.  He  that  hath  heard  and  karnd  of 
the  Father:  Many  hear,  but  never  learn  of  the  Father  j  hence  never  come  truly 
unto  Chrift;  'tis  in  this  cafe  as 'tis  with  a  Traycor ,  he  comes  to  the  King  for 
his  life,  and  prayes  for  his  Sons  fake ;  the  King  fends  for  him,  and  faith,  here  is 
one  that  beggs  for  your  fake,  do  you  know  him  ?  For  my  fake!  I  wonder  on  what 
acquaintance,  he  is  a  ftranger  to  me,  and  therefore  I  regard  him  not.  So 
here. 

III.  Thofe  that  have  fome  kind  of  fight  of  the  Obje(3:,  and  fee  Chrift,  but 
there  is  a  wound  in  thefubjed^ ,  becaufe  their  Faith  arifeth  and  fprings  out  of  an 
ill  foyl ,  it's  in  fuch  a  party  that  never  was  yet  throughly  rent  from  his  fin  ,  and 
here  is  the  great  wound  of  the  moft  cunning  Hypocrites  living :  for  there  are  two 
things  in  him, 

1.  A  carnal  heart,  which  cannot  be  fati-sfied  with  a  fpiritual  good  with  Chrift  i 
hence  he  muft  have  his  Luft. 

2.  A  convinced  eonfcience,  which  cannot  be  quieted  without  Chrift  and  mer- 
cy; hence  men  clofe  with  Chrift,  and  their  Lufts  too.  Look  as  it  was  with  the 
ftony  ground,  and  thorny  foyl,  they  beleeved,  but  had  a  ftone  at  bottom,  i>ut  roots 
of  bitternefs ,  &c.  Thefe  men  can  fometime  plead  acquaintance  with  Chrift,  Luke 
1 3.  26,  27.  yetworkers  of  inlqmy ,  2  Pet.  2.  19, 26.  Somehad  efcaped  the  pol- 
lution of  the  world ,  that  you  may  do ,  but  a  fwinifh  nature  lafts,  that  they  never 
felt,  or  grew  not  in  the  feeling  of  it ,  and  loofening  from  it:  as  with  Apricock- 
trees  rooted  in  the  earth,  but  leaning  on  the  wall ;  fothey  on  Chrift.  Oh  confi-  , 
dcr  of  this,  let  a  man  be  caft  down  as  low  as  Hell  by  forrow ,  and  lye  under  your  I 
chains,  quaking  in  apprehenfion  of  terrour  to  come ,  let  a  man  then  b€  raifed  up 

to 


Sim  2, 


Obje^i 
Anfwc 


Sign  3' 


IZ 


Sign  4. 


Sk^  5- 


Sign  6, 


The  ^^ arable  of  the 


to  Kciven  in  joy,  not  able  to  live ;  lee  a  man  reform  and  lliinelike  an  earthly  An-I 
gel ,  yet  if  not  rent  from  Lull,  that  either  you  did  never  fee  it ,  or  if  fo,  you  have  I 
not  followed  the  Lord  to  remove  it ,  but  proud,  dogged,  worldly  ,  i^uggiili  ^iill,l 
faife  in  your  dealings,  cunning  in  your  tradings.  Devils  in  your  Families",  image*^ ; 
in  your  Churches :  you  are  obje61s  of  pirty  now,  and  l>all  be  of  terror  at  the  great  \ 
day,  for  where  lin  remains  in  power,  it  will  brimg  Faith  ,  and  Chriil,  and  joy  into  1 
bondage  and  fervice  of  it  feif.  | 

IV.  Tbofe  that  beleeve,  yet  fail  of  faving  Faith  in  regard  of  the  very  a<^  of  be-l 
lecving  and  clofing  with  Chrift,  viz..  they  dole  with  Chriii,  but  'tis  without  a  high  | 
efleem  of  him,  or  love  to  him  ,  they  have  iome  ,  but  right  Grace  confifts  in  a  kind  | 
of  fummity,  or  excellency,  elfe  'tis  not  right,  i  Pet.  1.  5.  To  you  that  beleeve  he 
is  precious,  and  hence  it  comes  j:o  paiTe,  I 

1 .  That  fom.e  never  com.e  to  find  or  enjoy  Chrift ,  becaufc  they  will  not  come  | 
off  to  the  price  of  him.,  to  fell  themfelves  out  of  all  for  him. 

2.  Somefellhimaway  again  in  tim.e  of  Temptation,  like£/^«  that  fold  hisj 
Birth-right,  and  never  make  any  thing  ofit  j  becaufe  the  Bond  is  notftrong  e-j 
nough  down,  they  fall  from  him. 

3.  Hence  comes  all  a  mans  uneven  carriage. 

4.  Kencecom:es  fom.etim.es  the  unpardonable  fin, //(j^.  10.  2p.  Many  a  man 
laies  claim  to  Chrift  and  his  Blood,  and  righteoufnefle,  that  never  knew  the  worcb 
ofit;  and  this  is  Chrifts  complaint  m.e  thinks  in  Heavcn,(and  of  Saints  on  earth  j 

\He  comes  nmo  his  ortn\^  and,  his  own  ejieem  htm  not  ^  his  own  love  him  not,  his 
own  receive  him  notiiiim.  that  is  the  glory  of  Heaven ,  the  beauty  of  the  Father, 
the  delight  of  Saints,  the  wondermicnt  of  Angels,  he  I  fay  is  not  efleemed  by 
many  a  man,  that  in  his  judgement  efteem.s  him. ,  and  in  his  heart  doth  defpifc 
him..  Thereare  two  parts  of  this  efteem.  r.  To,efieemhimonly ,.  J<?y^«  5.44. 
2.  Him  ever  and  a  1  way ,  Ffalm'j^.'^S.  ThoH  art  my  fortion  for  ever^  Many 
fay  they  efteem  Chrift,  but  to  be  ever  loving  him,  ever  looking  on  him,  this  is  ncM: 
their  fram^e.  Oh  think  of  this,  fail  here  of  your  valuing  of  him,  and  you  fail  every 
where. 

V.  Thofe  that  beleeve,  but  they  fail  in  their  end  ;  and  thefc  may  for  awhile  in 
a  hot  fit  prize  Water ,  prize  Chrift  and  mercy  above  all  things  in  the  world ,  but 
their  end  is  naught :  fo  that  men  here  m.ay  ask  and  never  have ,  becaufe  of  their 
Lufts :  As  a  man  that  lies  on  his  death-bed  ,  or  in  a  Sea-ftorm  in  fear  of  Hell,  he 
m.ay  now  prize  and  take  hold  on  Chrift  to  fave  him.  A  man  lies  upon  the  Bed  of 
horrpr  of  heart ,  he  may  prize  Chrift  to  comfort  him,  and  getting  a  conceit  of  it, 
be  wrapt  up  almoft  in  an  extacy  of  joy ,  that  a  man  would  think  he  was  fealed  with 
the  Spirit  of  Chrift,  and  yet  his  end  being  naught,  Chrift  only  to  comfort  him, 
m.ifteth  of  Chrift  in  conclufion  ;  for  when  a  man  beleeves  indeed  ,  he  receives 
Chrift  for  the  end  the  Father  fent  \{\ta,viz..  to  be  King  and  Soveraign  of  the  whole 
man  as  well  as  Saviour.  Ffalm  24.  7.  Ofen  jour  gates  that  the  King  of  Glory  ^&c. 
Rom.  8.  38.  1  am  perfvaded  nothing  jhall  feparate  us  from  the  love  of  Chrijl 
Jeftu  our  Lord 'y  our  Lord  as  well  as  Jefus.  Indeed  John  5.  15.  fome  did  re- 
ceive Chrift  to  be  King,  bur  it  was  that  he  might  be  their  cook,  he  provided  loaves 
for  them  ;  fohere.  ?f aim  66.1^  3.  Becaufe  of  thy  pander  thine  enemies  [hall flat- 
teringly fubmit  :  'tis  but  flattery ,not  Faith ;  look  to  it  therefore. 

VI.  Thofe  that  beleeve,  but  fail  in  regard  of  the  ufe  of  the  Gofpel ,  and  of  the 
Lord  Jefus,  and  thefe  we  read  of,  Jude  3.  viz.oi  fome  men  that  did  turn  Grace 
/W<?  K7«2»/ff^Wj(/> ,  for  therein  appears  the  exceeding  evill  of  a  mans  heart,  that  not 
only  the  Law,but  alfo  the  glorious  Gofpel  of  the  Lord  jefus  works  in  him  all  man- 
ner of  unrighteoufnefie ;  and  'tis  too  common  for  men  at  the  firft  work  of  conver- 
fion ,  oh  then  to  cry  for  Grace ,  and  Chrift,  and  afterward  grow  licentious^.  Jive 
and  lye  in  the  breach  of  the  Law,  and  take  their  warrant  for  their  courfefrom  the 
Gofpel ;  I  jQiall  not  name  all  the  waves  that  men  do  fo,  but  I  will  only  fpeak  that 

which 


ten  Virz^ins  Opened  and  Jpplied. 

which  confciencennd  companion  moves  me  to ;  not  to  begin  ^  but  if  pollible  to 
iHll  divilion,and  vYhat  I  lliall  fpeak  ihall  be  by  way  ofprevencioni 

I.  Take  heed  of  making  Grcice>  in  a  chriftian  the  weakncflcs  of  a  ehriftian ,  for 
this  is  to  make  dnrknefle  light,  and  Grace  wanronncfle  indeed:  Is  it  no:?  Take 
heed  then  of  thinking  or  fa}  ing  counterfeit  or  falfe  San^lification  confiib  in  feeling 
fomcthing  in  a  mans  felf,  as  love  to,  delight  in  the  Lord  and  his  waye<; .-  Trtie  San- 
^iiication,in  feeing  nothing,  no  love. no  delight :  why  the  Apofile  Paul  knew  that 
iff  him  ,  ;'.  c.  tn  hu  fU\h  dwelt  m  gvod  thing  ,  but  he  calls  it  fiefh  there,  and  | 
groans  under  it ,  yet  he  felt  a  Law  wirhin  ctofing  with  the  Law  without,  and  blef- 
(ed  the  Lord  for  it,  and  that  was  himfelf.  Do  you  think  the  Holy  Gholi  comes  on 
a  man  as  on  BaUam^  by  imm.ediatc  ailing,  and  then  leaves  him,  and  then  he  hath 
nothing  :  Yes  Beloved  ,  know  you  not  Chrilt  is  in  you  (  2  Cor.  1 3.  5 .)  as  well  as 
lout  of  you;  in  you,comforting,  dwelling,  fanilifying,  preparing  the  heart  for  him- 
felf. Indeed  to  be  puft  up  with  Grace,  or  reft  in  it  is  a  fm,  yet  that  Grace  is  not 
that  fin. 

1.  Take  heed  of  making  wenkhefl'es  Grates  or  Duties :  as 

Firft  ,  To  make  poverty  of  fpirit  ^  the  fight  of  nothing  in  a  mans  felf ;  vVhy,  he 
that  is  poor  harh  Heaven  for  his,  and  foChrift  and  Promifes  his,  and  hath  Faith 
his ,  at  Icaft  fom.e  izt^'^.  Now  to  fee  nothing  now, is  to  fee  an  untruth,  and  to. 
tell  a  flat  lie  to  God,  and  Mew,  and  Scripture  too.  Indeed  a  man  that  is  poor 
doth  ufually  fee  nothing  ^  but  that  is  his  weakneflc,  not  ally  Grace. 

Secondly,To  fay  there  is  no  difference  between  Graces  of  Hypocrites  and  Saints. 
Why  fo  ?  Becaufe  I  cannot  fee  any.    Is  this  your  weakncfTe  or  your  wildom  ?  you  / 
can  fee  none,and  will  you  make  your  weaknelle  your  Religion  ? 

Thirdly,  That  a  man  muft  not  evidence  his  juftification  by  his  San6lificatio*i,  I 
fpeak  of  that  which  accompanies  Salvation.  Why  fo  ?  Becaufe  then  there  will  be 
comfort  to  day,  and  forrow  to  morrow ,  grant  it,  but  then  confider ,  i ,  That  is  ei- 
the-r  a  mans  weakneffe  and  ignorance  that  he  doth  not  fee  it,  or  2.  his  wickedneflfe 
aiid  carelcfne{fe  that  hath  ftained  that  work :  And  will  you  make  this  a  D.  ry ,  a 
Grace  ?  Oh  but  many  have  been  deceived  here ;  grant  it,  and  will  you  mifkc  your 
wretched  bafenefie  of  heart  the  foundation  of  this  conceit  ? 

Fourthly  ,  That  a  man  Biuft  fee  no  faving  work^nor  rake  comfort  from  any  pro- 
mife  until  he  is  lealf  d*.:  No,  why  fo  ?  Becaufe  many  tall  chriftians  have  deceived 
themfelves  fo ,  and  deluded  themfelves  there ,  and  been  kept  off  from  Chrift,and 
truly  I  believe  it  in  parr.  Butwhatof  that?  Shall  m^ns  weaknefiebe  my  Reli- 
gion or  work  ?  No  Beloved,  for  a  man  beleeves  before  he  is  fealed  ,  Efhef.  i .  1 5 . 
And  hence  Chrift  is  his ,  and  now  for  him  to  deny  Chrift  to  be  his  own ,  'tis  to" 
make  Chrift  a  lyar,  1  John  5. 10, 12, 1 3.  not  that  I  would  have  chriftians  content 
themfelves  here  fit's  a  fign  you  never  knew  what  Chrift  meant  if  fo  you  do)  till  he 
{hall  fend  a  more  full  g^le  of  his  Spirit. 

J.  If  you  do  accourit  thena  weaknefles ,  yet  take  heed  your  clofing  with  Chrift 

do  not  caufe  you  to  m;ike  a  light  matter  of  fin  ,  either  not  to  take  notice  of  fins  at 

all,  only  look  to  Chrift,  ('tis  not  I  but  fin,  as  being  the  i&i  of  the  outward  man;  one 

calls  this  tounknow  a  mans  felf)  or  not  to  be  deeply  fenfible  of  them  ,  and  fo  ufe 

i  Chrift  is  your  fhoe-clout  to  wipe  them  off ,  Oh  this  is  dangerous  ;  the  Spirit  of 

I  joy  never  quencheth  the  Spirit  of  Sorrow.    Capernaum  entertained  Chrift,  and  yet 

I  perilled ,  Oh  ftie  repented  not  /  What  muft  we  repent  after  wc  be  in  Chrift  ? 

Yes,  Jrr.  30. 19.  After  1  rvdf  turned  I  repented  i    It  argucsa  bold  eonfcicnce, 

when  men  as  they  look  to  nogoodin  themfelves ,  fo  to  no  Cm  ia  themfelves  ,  but 

wholly  to  Chrift. 

4.  Take  be^d  cSTthofc  Doftrincs  which  iti  fhcw  lift  up  Grace  ,  but  jndccd  pull 
itdovvn,«r3nypartofit,    as 

Firft,  to  think  that  the  letter  ofthe  whole  Scripture  holds  out  no  fnore  than  a 
Covenant  of  Works,  a  moft  prodigious  Speech  j  though  coloured  wirfi  advancing  a 

S  Spiri- 


up 


^ 


o 


U[e^^> 


The  'F arable  of  the 


Spiritual    Covenant    of  Grace ,     and   no   Word  but    Chriii 

Secondly,  il  nder  a  llievv  of  advancing  Gods  Grace  in  doing  all,  coiay  the■Gr-' 
dinances^renot  means ,  but  only  occafions  of  converlion. 

Thirdly,  under  a  lliew  of  giving  all  to  Grace,  to  abolilli  ih.it  plain  trurh,  ascoj 
fay  we  arc  not  jultified  by  Faith ,  which  though  it  be  true ,  not  really,  i.e.  not 
fimply  ,  by  Faith  in  it  felf  confidered  as  a  work ,  yet  to  fay  [not  relatively,  as  the 
Lord  is  apprehended  by  it]  it  is  f.ilfe.  If  we  caft  off  the  power  of  the  truth  ,  yet 
lecusnot  caftoff  theformofit:  keep  the  form  of  wholfoire  words  as  well  as 
truth?.  , 

Fourthly,  Take  heed  of  maintaining  that  a  man  until  fealed  is  not  tobeper- 
fwadcd  to  bcleeve ,  jjnder  a  fliew  of  letting  the  Spirit  of  Grace  do  all.  And  Bre- 
thren, doth  not  the  Spirit  of  Grace  accompany  the  word  of  Grace  •  are  not  Evan- 
gelical commands  part  of  that  Wordf  is  there  not  a  power  going  along  with  them? 
what  is  this  but  to  take  from  Gods  Book,  and  he  that  fo  doth  ,  God  vvill  blot  him 
out  of  the  Book  of  Life,  Rev,  22.15?. 

Fifthly ,  That  a  Chriftian  is  to  gather  no  affurancc  from  particular  conditional 
Promifes  under  colour  of  receiving  all  from  Chrjl^  and  Grace.  True  ,  them  that' 
have  nothing  to  do  with  them,ought  not ;  but  for  thofc  that  have  to  do  with  rhem 
as  their  Inheritance,  not  to  apply  and  make  ufe  of  them  for  their  comfort ,  'tis  to 
tram.ple  under-foot  Chrifts  blood  that  hath  purchafed  them  for  that  end ,  and  'tis 
to  rafe  out  in  our  pra^life  thcgreaieli  part  aimoft  of  the  Covenant  of  Grace. 

Sixthly,That  the  Law  ought  not  to  be  our  rule  of  life  under  a  fl  ew  of  beinc^  freed 
from  it  by  Chrift ,  as  though  Chrift  came  to  fet  Hell-gates  open  for  men  to  do 
what  they  pleafe.  Shall  I  fay  any  more  ?  I  am  weary  with  fpcAing  ,  I  defire  ra- 
ther to  go  afide  and  mourn,  and  to  think  there  is  fom.ewhat  am.iffe  why  the  Lord 
lets  thefc  out.  You  thac  are  fmcere,  fearch  and  keepclofe  with  Chrift,  and  fetch 
more  life  from  him,  and  though  accounted  under  a  covenant  of  Works  with  men 
yet  Fejcyce,you  know  icis  better  with  you  in  his  light.  And  you  that  arc  weak, 
beware  and  take  heed,  and  do  not  confider  what  I,  but  the  Holy  Ghoft  hath  clear- 
ed this  day :  and  as  for  all  them  chat  do  turn  Grace  into  LafcivioufnclTcjnot  inten- 
tionally, but  pradically,  not  in  all  things ,  but  fome  things :  confider  this  Scrip- 
ture, J  fide  4.  Men  ordained  to  this  condemnation  j  they  thrive  and  have  no  hurt  and 
they  joy.  Oh  but  they  have  condemnation  enough  upon  them.  Do  but  confider 
ver»  1 2, 1 3..  Twice  dead^  dead  in  A^am^  then  quickened  by  Chrift  with  common 
Gifts  and  Graces,  then  dye  and  turn  Grace  into  wantonneflc  ,  for  whom  is  refcr- 
ved  the  very  blacknefle  of  darkneife  for  ever.  They  bring  in  painted  prophane- 
neffe . 

Oh  take  heed  then,  left  you  fall  fhort  of  Chrift  by  unbelief ,  Heh,  4.  i.  Chrift 
muft  do  all ;  Oh  but  take  heed,  ufe  ineancs,  and  then  put  the  work  into  his  hands 
to  make  Faith  right,Hf^.  12.  'i.^i.  Looking  to  J e[ns  the  Author  and  finl^er.  Suppofe 
Chrift  was  here  on  earth,  and  thou  {houldft  beg  it,  would  he  deny  thee  ?  Oh  no, 
bcgg  hard  therefore  now» 


CHAP. 


ten  Vtrzjins  Opened  and  Applied. 


CHAP,     3tlV. 


SheT^in^  that  there  is  a  yajl  dijference  betT^ixt 
afincere  Chrifiian^  and  the  clofejl  Hypo- 
crite. 


SECT.    I. 

T  Hat  thertu  4  vafi  And  great  Inttr Hal  dijference  hetrveen  thofe  that  are  fnctre 
indeed ,  W  the  clofejt  Hjfpfcrites.  Or ,  There  tcre  certuln  qual'tficmens 
within,  and  operations  ofGfd  Hfon  the  Sokls  of  the  falthfrl^  which  make  a  very 
great  difference  between  them  ^and  the  clofefi  Hjfpcrites, 

For  the  Lord  Jcfus  here  fees  the  difference  ^  and  flicvvs  the  difference ,  though 
but  generally  I  confeffe  in  this  Verfe;  feme  were  wifi,  others  were  foollfh ;  wifdoai 
and  folly  are  ditferent  qualities,  and  though  thcfe  keep  their  rcfidcnce  chiefly  in 
the  mind,  yet  the  Lord  never  di4  infufc  any  true  wifdoti  into  the  mind,  but  there 
was  a  great  change  of  the  heart,  nor  never  was  any  man  left  unto  his  own  folly, 
but  it  did  not  only  argue  an  evil  heart ,  but  did  ever  arife  from  thence ,  Efhef.  4* 
18.  fo  that  Chrift  not  only  fees,  ibut  difcovers  to  the  Churches  avaft  difference  for 
them  to  take  notice  of:  I  confeffc  the  difference  was  not  only  in  regard  of  open 
prophaneneffe ,  or  common  converfation  in  living  like  men  of  the  world  j  yet  a. 
difference  here  there  is.  For  the  opening  of  this  Point ,  I  (hall  open  thef«  Parti- 
culars. 

That  the  Lord  doth  make  this  inward  difference. 


I. 

2. 

4- 
5* 


That  'tis  fo  great  that  the  faithful  do  fee  it. 

That  'tis  fo  great  that  others  cannot  receive  it  when  'tis  offered* 

72i3C  'tis  fo  great  that  they  cannot  underttand  it. 

The  rcafons  why  the  Lord  makes  this  internal  difference.     - 


L  That  the  Lord  doth  make  it :  only  fome  Scriptures  how,  Efh,  5.8.  You  were 
tUrknejfe<i  new  are  light'  Ephef.  i.  I .  Ton  were  dead,  now  are  alhe.  It's  true  there 
is  a  life  Hypocrites  havc,which  puts  much  difference  between  them  and  others,but 
if  that  doth,  what  doth  the  life  of  Chrift  in  a  man,  arifing  from  the  death  of  every 
(in  ?  u^Hs  1^.  18.  The  Lord  turns  not  only  from  darknejfe  to  light ,  h\xtfrom  the 
fower  of  Satan  to  God,  together  with  which arifeth  reniffion  of  fins.  What  is 
this  then  but  a  greater  change  than  from  Hell  to  Heaven  ?  Is  it  not  worfe  than 
Hell  to  be  under  his,  not  only  Temptations,  but  power  ?  and  is  it  not  better  to  be 
with  God,  than  be  in  Heaven  ?  , 

II.  'Tis  fo  great  that  the  faijthful  do  fee  it.  I  conftffe  at  fifft  work  it's  like  a  con- 
fufed  Chaos,  they  know  not  what  to  make  of  it ,  but  afterwards  they  can  and  do, 

1  John  5.18,19.  We  know  we  are  horn  ofGody  £recfrom  the  dominion  of  fin,  of 
which  he  fpeaks,  and  that  the  whole  world  lies  in  wickedneffe.  Before  a  man  is 
born  again,  he  fees  no  difference  between  him  and  other  men ,  but  now  he  doth ; 
and  hence  'tis  frequent  in  Scripture  for  Saints  to  expreffe  their  experience  of  their 
double  eftate,  Tit.  3.  2, 3.  and  they  are  commanded  to  try  themfelves ,  and  may 
ndt  only  fee  Chrift  out  of  them ,  but  Chrift  ia  them ,  except  they  be  Reprobates, 

2  Cor.  13.5.  and  hence  commanded  to  give  thanks fot  this,  C«L  x .  Uj  13.  which 
commands  being  Evangelical,have  a  power  to  all  the  Eleft. 

_  S  2  III.   'Tis 


15! 


Doa.z: 


I5Z 


Reaf.i, 


^■' 


i[. 


T^'be  Parable  of  the 


III.  'Tis  fo  great  that  others  cannot  receive  it  when  'tis  offered,  they  are  fo  far 
from  having  it  in  them,  or  counterfeiting ,  or  making  this  inward  work ,  thc^t  they 
cannot  receive  it ,  no  not  vvhen  the  Spirit  it  felf  comes  to  work  it^,  Johni^.  17. 
The  Spirit  of  truth  which  the  world  cannot  receive  ,  it  'doih  receive  Prophetical 
Gifts,  and  common  Graces ;  but  there  is  a  higher  and  more  Divine  work  which 
they  cannot  receive,  ^(>w.  8.7.  'Tz^  w^  frbjeci^  nor  cm  be  fubjet't  to  the  Law  of 
G<?i,where  the  holineffe  of  God  appears. 

IV.  'tis  fo  great  that  they  cannot  underftand  it  what  it  is  fpiritually,  only  in 
fancy,  I  Cor.^,  14.  neither  can  he  k^ow  them^  and  hence  m.en  lie  groping  all  their 
life  for  Grace,  and  ask  and  have  not ,  becaufe  they  know  not  the  thing  they  would 
have,  fohn  4.  10.  If  thou  k^eweji  thou  wotiUfi  AsJ^^y  and  he  would  give-  A  Beaft 
cannot  conceive  what  a  life  a  man  leads, 

V.  Now  follow  the  Reafons  why  the  Lord  doth  make  this  internal  ditference, 
or  fliewihg  that  there  is  this  difference. 


SECT.    II. 

IN  regard  of  the  infinite  love  of  the  Father  which  he  bears  to  the  meanefi:  Be- 
leever  above  the  m.ort  glorious  Hypocrite  that  ever  lived.  It's  an  cverlafiing 
love,  and  it's  like  that  love  he  bears  towards  his  own-Son ,  John  1 7.  z6.  Now  if 
the  Lords  love  be  not  com.mon  to  both ,  neither  is  the  work ,  or  fruits  of  his  love 
comnlonin  both  ,  but  a  gifeat  difference  there  muft  be  ;  for  as  'tis  with  men  ,  fo 
'tis  with  the  Lord.  There  are  three  expreifions  of  love,  i .  Their  looks.  2.  Their 
Pn.xiifes  of  Love.    ^.  Their  works  of  love :   fo  the  Lord  doth, 

1.  Create  in  his  people  glorious  apprehenfions  of  his  blefled  face  appearing  in 
the  glaffe  of  the  Gofpel,  ^^z/.  22. 4, 

2.  The  Lord  makes  many  Promifes  of  love  unto  his  people ,  which  goto  the 
very  heart  to  chear  them.  Hi?/.  2. 14. 

3.  The  Lord  confines  not  his  love  to  looks  and  words,  though  it's  wonderful  to 
have  the  Icaft  of  them ,  but  you  may  read  his  love  in  his  works  of  I6ve.  Now  thofe 
works  peculiar  to  thcm,are  firfl:  and  chiefly  the  donation  of  Chrift,  for  a  man  in  re- 
demption 5  to  a  man  in  vocation :  and  then  the  peculiar  fruits  of  this  love  expreft 
ill  peculiar  operations  upon  the  Soul,  and  in  the  Soul,  which  Gods  truth  in  tlie  New 
Covenant  promifeth,  and  Gods  faithfulneffeexecuteth,  J^r.  51.33.&  32,40.  to 
take  away  the fionj  heart,  to  write  Laws  In  the  heart ,  to  pm  fear  into  the  heart ;  thefe 
are  the  peculiar  effects  of  this  New  Covenant ,  and  they  are  operation?  in  a  nian, 
which  only  the  Elcdl:  feel  andwonder  at  Grace  for ,  Ephef.  2. 4, 5.  According  to 
hu. great  love  hath  he  quickened  m  together  with  him  :  there  is  a  kind  of  Refurre6lion 
of  a  mans  foul  when^tis  brought  home  to  Chrifl:.  And  look  as  the  bodies  of  the 
Saints  fhall  be  different  at  laft  day,  (o  when  God  raifeth  their  fouls  fr6m  the  Dead 
here,  there  is  a  difference  now, 

2.  In  regard  of  the  Death  and  Blood  of  the  Lord  Jefus,  which  was  fhed  riot  on- 
ly that  he  might  be  a  God  unto  them ,  but  that  they  might  be  ^peculiar  people  linto 
him,TVf.2r.  14.  He  gave  hlmfelf  for  his  people  y  not  only  to  jultifie  his  people, 
but  alfo  to  cleanfe  bis  Church ,  £/>/;tf/.  5.26,  27.  for  this  hath  been  Gods  great 
plot:  firfltoperfe6t  his  people  in  their  Head;  and  then  left  thefe  fhould  be  a 
golden  head,  and  feet  and  hands  of  iron  and  clay,  and  becaufe  the  Church  is  not 
found  lovely,therefote  the  Lord  makes  it  lovely  by  little  &  little  here,until  it  appear 
without  f pot  or  wrinkle  at  the  laft  day.  Do  you  think  Brethren  that  Chrifts  Blood 
was  {Ked  to  work  no  more  in  his  people  than  in  Hypocrites  ?  was  it  onlyfbcd  to 
take  away  guilt  of  fin  from  Gods  fight,  and  then  to  let  a  man  wallow  in  the  fins  of 
his  own  heart  ?  *Tis  true  there  is  a  work  of  Sanftification  wliich  Hypocrites  have, 
which  Chrifts  Blood  purchafeth ,  for  Ibeleeveall  common  mercy  and  patience 

comes 


!   


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 

comes  byChrilis  Blood,  and  fo  all  coriimon Gifts  ancf  Graces ;  but  yet  Beloved 
there  is  a  vait  difference ,  their  wills  were  never  changed  though  their  minds  were 
mnch  enlightened  ;  hence  they  finn'd  wilfully.  The  Lord  never  was  dear  to  them, 
hence  fccrec  defpigh:  grew  up,  that  at  laft  they  committed  the  impardonable  fm, 

5.Becaufe  thofe  Graces  or  Qoalifications,  together  with  the  Operation^  ©f  them 
which  are  in  the  f.uthful,are  tiie  lame  with  Chrife,uhe  fame  in  kind  and  nature,  Jo^. 
l»i6,From  htsfulnejfe  yve  have  received  Grace  for  Grace  ;  hence  we  are  faid  to  bear  hi^ 
Jma^e^md  becaufe  it's  but  little  at  hrft,hence/row  Glorj'  to  Glory ^  iC3r.3.i8.  Now  . 
the  Lord  Jefus  had  not  only  the  Spirit  which  he  had  without  meafure ,  but  alfoie 
had  many  Divine  qualities,  habits,  or  Graces,  which  it  is  blafphemy  to  think  that 
they  were  hypocritical  or  common,  which  the  faithful  receive  from  his  fulne(re,and 
wherein  they  are  made  in  their  meafure  like  unto  him  :  fo  the  Saints  have  not  on- 
ly th€Spirit,but  alfo  thofe  peculiar  operations  of  it  wrought  in  them  by  the  Spirit, 
whereby  they  come  to  be  m.ade  like  unto  the  Lord  Jefus :  Hence  as  tnere  was-  an 
infinite  diftmcc  between  the"  Lord  Jefus ,  and  the  belt  Hypocrite,  fo  the  likeneffe 
that  they  hive  of  the  Lord  Jefus,  m,akes  a  difference  now.  And  look  as  there  is  a 
difference  between  a  Plane  and  a  Beall,  a  Beslianda  Man ,  fo  there  is  a  glorious 
life  which  Saints'have  begun  here  in  this  life,  which  none  have  but  themfclves, 
I  P(rf.Y.  10.  They  have  zh^FlrfiFrmsy&C'  the  which  is  meat  and  drink  which 
no  man  knows  of  that  lies  in  bis  hypocrilie  and  fins. 

4.  If  there  fhould  be  no  diffcrence,then  thefe  evils  would  f©llow :  i  .This  laies  a 
foundation  ofcontempt  of  Grace,  andof  the  Beauty  of  Holincire  in  the  hearts  and. 
lives  of  Gods  people :  for  look  as  'tis  in  the  work  of  the  Son  in  Redemption  ,  if 
Ghriff:  fhould  have  dyed  as  much  for  JW^  as  for  Peter  ^  and  fufpended  the  ad  of 
iFatth' to  apply  this  on  the  Free  will  of  either^  then  Jttdoi  hzd^s  much  caufe  to 
thank  Chrif^  f6r  hi's  ktndnefre  a^  Peter :  ^nd  f^eter  had  no  more  caufe  of'  blelTing 
CMtt  for  his  love  in  redeeming  him,than  Judas ,  and  what  cold  praifes  will  he 
then  give  him :  So  if  the  Spirit  of  Chrif^  {hould  fan^tifie  or  call  a  Saint  no  more 
thirt  an  Hypocrite ,  theii  the  one  hath  no  more  caufe  to  be  thankful  for  the  vvork 
of  the  Spirit  than  the  other :  and  when  a  man  cbm.es  to'  look  upon  the  wor :  of  the 
Spirit ,  and  the  Graces  of  it ,  there  is  cold  water  caft  upon  thofe ;  this  is  no  rtidrc 
than  what  a  Hypocritt  hath.  Chrifl;  hath  not  only  redeemed  by  price,  but  alfo 
by  power,from  the  power  of  Satan,  Sim,  Dar  knefle,  Delufion,  and  not  to  be  thank- 
fiil  for  rhisjis  not  to  be  thankful  for  the  Redemption  of  Chrift  :  Thou  -fhalt  never 
have  it  then  that  dolt  defpife  the  Spirit  of  Grace,  whereby  thou  art  butcomm.oriIy 
fendlifted.  .     -  ■ 

■'•IS.  Becaufe  this"  abolifli^th  the  ufe  of  all  conditional  Promifes  made  in 
the  word  .-  for  you  know  the'y  are  made  to  fome  qualification  or  'work  of  the  Spi- 
tttinaman,  fome  to  Mourning,  Poverty,  Faith,  Hunger,  Lortneffc,  &c.  now  if 
there  lliould  be  no  difference  between  fcemihg  works  in  Hypocrites  and  thefe,then 
t.  the  truth  of  the  Prom.ifes  is  defiroyed,for  the  Lord  faith,  Thej  that  hunger  (hall 
hefatkfied.  Tie  afirwer,  Hypocrites  may  hunger,  ^nd  yfet  not  be  fatisfied.  '  "z.  The 
life  of  thefe  Promifes  j>,ould  be  loftj  for  why  fbould  a  man  then  cafl  his  Soul  upon 
Gods  faithfulneffe  in  the  Promife, .  when  'tis  but  com.mon  love  to  him  and  HVpo- 
crites :  If  it  bereplyedtheone  Bath  Chrift,  the  other  nor.  IahfvYcr,'tis,vcrymie, 
but  then  I  ask.  Who  is  he  a  Chrift  to  ?  it  muft  needs  be  to  a  particular  Pec^lt^  de- 
scribed in  the  Word  by  their  peculiar  qualities,  flowing  from  their  forms  afidfub- 
je6^s  by  which  they  areknown  •  and  no^  confider  ^e^.22.i^.  IsOed  d  God  sf  the 
dead?  a^d  mi  of  the  living  oMt  •^.:;;;- ;*-,:;  .,••.:  ..*.>■-,..  .       ^. -.  .  .. 

5.  Bec3ufe  this  makes  the  moft  holy  m.en  that  ever  lived  deceivers  of  them- 
fclves and  others  •  only  look  upon  Jcfhn  Chrifts  beloved  IMfciple,  and  bofome- 

1  eompani6n,hehad  received  the  anointin^tb  know  hitft  that  is  true ,  and  he  h^ew 
I  he  k!}^  htm ,  i  John  2.  j.  But  how  did  heknow  that  ^  l^  -• :  n^  l  -  j-— •--.- j  r  .„ 
*  -  .S3 


m 


Reaf.  3. 


Reaf.4' 


he  mi^ht  be  deceived  (  as 

tl: 


^54 


T'he^  arable  of  the 


Ufcl. 
Of  CcJffftt, 


\ufe  2. 
lOfCsHfiit. 


'tis  ftrangc  to  I'cc  what  a  mcUnchoUy  fancy  will  do,  and  the  cffc<5ls  of  it ;  as  honcft 

'  men  arc  reputed  to  have  weak  brains ,  and  never  faw  the  depths  of  the  fecrecs  of 

God.^     What's  his  laft  proof?  becanfe  we  keef  his  CommMMdments ^   i.  r.   we 

have  them  writ  in  our  hearts,  and  keep  them,  though  we  cannot  fulfil  them,  it 

makes  us  every  vxay  more  holy  :  Chr  itt  doth  not  keep  them  only,  but  we  through 

his  Grace  keep  them ;  thus  he  proves  ic  by  a  work  in  him.    Now  thus  I  reply ,  if 

all  works  in  the  fouls  of  Saints  be  common  to  Hypocrites ,  then  John  wenc  upon 

'  falfc  grounds,  deceived  himlelf,  and  all  that  heard  him,and  all  the  Churches  that 

'  ever  were  to  this  day.  ^ 


SECT.    III. 

TO  the  Papifts,  who  in  their  writings  feck  to  (htmc  thd  Churches  of  Chrift, 
faying  that  they  deny  all  Inherent  Rigkeoufneffe  or  C races ,  making  a  man  juft  j 
by  the  riohtcoufneffe  of  Chrift,  and  in  the  mean  while  to  remain  like  a  Carkafe  or  [ 
Gholt ,  or  a  painted  Sepulchre  full  of  rottcnneflc  within.    Three  or  four  of  thefe 
Archers  that  have  (hot  thcfc  arrows  I  have  met  with ,  whereby  they  wound  the  I 
heart  of  Profdfion,  andkeep  the  people  in  a  profeffed  enmity  and  oppofition  a-' 
gainft  the  w«es  of  Gods  Grace :  Now  we  do  noconly  deny  this ,  but  we  profeffc 
that  the  Lord  doth  not  only  out  of  the  riches  of  his  Grace  accept  us  in  Chrirt ,  but 
out  of  the  fame  love  fends  down  the  Spirit  of  Grace ,  not  only  to  make  us  civil  and 
moral,  or  hypocritical,  but  that  the  Lord  works  thereby  fuch  a  change  as  is  not  to 
be  found  in  the  moft  refined  Hypocrites  breathing.    And  we  profeSc  though  our 
Jultification  doth  notconfift  in  this ,  yet  who-cver  hath  not  this  is  not  juftificd 
(what-^cr  he  may  imagine^  in  the  fight  of  God.    And  the  Lord  grant  the  Chur- 
ches of  the  Lord  Jefusmay  acvcrop^n  the  mouths  of  thofc  Blafphemers  of  his 
Name,  in  denying  all  righteoufneffc  in  our  fclvcs  at  all ;  Deny  it  to  juftific ,  deny 
it  nor  altogether. 

Ofan  old  ^rwwi^  error ;  for  they  hold  and  maintain  an  iKher^nt  Rightemf- 
tteffe ,  but  that  there  is  no  difference  between  the  Graces  of  Bclccvcrs  aud  Hypo- 
crites, only  in  their  continuance ,  and  that  is  by  chance  too ,  and  doubtful ,  v/«,. 
if  they  hold  on ,  and  for  this  purpofe  cite  many  Scriptures,  three  efpecially  ,  that 
olEz^k^  18. 24.  If  the  rlghteom  mtm  ffrfake ,  &e,  which  is  fpokcn  of  rotten 
Pharifaical  Hypocrites  falling  far  (hort  of  what  the  Saints  have.  And  the  Parable 
of  thcSeed,yV/i«f.i3.  Theydifprangnf:  where 'tis  manifcft  the  foyl  wasuaught 
out  of  which  they  that  fell  away  did  grow.  And  Heb*  i  o.  29,  Blood  itherervith  they 
i»tre  fanUified ,  which  is  meant  of  fuch  as  had  fome  inward  cnlightning,  and  laft- 
'ing,  and  external  profcflion  really ,not  in  appearance  only  in  them ,  yet  not  anf  fa- 
ving  and  effc£lual  work,  but  tkus  by  ma\dng  Grace  common  they  make  it  vile,and 
under  a  colour  of  making  all  men  watchful,  they  defttoy  all  Faith  in  Gods  faithful- 
neflTc  and  Promife,  efpecially  until  a  man  come  to  die.  Divines  have  maay  ftron^ 
arguments  againft  them,  ana  fliew  however  there  may  be  decaics,  and  relapfes,aad 
\yintcr-feafons  of  the  Saints,yet  ever  there  rciuains  in  them  the  S«cdofCod,i  John 
3.9.    Jehn^.l^,  ,,,  ,. 

The  miin  ground  of  this  their  conceit  Hath  been  double. 

,i.  Falfc  obfervation,in  beholding  many  fall  otf  that  were  not  Stars,  butSnuffs, 
glorious  Profeffors  for  a  time ;  and  left  they  (hould  be  mad  without  reafon  herein, 
tiiey  fearch  the  Scriptures,  and  in  four  thoufand  years  find  but  four  or  five  that  fell 
away,  I>/K/i</,  SohmonyHjmentmy  Alixander^im  Demos,  noae  ©f  which  if  exami- 
ned will  ferve  their  turn. 

2 .  A  gr«at  milhke  of  the  work  of  Grace ,  together  with  their  own  experience, 
for  ^ey  conceiving  Grace  to  be  but  a  mean  thiBg,and  not  underftaading  it,becaufe 
chcy  never  felt  it  m  thcmfelves ;  hence  make  no  difference  between  on6  man 

and 


|li!^9L«4->«l««4He>t 


tenVirz,ins Openeii  dM  Applied. 


m 


andanocner,  and  nence  niainQi;!  apolhcy  from  Grace.  X  hore  I  need  hotftir 
you  up  to  abhor  this  conceii:,  confiderbg  what  hath  been  laid.  I  grant  indeed  a 
man  may  fall  away  froii  Gr.ice  ,  contidering  Grace  without  Chriit  to  keep  it. 
But  yet  'tis  in  it  fe'f  fuch  a  living  Fountain,  as  in  it  felf  doth  not  periih,  though 
it  may;  andinreffeitofChrili,  it  cannot. 
Obj.  Did  not  Adam  fall  from  all  his  Grace  ? 

Anfw.  Yes,  becaufehe  had  neither  the  Covenant  of  Grace^  nor  the  Spirit  of 
Grace,  nor  power  of  Grace  to  fupport  and  keep  him  ;  but  its  Gods  covenant  novv 
tovvmehisLaw,  to  ,  ut  his  fear  in  the  heart,  never  to  depart ,  and  to  giv^  tl^e 
Spirit  of  ChriR,  who  is  now  rifen  from  the  dead.  Becaufe  1  Uve^  you  (halt  live  al- 
[o^  Johfti-^.ip.  And  power  to  keep  my  iPet.ii  5.  So  that  though  'tis  Chrifi 
that  keeps  a  man  from  falling,  yet  the  truth  is,  he  that  doth  fall  from  Grace,  as 
though  it  was  a  common  fading  thmg,  or  doth  fall  from  Chrilf  ,  he  never  had 
Chrittatall,  John  4. 14.  The  vpater  that  I  [hall give-,  jhalUe  dSprwgof  livwgwa- 
ter,  not  of  dead  Graces,  yet  quickned  by  the  Spirit,  and  helped  continually.  And 
its  kept  till  life  of  Glory  corner,  where  'tis  fwallowed  up  in  the  Ocean  ofperfe- 
6lion.  . 

Hence  we  fee  the  difference  between  the  Graces  of  Hypocripes  and  Saints 
doth  nor  only  lie  in  the  efficient  caufe,  vi^i^.tho.  Spirit  of  Chrift  barely  confidered 
in  it  felf,  for  then  there  (hould  he  no  difference  at  all,  for  there  arc  not  two  Spi- 
rits, and  the  fame  Spirit  that  works  in  the  Faithful,  the  fame  Spirit  is  in  the  un- 
faithful, towork  many  ft  range  works  in  them.,  i  C0r.i2.3\,4-  Neither  dothfu- 
p-srnatural  power  of  the  Spirit  diiiinguifh  (I  mean  that  which  is  above  the 
ft rength  of  nature,  not  that  vv^ich  is  above  theufeof  namrc,  for  nature  crooks 
all  Gods  works  to  it  felf  )  for  the  gifts  of  Prophecy  and  common  joy  are  above 
theftrengchofmjeer  nature,  but  the  difference  lies  in  the  work  it  felf.  As 'tis 
in  creatio-n,  the  leaft  fjiecrorgralfe  hath  the  fame  power  to  make  it,  that  made 
Heaven  and  Angels,  Is  there.no  difference  then?  Yes,  it  lies  in  the  very 
Work  or  C){fe6l  of  thatj)ow^'.  And  as 'tis  in  a  Cedar  and  a  Fly,  there  i  more 
excellency  in  the  former  in  lomlc  refpedts,  but  the  latter  hath  another  life,  which 
the  other  hath  not:  So  the  meaneft  Believer  is  better  than  the  mo;l  clorious 
Hypocrite..  And  look  as  it  was  with^W,  when  he  was  anointed  King,  therc 
was  a  new  Spirit  cam.e  upon  him,  the  Spirit  of  a  King,  which  common  Subje61:s 
had  not ;  fo  when  God  makes  us  Kings  and  Priefts  unto  Chrift ,  there  comes  a- 
'nother  Spirit  upon  us,  which  common  m.en  have  not.  I  know  there  is  the  Spi- 
i  rit  ii:  felf  in  the  Sa'nts ,  as  'tis  not  in  other  men ;  Bu-t  bow  is  it  there  ?  I  know 
'tis  there  by  Faith,  but  not  only  by  this,  but  by  certain  peculiar  effeds  which 
are  not  in  other  men.  As  'tis  vvith  the  foul,  'tis  in  the  body,  henc^worksa 
life  which  is  not  in  any  bruit  creature,  fo 'tis  here.  Andhencc  'tis  faid.  The 
world  eamot  receive  it,  John  l^.ij,.  Mal.3.2,3.  who  M,able  to  bear  his  voming^ 
becaufe  he  comes  to  furifie ,  &c.  Yet  ftill  the  Spirit  barely  confidered  in  it  fcif, 
puts  no  difference,  unleffe  it  be  in  refpe6l  of  the  work  it  felf.  Oh  therefore 
look  to  it,  do  not  fay,  I  have  now  the  Spirit  and  Chriiift.  But  what  doth  Chrift 
work  there  ?  John  1 5.  i  ,2.  There  are  but  two  forts,  of  Branches  therej  Aiid^Is.., 
and  fruitful ;  the  difference  is  in  the  very  fruits  of  them,  6'c, 

Ob  then  terrour  to  them  that  content  themXeIveS;With  common  works^^  and  fo 
think  their  eftates  good.  You  have  been  terrified,  confeffed,  and  r<:pented , 
Judas  (^id(o.  Youh.we  reformed  many  things,  and  take  delight  to  draw  nigh 
;  CO  God  in  Ordinances,  thofe  Hypocrites  did  fo,  in  Jfa,  58.  You  have  feen  ncn- 
thing  in  your  felvcs,  the  Devils  do  fo.  You  have  had  great  ravifhm.ents,  and 
feen  the  Glory  of  Heaven,  of  Saints,  Balaam  did  fo.  You  have  beheld  and  feen 
I  the  Lord  Jefus,  as  if  prcfent  on  tarth ;  Many,  faw  him,heard  him,  and  were  lifr- 
I  ed  up  to  Heaven  by  him,  and  fhall  fee  him  at  laft  in  Glory  indeed.  Oh  but  my 
defires  are  gpo^  I,^  ■.Many  £hali,;feek>  and  ,not  enter.  Oh  therefore  confider  of| 
...,'■"    '        ^"  ;■     ■.';;":;  .;  ■      \-;:  your 


tlfeZ^ 


f$  ^ 


1^6 


The  Parable  of  the 


Ufe  5. 


your  eftarc,  and  tremble,  and  fee  before  thee  all  the  mercy  the  Lord  cmbraccth 
his  people  with/  and  fay.  Oh  that  mercy  forme/  and  follow  him  till  he  hath 
done  it. 


SECT.  IV. 

HEnceit  may  appear  that  the  true  Believer  may  know  thebleffcdnefle  of  his 
ertatc,  by  the  peculiarncflc  of  a  work  within  him.  For  if  indeed  rh«re 
Ihould  be  no  difference  between  thofc  Graces  that  be  in  Hypocrites  and  in  Saints, 
if  no  difference  between  Love,  and  Faith,  and  defire  in  one,  and  that  which  is  in 
another,  then  none  could  know  the  bleflednelfe  of  their  eibtes  by  any  work  5  but 
feeing  that  the  Lord  hath  made  a  vaft  and  a  known  difference ,  fo  that  God  knows 
it,  and  themfelvcs  know  it,  as  hath  been  proved,  and  all  the  world  might  know 
ir,  but  that  they  want  eyes  to  fee  mens  hearts,  and  they  fluU  know  it  at  the  lart 
day  to  their  eternal  anguilli,  when  the  hidden  things  ofdark^effe^  and  thefeaets  of  all 
hearts  jhdl  be  opened^  then  it  muft  weeds  follow  from  theknowledgc  of  fuch  a  work, 
a  man  may  conclude  his  blcffed  and  fafe  cftate.  By  work,  I  mean,  no  Popilli 
good  work,  nor  confider  a  work  without  a  peculiar  word  of  promife  made  thereun- 
to. Ifwefhould  ask  a  woman  married  to  another  Husband,  how  llie  knows 
fuch  a  one  is  her  husband,  fhe  would  manifclHr  by  thofe  peculiar  a6ts  or  works  er 
manifeftations  of  a  husband  to  her.  She  hath  known  he  hath  forfaken  great  offers, 
and  come  to  her :  Her  heart  that  was  moft  oppofitCjWas  at  lafl  overcome  to  forlake 
alii  then  they  entrcd  into  a  peculiar  bond  of  covenant,  fo  that  they  cannot  parr, 
and  though  they  do  depart,  yet  they  flay  not  long.  So  here :  If  you  fhould 
have  asked  the //rrfW/Vw,  how  they  did  know  they  fliould  be  faved  from  the  de- 
ftroying  Angel?  Why  the  Lord  hath  promifed  to  favc  us.  You  that  do  what? 
Thu  ffrwkje  the  door-fofis  with  the  Blood.  So  thedcftroying  Angel  of  Gods  prc- 
fence  lliall  deftroy  millions  of  people,  and  that  in  the  night-time,  when  they 
leart  fufpedUt^  Notwithftanding  all  deliverances,  miracles,  pb^ucs  and  repen- 
tances,  Shall  you  be  prefervcd?  Yes,  the  Lord  hath  promifed  it,  and  reveal'd 
it.  To  whom  ?  To  them  that  have  their  door-ports  fprinkled  with  Chrift's 
Blood,  apprehended  by  the  work  of  Faith,  jRtfw- 3.24, 2  5.  Hei>.io.22,  If  one 
lliould  have  asked  the  lord  Jefus  himfelf,  whom  he  loveth?  he  would  J^/i^to 
zn^wer^his  fheepy  ior  for  them  he  la^es  down  his  life;  he  they  feeble  orftrong.  If 
one  flbould  ask  further,  who  arc  his  fheep  ?  he  would  defcribc  them  by  fevcral  pro- 
perties, as  he  hath  done,  John  10,  Such  as  k^otv  me^  us  heat  me  only,  zs  follow 
me.  So  if  you  ask  a  believer  that  queftion.  How  do  you  know  you  are  loved  ?  Is  it 
good  to  anfwer  with  Cbrift,  I  am  his  fheep,  for  whom  he  hath  laid  down  bis  life, 
when  I  was  loft  and  went  aftray.  But  how  do  you  know  that  ?  Is  he  now  to 
anfwer  like  Ghrift,  by  thefe  properties  wrought  in  me,  or  no  ?  If  you  fay,  No, 
bccaufe  all  thefc  an  hypocrite  may  have ,  then  the  Lord  Jefus  hath  done 
very  weakly  in  defcribing  his  own  fheep,  by  fuch  properties  to  be  his,  which  dif- 
cover  them  no  more  than  fo :  Its  true  an  hypocrite  hath  fomthing  like  all  thefe, 
but  not  thefc  indeed.  If  you  fay,  yes,  then  a  man  may  know  his  bleffcdeftate 
by  thefe.  The  promife  is,  Prov.8.17.  Hove  them  that  love  me.  But  how  do 
you  know  you  love  the  Lord  ?  There  is  the  queftion.  If  Satan  and  blind  carnal 
reafon  ask  this  queftion,  you  will  be  filled  with  accufations,  and  never  fatisfie 
them  i  for  he  that  accufed  Job  to  Gods  face,  will  much  more  to  their  own  face^', 
accufe  Saints  of  hypocrifie.  If  uncharitable  men  that  never  had  the  love  of 
Chrift  abiding  in  their  hearts,  you  will  never  fatisfie  them  ;  but  ifthe  Lord  ask 
the  queftion  in  his  Word,  hold  there,  and  the  work  is  fo  clear,  that  though  there 
hath  been  much  decay,  yet  after  recovery,  the  foul  dares  eye  the  Sun,  and  fay, 
Lordy  thou  k^orvfft  all  things  y  then  k^oivefi  that  I  love  thee )  John  21. ij.  Hence  by 
this  work  you  may  come  to  know  your  fafe  eftatc.  i  .A 


ten  Virpm  Opened  and  Applied. 


1 .  A  man  may  knovir  his  blefTcdeftare  in  refpect  of  tim.e  paft,  by  a  work   /.  i, 
w  ich  a  word  or  promife  made  to  ic,  and  tht  Spiric  revealing  of  ir,  -viz.,  the'ever- 
lafting  thoughts  and  eIe(Stion  of  God  toward  him,  Rom.8.28,     Them  that  love 
Gody  who  are  called  accordifjg  to  htsfHrfofe^  nbivvithiianding  all  theif  miferie;  and 
tins;  yez love  himy  zndkt called accordif^g  to  his  purpofe,  for  fo  the  A|. of-Hsraiferh 
up  his  thoughts.     I  know  the  world  is  tull  of  want  of  love,  and  think  itcalie  fo 
to  do,  and  like  the  Devil,  are  very  kind  to  the  Lord,  as  they  think,   while  the 
Lo;d  pleifech  chem  ;  who  yet  when  the  time  of  patience  is  our,  fliall  be  ecer- 
nii  biafphemers  of  him.     But  there  is  fuch  love  whereby    Saints  m.ayraiieup 
their  hearts  thus  to  fee  Gods  love,  i  Ther.i.4,5,     KmmKgyoHrEleU:io!i  of  God. 
Hovvfo?     ImirJediacly  ?     Some  Divines  think  Angels  lee  it  noLfo,  and  that 
itspeculiar  to  Godfoto  do:  But  mediatly,  for  our  word  came  in  power  and,  in 
much  afllirance  to  m.ake  you  enlarges!  for  God,  to  turn  you  from  Idols  unto  God 
and  to  wait  for  Chriil  in  Heaven,  feeing  him  here,  but  as  inaGlaflTe.     And  by' 
the  fam.e  Spi;it  Paul  faw  it,  by  the  fam.e  Spirit  they  might  much  more  fee  it,  and 
fo  the  Elect  niny  feeir.     And  if  experience  may  be  added  to  the  Truth;  Kovv! 
m.anyofGods  people  d^yly,  knowing  their  work  of  vocation  and  glory,  afcend 
jfrom.  thefe  lower  Ihirs  of  the  Lords  Ladder,  to  the  highellof  EledHon,  and 
j  there  are  fwaliowed  up  with  eternal  wonderm.eiir,  filling  their  hearts  with  that' 
ijoyand  peace,  that  the  we.ik  Tabernacle  of  fielK  and  blood  cannot  bear  rhe 
i  weight  of  that  Glory  long  ;    That  by  works  fee  the  promife,  and  by  theprom.ife 
of  love  behold  e.ernal  thoughts  of  love :     And  hence  promifes  are  faid  to  be  c^iven 
to  Saints ,  before  the  world  began  :     Becaufe  promiles  to  them  thatthirft,  mourn 
believe,  &c.    are  not  bare  words,  but  eternal  counfels,  in  which  you  fee  Gods' 
purpofe.  - 

2.  In  refped  of  tim.e  prefenr,  by  it  we  know  our  prefent  union  to  the  Lord  Je- 
fus,  1  John  2.4.  He  that  faith  I  know  hm^  and  keeps  mt  his  Commandmems^  is  a 
Lliv^,  Ye?,  that  is  true  negatively,  but  may  a  man,  ought  a  man  to  fee  or  know 
his  union  politively  by  ttus  ?  Anf.v.s*  Many  faid,  they  did  know  and  love  the 
Lord,  but  i^ethat  keeps  his  words^  Oh  they  are  fweet  !  Its  Heaven  to  cleave  to  him. 
in  every  com.m.and  ,  its  death  to  depart  from  any  comm.and.  Hereby  know  we 
thatweare'm  him.  If  it  werepoflible  to  ask  of  Angels  how  they  know  they  are 
not  devils  ?  they  would  anfwer,  the  Lords  will  is  ours ,:  So  here.  How  do  you 
know  you  have  not  the  nature  of  Devils,  and  fo  in  ftateof  Devils  bound  there  til! 
the  judgm.ent  of  the  greit  day  ?  Becaufe  God  hdth  changed  ottr  vile  natures,  and 
made  our  wills  like  unto  his glorlo m  mWj  &c.  So  for  forgivenefs,  Luke  7.47. 
"Mitch  Is  forgiven  her y^Q. 

-  5 .  In  reipeii:  of  the  (fare  of  Glory  for  timie  to  com.e.  We  may  know  our  bleiTed 
eft.iteby  awo:k,  I  Cor. 2. 9.  Eye  hath  ^not  feen  what  the  Lord  .hath  prepared  for  them 
that  Ivz-e  him  y^hl.'^i.ig .  Oh  how  great  Is  thy  goddneife  laid  up  for  them  that  fear 
thee\  ^  Cor. $,''..  If  chathedwithChrlft-^  wholeChrift,  v. $^6.  He  hath  fitted 
'usfbrthi>,  2nd  given  th-e  eamefi  of  the  Spirit,  which  ,  Rom.^.i^.  are  firji-frnlts 
efGlorjy  therefore  we  are  confident. 

Ob],  But  if  you  look  to  your  felves,  you  will  have  peace  to  day  andforrowto 
morrow.  • 

Nay,  weare  ahva'ies  confident,  and  yet  P<««/ did  not  now  go  on  in  a  Covenant 
of  works.  Now  whether  a  man  firft  com.es  to  know  his  eftate  by  a  work, .  word , 
and  fpirit,  fo  that  there  are  three  things  to  evidence  our  happy  eftare,or  whether  by 
two  things  only,  Wi.  a  general  word  and  fpitit,  I  intend  not  to  ciifpute,  becaufe 
it  m.akes  nothing  againft  the  truth  in  hand  :  Only  this  ID.y ,  its  very  dangerous 
to  limit  the  Holy  One  of  Jfrdelj  efpecially  in  his  freedom  of  working,  to  breath 
light,  and  life,  and  divine  confolation,  when  and  by  what  means  and  promife,  j 
and  in  what  m.eafure  he  will.  '  Chrift  when  he  was  here  on  earth,  would  fay  fom.- 
tim,es ,  thyjins  are  forgiven,  Afat.^.'^'.     Somtim.es  belt  amathes  ds  thdii  believefi, 

T  Mat.g. 


r 


T'he  T arable  of  the 


Mat, 9*'^^ ^'2' 9.  Nay,  he  It  mto  thee  as  thou  mlt ,  Mat.i  5.28.  If  in  thefe  inferi- 
our  things,  much  more  in  greater.  Chrift  is  now  gone,  and  we  have  no  imme- 
diate fpeech  with  him,  but  in  his  Word,  and  he  is  free  to  fpeak  to  his  people  ac- 
cording as  he  pleafeth,  and  when  they  need.  And  therefore  Iqi  me  entreat  Bre- 
thren to  be  wary  in  their  fpeeches  in  dafhing  all  promifes  in  pieces.  What  Chri- 
ttian  heart  can  fee  Gods  Truth  mangled,  without  being  angry  ar^d  miOuiningfor 
the  hardneffe  of  mens  hearts  ?  The  Lo  rd  hath  fpoken  peac^  to  fom.e  mens 
hearts  thus,  he  that  is  loft  fhallbe  found,  He  that  believes  in  ine^all never  hunger^ 
iiud  he  that  comes  to  me  jhall  never  thirfi  ;  and  feeing  this,  they  conclude  ,  the 
Lords  Spirit  helping  them  (  fo?  fomtim.e  they  cannot  do  it )  peace.  For  the 
Major  is  the  Word ,  the  Minor  Experience,  and  the  Conclufion  the  Lords  Spirits 
work  quickningyour  fpirits  to  it.  Now  fay  fom.e  ,  how  do  you  know  this  ?  Thus 
you  may  be  miftaken,  for  m.any  have  been  deceived  thus.  Grant  that,  And  iliall 
a  child  not  take  bread  when  'tis  given  him.,  though  dogs  fnatchat  it?  What 
fhouldonedothen?  Bring  their  work  to  the  light,  tothetriall  of  the  Word, 
which  you  know  doth  but  two  things. 

1.  Shews  what  God  is.        And 

2.  What  man  is,  and  fodifcoversand  defcribesallhypocrifie  ofm.en,  and  all 
grace  of  men, ,  now  if  it  will  not  bear  the  trial  of  the  Word,  convince  them  they 
have  gone  on  in  a  covenant  of  works  indeed ;  But  if  it  will,  hold  there,  take  heed 
then  of  falfe  wicnefle  againft  the  Truth  of  God ;  fo  that  do  not  condemn  the 
work  of  Chrift  in  any  m.an,  where  'tis  of  the  right  ftamp,  and  hath  Chrifts  Image 
upon  it,  and  fo  pluck  men  from  their  claim,  to  Chrifts  love  revealed  in  his  pro- 
mife.  But  learn  to  difterence  it  once,  and  then  I  am.  perfwaded  the  fad  differ- 
ences that  begin  to  appear,  would  foonbe  ended  among  all  them  th3.t  love  the 
Trmh  in  Chrifi  Jefus^  2  Pet.i  .4.  whereby  are  given  to  m  that  have  precious  Faith, 
exceeding  great  andp-eciomfrom'ifes^  The  Lord  gives  little  to  his  people,  Oh  but 
he  gives  them  rich  promifes  /  Bonds,  and  Bills,  and  writings  to  fhew  for  rich 
Grace,  and  riches  of  Glory,  and  riches  of  peaces  Oh  but  thefe  promifes  Hypo- 
crites may  have .'  they  may  be  loft,  and  hunger  and  thirft,  and  believe.  Wmt 
as  thofe  do  that  have  theirintereft  in  thefe  prom.ifes  ?  Why  are  they  called  fre- 
cioHs  Promifes  ?  Preciam promifes  are  not  com.m.on  things.  Precious  promifes  are 
not  the  portion  of  a  bafe  world.  Precious  things  God  never  gives  to  dogs,  and 
believe  m.e,  you  may  come  to  know  the  price  of  them  in  the  times  of  your  hor- 
roiir  on  death-bed,  that  account  them  comm.on  now.  Oh  but  many  reft  on 
promifes  without  Chrift  J  That's  all  one,  the  faithful  by  them  come  to  partake 
ofthe  Divine  Nature,  of  Chrift,  of  his  Spirit,  of  Divine  Confolations,  Peace, 
Grace,  and  this  is  not  building  on  a  work  ,  orreftingon  abareprom.ife,  when 
it  carries  you  to  Chrift  and  the  everlafting  embracings  of  him..  Its  no  matter 
what  pro.mife  gives  peace,  fo  long  as  it  lands  us  in  Chrift.  And  therefore  a  man 
mayknowhisbleffedeftateby  awork,  only  let  me  put  in  three  Cautions. 

1 .  Take  heed  you  do  not  in  your  judgment  or  in  your  praciife  go  about  to  move 
the  Lord  to  love  you  by  your  work,  though  it  be  of  his  making.  For  all  works 
are  fruits,  no  caufes  cf  the  Lords  love,  for  this  is  Popery  indeed,  and 'tis  Hypo- 
crite, Ifa.58. 3 ,4.  why  have  we  fafied,  and  prayed^  and  delighted  to  draw  near  unto 
God  ?  &c.  but  look  upon  the  work. and  prom.ife,  and  be  the  more  vile  in  thine 
own  eyes,  that  the  Lord  ftiould  promife,  or  do.  any  thing  for  thee.  So  that  when 
you  feel  any  faving  work ,  go  not  to  God  with  expectation  of  any  good  in  the 
nameof  that  work,  but  in  the  name  of  that  free  Grace  and  Faithfulnelle  of  God, 
which  hath  moved  him  to  m.ake  fuch  precious  promifes  to  fuch  as  thofe  are  that 
have  it.     Haft-not  f aid  Solomon  (hall  reign?  i  Kings  1.13.     So  here. 

2.  Take  heed  you  do  not  fit  down  contented  with  the  work,  and  quiet  your 
felveswich  that,  never  looking  to  behold  his  face  that  gave  it,  that  wrought  it. 
Tho.  poor  blind  man,  Jolmg.     had  a  mighty  cure  upon  him,  and fome  feed  of 

Faith, 


tenVirgins  Opened  and  JppUed. 


155? 


biich  ;  ttie  Lord  vvroughc  the  worK,  but  hid  himfelf :  He  wondrcd  at  the  great 
change,  was  affe6led  with  his  love,  at  laft  the  Lord  Jgfus  comes  himfelf,  Dofl 
thoH  believe  ?  faith  hc,  Lord  roho  is  he  f.  J  am  he;  thenheT»6rfhlffedhlm^v.'^6^'^^'^ 
38.  So  'tis  with  the  Lord  in  his  way  of  working  Grace :  On  therefore  long  to 
fee  him  here  in  his  glafle,  and  in  Glory ,  in  his  face  fully  /  Truly  there  is  no 
work  of  Cbrif^:  that's  right,  but  it  carries  the  foul  to  long  for  more  of  it,  and  to  be 
with  him  that  hith  done  it.  Many  ChrilHans  when  they  have  the  work,run  away 
with  it  as  agoodfign,  and  look  to  the  promife.  Oh  but  long  not,  look  not  to 
behold  the  Lord.'  Do  ^e  thus  requite  the  Lord^  Oh  ye  foolijh  people  and  nrnvife  ? 
Were  it  not  enough  that  your  fins  make?but  will  you  make  works  &  promifes  alfo  a 
partition  wall  between  the  Lord  and  your  fouls.  I  profefle  the  Lord  will  fire  fuch 
work  about  your  eares ,  and  drie  up  all  your  pits,  that  you  may  long  for  to  drink 
out  of  the  Well  of  life  it  felf.  And  'tis  a  black  mark  of  Unbelief  that  fhall  keep 
thee  from  rert,  Heb.^.  3,10,11.  Oh  but  when  you  long  to  fee  him,  Oh  when  (hall 
I  appear  befire  God  I  P[al.63.2^s,^,  Then  the  Lord  will  fill  thee.  As  Leaden 
Rings  with  a  Pearle,  fo  Promifes  and  Chrift  put  together  C  not  divided  J  are 
exceeding  precious. 

3 .  Do  not  look  to  fee  the  work  or  promife  yours,  nor  receive  any  confolation 
from  either,  unleffe  the  Lord  appear  in  botn,John  io.i5.  They  fhall  hear  mj 
voice ;  for  fo  moft  men  bring  home  Humane,  not  Divine  confolation  from  a  work. 
But  Ob  fetch  it  you  from  Heaven  /  as  in  Peters  redemption,  ^^s  1 2 .  You  rea- 
fon,  and  others  tell  you,  and  yet  you  are  full  of  fears  and  doubts ;  and  thou  cri- 
eft.  Lord  perfwadc  me,  Lord  perfwadc  me,  yea,  hold  you  here,  now  yon  are 
where  you  ought  for  to  be.  Do  you  think  Chrift  is  filled  with  Grace  and  Life  for 
ycu,  and  nor  wiih  Confolation  for  you  too  ?  Only  ufc  means,  and  fo  look  up  to 
him. 


SECT.   V. 

OH  therefore  content  not  yoilt  felves  with  any  hopes  your  eftate  is  right,  un- 
til you  find  this  difference,  for  the  Lord  fpeaks  peace  only  to  his  people, 
and  his  people  are  differenced  from  all  others.    Hence  how  can  you  fay  peace  is 
yours,  till  this  be  cleared  up  unto  you  ? 
I  I'hall  fpeak  to  two  forts  of  people. 

L  Thofe  that  content  themfelvcs  with  any  thing  that  may  flop  andquiecCon- 
fcience,  any  flight  work,  any  poor  defires,  any  hed^e-Faith  ,  any  moral  perfor- 
mances, any  groundleflc  conjeftures  will  ferve  tneir  turn.  And  being  full, 
I  they  can  hear  all  Sermons,  no  wind  will  ftiake  them,  no  fcarching,  threatning 
I  Truths  concern  them  ;  they  are  fo  good,  that  they  think  the  Lord  means  not  them. 
Well,  I  ky  no  more  to  you  but  this ,  know  it  that  the  time  is  coming  that  the 
Lord  Jefus  wil  try  you,  and  examine  you  to  the  very  Bran  ;  and  will  defcryall  thy 
painti  and  open  all  thy  lufts  and  thoughts,  and  thy  nakcdneffe,  and  fhame,  and 
confufion  (hafl  be  feen  of  all  the  world . 

IL  Thofe  that  cont  ent  themfelves  with  the  revelation  of  the  Lords  love,  with- 
out the  fight  of  any  work,  or  not  looking  to  it.  I  dcfirc  the  Lord  to  reveal  him- 
felf abundantly  more  and  more,  to  all  that  have  the  Lord  favingly  revealed  unto 
them.  For  this  is  the  mifery,  Chrift  is  a  hidden  thing,  and  fo  is  his  love :  Yet 
conddcr, 

1.  God  reveals  not  his  love  to  any  Hypocrite,  but  to  his  people,  that  have  a 
.work  far  beyond  them. 

2.  That  the  teftimony  of  the  Spirit  doth  not  make  a  man  a  ChrilHan,  but  only 
evidcncech  it.  As  'tis  the  nature  of  a  witneffe,  not  to  make  a  thing  to  be  true, 
but  to  clear  and  evidence  it*    And  therefore  whether  the  Spirit  in  the  firft  or  fe- 

T  z  cond 


-i 


Ufc  6 


140 


The'^  arable  of  the 


j  cond  place  (Clears  Gods  iO\e,  I  difpu'cno',  bccaufe'ds  doubtful ;  ye:  be  lure  you 
!  find  out  the  difference,  viz..  iome  work  m  you,  that  no  Hypocrke  under  Hea- 
I  ven  hath  :  Elfe  what  pe.Ke  can  you  have  ? 

I.  Hereby  you  come  to  pre\enc  the  ftrongcft  delufion  tliat  Satan  hath  to  keep 
men  in  bondige  to  himfelf,  viz.,  to  give  men  great  peace,  and  fomd'.nes  great 
ravilliment,  while  they  are  in  their  iins  that  fohemay  liarden  them  there  itill, 
IX/*%  1 1.2 1.  Now  by  taking  this  courfe,  and  going  to  Chriif  to  untie  the  knots 
I  of  Satan,  you  do  now  undermine  the  main  plocof  Satan,  you  break  his  head,  ha- 
lving recourfe  to  Chrilt  to  do  this.  His  policy  is,  Let  your  heart  alone,  let  Chriii  j 
'  alone  with  chat.  But  now  you  may  be  furc  all  your  confolation  is  of  the  right 
m.ake.  | 

2.  Otherwifeyou  quench  the  Spirit,  andrefiftthe  teftimony  of  the  Spirit,  atf 
leaft  one  great  part  of  it.  For  the  Spirit  when  it  doth  come  to  witncffe  Gods  love,! 
it  anfwers  all  the  doubts  and  objections  of  the  foul  that  it  had  before.    Now  the  J 
great  doubt  of  Gods  people  is  not  only.  Am  I  eled^ed,  am  I  juftified  and  accept-  \ 
ed?    But  am  I  called,  am  I  fandtified,  are  not  my  defires ,  my  Faith  ,  my  Jove  \ 
counterfeit?    which  I  may  have,  and  yet  go  to  Hell?    Now  the  Spirit  when  it  J 
comes,  clears  up  all  doubts,  not  fully,  but  gradually,  for  'ds  the  moft  clearing 
witnede,  and  therefore ,  John  14.18,19,20.    At  that  day  joufhall  knew  that  I 
am  inyoHy  and  yon  In  mcy  and  I  In  the  Father^     The  Spirit  doth,  not  only  fay  Chrift 
is  out  of  you,  in  Heaven,  preparing  and  interceding,  but  in  you,  fandHfying,  pre- 
paring thee  for  Glory,  that  art  a  velfel  of  Glory ;  and  you  in  me  by  Faith,  by  Love, 
delire,  &c.    Now  when  a  man  i"haU  fay,  I  look  to  no  wotk,  but  only  for  the  Spirit 
to  reveal  the  Lords  Love ;  in  feeming  to  defire  the  Spirit,  he  doth  relift  the  Spirit 
ofGod. 

3.  Otherwifeyoufhall  be  deprived  ofall  that  abundant  cbnfolation  which  the 
Word  holds  out  before  you.  For  fuppofe  you  fay,  I  look  not  to  the  work  of  God 
in  me,  to  receive  any  confoladon  from  that,  or  any  promife  made  to  that.  I 
look  only  to  the  revelation  of  the  Spirit. 

ui}if.i.  There  is  never  a  promife  but  die  Comforter  is  in  it,  and  they  are  given 
for  that  end,  to  give  ftrong  confolation,  now  if  you  look  to  no  work,  nor  no  con- 
ditional promife,  nor  to  find  the  condition  in  you  (  which  yet  Chdil  muft  and ! 
dothwork)  Lord.'  whatabundanceoffweet  peace  do  you  lofe^^tfz^.y.iy.  The 
Lamb  leads  them  to  the  living  Fountain  of  waters ,  and  God  wipes  arvay  all  tears :  And 
for  ought  Iknow  you  fhall  die  for  thirll  that  refufe  to  do  it.  Oh  flow  of  heart  to  be- 
lieve all  that  the  Scriptures  have  ivrit  !  all  that  God  hathfpoken/  Ought  you  not 
thtis  to  be  comforted  ? 

But  2.  Ifyou  look  to  a  Spirit  without  a  work,  vyhileftyou  do  feek  confolation  , 
'  from  the  Spirit,  you  cannot  avoid  the  condemnationof  tbe  Word.    You  fay  the  j 
Spirit  hath  fpoken  peace  to  you.    But  do  you  love  Chrift"?  ^  I  look  not  to  thac,  b  ut 
to  the  Spirit.     Why  the  Word  faith.  He  that  loves  not  him^  let  him  be  Anathema, 
So,  Is  the  League  between  your  fins  and  your  fouls  broken?    Anf  I  look  not  to 
that.     Wb^  John  faieh.  He  that  committethJinisoftheDevil^iJo'hn^.S^p.    Are| 
you  new  creatures  ?  I  look  not  to  that.     Why  the  Word  faith,  Unlejfe  ym  be  born 
again  ,  joh  cannot  enter  Into  the  Kingdom  of  God.     And  the  Lord  knows,  but  on  your 
death-beds,  thus  Satan  may  affaulc  you,  and  then  will  the  Lord  fay,  nay,  look  to 
yourfelf.    The  Word  fhall  be  i5r/^^tK:^J  terrour.    Confider,  P/k/.32.i,2.        f 

4.  Look  to  it,  ellc  you  fiiall  be  deprived  of  furdier  manifeftation  and  commu- 
nionwich  the  li)rd  Jefus.  The  Lord  reveals  notall  of  himfelf  at  once,  the  day 
dawns  before  the  Sun  rifeth,  and  there  is  a  furdier  manifeftation  of  the  Lord  in 
this  life  to  his  people,  not  for,  but  when  they  indeed  maintain  fuch  works  before 
hijn,  John  14.21.  /  mil  manifefi  my  f elf  mto  him,  Hbw  ?  Oh  faith  Chrift,  Ik 
eome  andfup  with  him.  Never  think  the  Lord  will  difhonour  himfelf  fo  far  as  to 
comeinto  a  filthy  heart.    Sin  doth  and  will  grieve  Gods  Spirit,  thac  he  will  only 

accufe 


ten  i/irgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


accufe  5  not  i}  e.ik  peace  to  you ,  till  all  is  mended. 

5.  EUe  you  may  fall  everhltiRgl.y  away,  as  thole,  Heb.  1 0.251.  They  had  received 
the  knowledge  ef  the  Trmhy  and  were  [anCtified^  buc  their  wills  and  hearts  ne\er 
changed.  Oh  take  heed  there  be  not  left  only  a  fearful  Icol^JMgfor  of  vengeance  I  You 
fhnd  on  the  brim  of  dellmction  every  m.omenr,  that  do  it  not.  For  'ds  plain  hv- 
pocrifie,  noc  to  bring  works  to  the  light ;  'tis  not  ceafing  tc  go  on  in  a  covenant 
of  works,  John  3.20.  And  if  the  Lord  do'h  love  you,  and  you  will  not  take  the 
counfel  of  the  Word,,  the  tire  cf  the  Lord  fliall  try  you.  And  when  that  comes, 
and  Confcicnce  lliall  ask,  wherefore  comes  all  this  great  evil  upon  me  ?  when  your 
miferies  lliall  be  grear,  Uh  it  lliall  be  faid,  this  was  becaufe  I  loved  not  the  Loid,  I 
forfook  the  Lo:d,Gr  cOh  therefore  look  to  the  Lord  now  to  deanfe  you  !Zac.  1 3 .9. 

'T  s  true,  there  is  a  aitter  ence,  bix  is  it  poffible  to  know  it,  feeing  that  a  falie 
heart  may  ^o  fo  far  ?  efp.eciaily  to  know  it  in  it  felf  ? 

*Tis  true,  'tis  difficult  for  m,en,  Miniilers,  or  Angels  to  reveal  it,  yec'tis  eafie 
for  the  Lord  J efus  to  reveal  it,  and  this  he  doth  do.  This  light  difcovers  hidden 
things  as  they  are,  \\is  Spirit  leads  imo  all  Truth.  And  this  is  a  peailiar  privi- 
:ledge  and  honour,  as  for  God  to  know,  fo  they  partaking  of  the  Divine  Nature, 
forthemto  know  their  own  hearts,  Je'r.i  7,9,10.  Arid  although  it  be  an  Cciiie 
thing  for  hypocrites,  that  never  knew  what  Grace  meant,  tobemiftaken,  yet  af- 
ter the  Lord  hath  made  it  known  to  the  elect,  'tis  no  eafie  matter  to  deceive  them. 
As 'tis  Wjth  Apothecaries,  that  know  when  they  meet  with  counterfeit  drugs  j  or 
Jewellers,  that  know  the  difference  between  Briftow-Stones  and  Pearls.  As 
the  blind  manfoith,  whereas  I  was  blind,  now  I  fee,  fo  I  was  dead,  now  behold 
Hive.  Old  things  are  faffed  avpay^  all  things  are  become  xerv.  i  Fet.2.c}.  They 
are  called  out  ofdarkneffe  imo  marvellous  light.  If  they  could  not  know  a  difference, 
why  would  the  Lord  command  them  to  add  one  Grace  to  another,  and  grow  in 
Grace  ?  May  they  not  well  reply  ?  Alas  Lord  I  know  not  Tralli  from.  Treafure .' 
I  know  nothing  thou  haft  commanded  m.e  to  do,  but  hypocrites  may  have  and  do. 
I  £iy  therefore  the  v/ork  may  be  feeii  in  it  felf,  and  that  by  a  three  fold  light. 

L  The  light  of  the  Word,  which  is  a  Divine  Revelation  of  or  concerning 
God  and  m-an,  and  of  man,  noc  only  as  fallen  in  ^dam  (which  difcovers  all  his 
fins,  their  nature,  their  end,  &c.)  bat  as  rifen  again  and  recovered  in  Chrift, 
the  birth,  being,  breeding  of  the  new  creature.  It  difcovers  all  hypbcrifie  of  the 
heart,  fo  chat  they  lliall  be  forced  to  fay  the  Lord  hath  found  me  out,  and  Saints 
■fhall  fay  the  Lord  hath  done  me  good.  As  if  the  queftion  be.  Whom  doth  the 
Lord  Jefus  love  ?  You  need  not  go  to  Heaven  for  it,  the  Word  is  nigh  thee.  Thofe 
that  love  Chrift  :  Who  are  thofc  ?  Thofe  that  keep  his  CommandementSy  &c.  So 
that  the  Word  is  a  light  to  difcover  Truth  from  fallhood,  the  work  of  Grace  from 
the  work  of  hypocrifie  •  and  by  this  light  Saints  may  and  do  kriow  what  the  work 
is.  And  it  argues  dreadful  unbelief  amd  Hypocrifie  nor  to  do  tbus  , 
John  5.  19, 20, 21.  And  this  all  the  Saints  are  commanded  to  do,  %  Pet.1.19. 
We  (  fealedmth  the  Spirit)  have  a  fi4re  word  of prophejie,  dec.  Which  is  a  li.ghtina 
darkjplace ;  both  to  reveal  Gods  heart  and  our  hearts  unto  us ;  hence  it  mak^s  tu 
Tvifetofalvatim. 

II.  The  Light  of  the  Spirit  going  with  the  Word,  reveals  the  work  ;  without 
which  the  work  cannot  be  feen,  no  more  than  a  Book  written  in  the  faireft  hand 
or  print,  can  be  feen  without  light  to  fee  it  by :  And  hence  Gods  people  cannot 
prefently  read  what  the  Lord  hath  written,  &c.  i  John  g.24.  That  look  as  'tis 
with  Scriptures,  Papifts  fay  they  are  obfcure,  and  how  do  we  know  them?  We 
anfwer,  there  are  Divine  Chara<5Vcrs  ofMajcfty  and  Glory  ftampt  upon  them, 
whereby  we  by  the  fame  Spirit  that  writ  them,  fee  them,  aad  are  perfwaded  of 
chcm ;  fo  here.  Or  as  tis  in  the  work  of  Creation :  How  can  any  fee  God  in 
it  ?  We  fay,  in  the  very  workmanfhip  appears  his  Power  and  Eternity,  Wif«r  *m, 
Goodneffe,  &c.    Now  although  Atheifts  cannot  fee  tbefe,  yet  others  do  and  can, 

T  3  So 


Izll 


Ohfe^. 
Anfvf* 


142. 


The  T arable  of  the 


ObjeU. 


2, 


Ob]eU. 


3. 


So  in  tie  workmanship  of  the  Ele6t,  'tis  fo.  Its  theCIafleof  Gods  peculiar 
mercy  and  love ;  now  they  that  never  had  ic ,  know  it  no%  but  the  Saints  do,  by 
the  Spirit  effecially.  Thus  far  we  grant  the  Spirits  TeiUmcny  ,'that  itmuttre- 
veal  it. 

III.  The  Light  of  experience  and  fenfe:  For  Saints  have  an  experimental! 
knowledge  of  the  work  of  Grace,  by  vertue  of  which  they  come  to  know  it  as  cer- 
tainly ( as  we  difpute  againft  the  Papfts  )  ashy  feeling  hear,  we  knew  fire  is  hot, 
by  tatting  honey,  we  know  'tis  fweer.  Now  this  is  diverlly  apparent  to  experi- 
ence. 

1.  By  meditation  of  the  vwrk,  in  comparing  it  with  the  Kulc,  for  no  dead 
creature  can  perform  one  ipirirual  living  a<5l  of  life,  no  not  a  good  thought,  though 
they  may  think  of  good  things.  Now  the  Lord  hath  given  to  his  people  a  mioft 
Q\i6t  Rule  of  life,  hence  by  meditation  they  may  fee  how  far  it  agrees  or  difa- 
grees  with  the  Rule,  and  judge  of  a  living  a^  by  it ;  and  fo  of  the  God  and  Lord 
of  life  to  be  there.  Hence  try  your  fehes^  ^otv  jou  mt  Chrifi  Is  in  you ,  &c^  And 
hence  I  never  knew  yet  a  thinking  ChrilUan  deceived,  and  hence  1  fear  all  thar 
make  not  this  their  trade,  will  be  to  feek,  and  fo  to  begin  again :  Oh  the  Lord 
teacheth  his  people  hidden  myfleries  by  this. 

2.  By  the  operation  and  working  of  it,  for  Grace  may  be  in  the  heart,  and  yet 
lying  afleep,  and  raked  up  under  the  afhes,  not  feen,  nor  felt,  but  in  the  opera- 
tion of  it,  it  may,  which  is  peculiar  as  the  form  is.  For  how  do  we  know  we  love 
or  delight  in  any  creature  ?  By  the  operation  of  love  and  delight.  How  did 
Ghrift  manifeft  to  the  Pharifees  that  they  were  ef  their  Fathr the  VeviliWhy  his 
lufis  thej  yvonlddeSo  how  can  any  tell  he  knows  the  Lord,or  loves  the  Lord,  or  be- 
leeves  in  rheLord.'The  operation  difcovers  it  ^Jiffiwfji.ii.And  hence,Gal.5.(5.FWf/? 
which  mrks  by  Love,  And  though  hypocrites  a6>  like  them,  yet  there  is  a  peculiar 
vertue  in  the  one  that  is  not  in  the  other. 

3.  By  their  temptadons  and  trials,  Deut.8.2.  The  Lord  hath  led  thee fonyycio-s 
te  frove  thee  and  jhew  thee  what  was  in  thy  heart*  Rom.  5.4, 5.  Tribulation  breeds 
ixferience,  and  thathofe  or  expectation  of  that  which  fhall  never  make  us  afhamed. 
lie  name  no  more.  But  look  as  we  faid  to  them  that  cried  out  againft  Prayer 
without  a  Book,  we  anfwer.  Hath  a  man  dwelt  in  his  own  heart  fo  many  years, 
and  not  known  his  wants ,  to  make  him  pray  ?  nor  the  Lords  work  of  mercy,  to 
make  him  bleffe,    foher^ 

2.  But  if  a  man  looks  to  his  work,  this  will  interrupt  and  break  his  peace. 

1.  It  may  and  doth  break  and  interrupt  a  falfe  peaces  as  many  fay,  yet  they 
truft  in  the  Lords  mercy.  Oh  'tis  a  prefumptuous  peace. 

2.  'Ncgle6l  of  this  yields  moft  unpeaccableneffe,  even  in  them  that  are  fincere. 
You  have  peace,  and  then  break  out  into  pride  and  paflion  again  j  then  queftion 
all.  The  Spirit  will  figb,  not  fing  in  that  bofom,  P/^/.32.i,2,3.  fW^.15.20. 
Neither  can  you  avoid  the  condemnation  of  the  Word,  though  you  maintain  con- 
folation  from  the  Spirit,  nor  fufpition  of  hypocriiie. 

5.  This  is  the  way  to  peace,  2  P^f.  1,7,8,5).  Mat.ii.2p,^c.  Chn{\syskeu 
f^/?^  and  yields  peace,  in  life  and  after  life  too,  Eev.14.13.  Tkflr  mrkifdlow 
them.    So  that  hereby  comes  double  peace  and  reft. 

1 .  From  horrour. 

2.  From  fin,  which  is  wonderful  great.  \ 

3 .  But  I  look  to  Chrifl,  I  look  to  no  work.  If  I  have  him ,  I  have  all. 

True,  Firft  look  to  have  him,  to  be  comprehended  by  him,  that  fo  you  may 
comprehend  him.  Butbccaufe  you  look  fortiU  in  him,  will  you  look  for  no- 
thing from  him  ?  Will  you  have  Chrift  fit  in  Heaven ,  and  not  look  that  he  fub- 
due  your  lufts  by  the  work  of  his  Grace,  and  fo  fway  in  your  hearts  ?  You  defpife 
his  Kingdom  then.  Do  you  feek  for  pardon  in  the  Blood  of  Chrift,and  never  look 
for  the  vertue  and  end  of  that  Blood  to  wafh  you5&  make  you  without  (pot^&c^You  1 

defpife 


ten  Virgtm  Opened  and  Applied.  145 

defpife  his  priefthoo  d  ^nd  Blood  then.  Do  you  look  for  Chrifl:  to  do  work  for  you, 
and  you  not  to  do  Chritts  work,  and  bring  forth  fruit  to  him?  You  defpife  his 
Honour  then,  John  1 5.8.  If  I  were  to  difcover  a  Hypocrite,  or  a  falfe  heart,  this 
I  would  fay.  It  is  he  that  (hall  fet  up  Chrift,  but  loath  his  work.  To  have  Chrift, 
is  fweer,  as  Cafemmm,  to  follow  Chrift,  is  heavy,  John  14.21,23.  1    /  ■  a 

4.  But  if  I  have  the  wimefle  of  the  Spirit,  what  need  I  have  any  other  diffe-  Ohje^.^, 
rence. 

1.  The  witneffe  of  the  Spirit  makes  not  the  firft  difference.    For  firftaman  Anfw, 
is  a  Believer  and  in  Chrift,   and  juftified,  called,  fanftified  ,  before  the  Spirit 

doth  wicneffe  ic ;  elfe  the  Spirit  fhould  witnelfe  to  an  untruth  and  a  lie.  For  un- 
believers are  under  wrath. 

2.  If  the  Spirit  doth  not  witneflfe  this  peculiar  work  to  be  in  you,  and  clear 
it  to  you,  tell  me  how  you  canefcape  theanguifhof  Confcience  and  the  terrours 
of  Hell  in  your  hearts,  unleffe  Confcience  be  feared  and  blinded  ?  When  the 
Lord  lliall  fet  Confcience  to  ask  and  fay,  I  chufe  none  but  whom  I  call,  I  call 
none  buL  whom  I  juftifie,  I  juftifie  none  but  whom  I  fan(3:ifie,  and  that  not  widi 
a  comm.on,  but  a  peculiar  work ;  Is  it  fo  with  you  ?  If  ic  be  dark  or  doubtful, 
can  you  but  diink  all  your  joyes  have  been  dreams,  and  your  witnefTe  delulions? 
Therefore  look  unto  this. 

5.    But  if  I  fhould  do  this ,   I  fhould  look  to  find  fome  cleanneffe  in  Object' 
m.y  felf,  whereas  lam  to  fee  nothing  but  ungodlinelTe:    Goats  are  clean  crea- 
tures. 

1.  When  you  ftand  before  Chrifts  judgment-feat  to  receive  pardon,  you  are'^wjy, 
here  to  look  upon  all  as  unclean,  and  your  felves  ungodly. 

2.  When  you  come  to  look  upon  your  San6lification,  you  are  to  fee  it  as  'tis, 
mixt  with  fin  and  corruption,  and  fo  caufe  of  being  abafed  as  low  as  Hell  for 
what  is  done;  yec  that  cleanneiTe  and  truth  there  is,  you  muftfeetoo,  Kom-']- 
HeiQk  a  Laiv  warring  agalnfi  the  Law  of  his  mind^  yet  he  felt  another  Law  too 
which  he  made  an  evidence  of  his  being  in  Chrift,  Rom»^A'  Giving  all  die  Glo- 
ry of  it  to  Chrift.  Not  I  but  Chrifi,  And  yet  P^»/ was  no  Goat,  Its  one 
thing  to  fee  Grace  in  my  felf,  another  thing  to  look  upon  it  as  mine,  to  clear  me 
withall.  You  are  to  fee  the  Lords  work  and  not  appropriate  it  to  your  feE  And 
this  let  m.e  fay,  if  there  be  no  more  than  ungodlineffe  in  thee,  and  thoufeeft  no 
more,  thou  malt  never  fee  God  in  Heaven,  j&i?^.i  2.14.  Nor  didft  never  fee  him 
yet,  I  Johfi  3.5,8.     Oh  therefore  look  to  a  work .' 

1 .  If  you  do  nor ,  you  have  no  peace.  For  the  Lords  fake  do  it  before  fire  cry 
you,  or  you  ftand  fcorching  before  the  Tribunal  of  God. 

2.  The  fweec  of  it  will  be  great,  as  there  is  nothing  more  bitter  than  Chrift  de- 
parting with  his  holy  prefence ;  fo  nothing  fo  fweec  as  Chrifts  cleaving  to  thee  in 
his  holy  prefence.  And  truly  ftn  was  never  bitter  to  that  foul  to  which  the  work  of 
the  Lord  Jefus  was  not  fweet,  though  its  accounted  by  fom.e  almoft  Popery  to 
fpeokfo.  Tothisallpromifesaremade,  I  Tim.4.8.  Godlinep  hath  them,  'Tis 
true,  dney  are  m.ade  to  Chrift,  i.e.  to  Chrift  myftical,  i  C0r.12.12.  Yet  to  die 
bead  as  the  foundation  and  conveyer  of  all  to  the  eled,  Efh.  i  .2  3 .  2  Pet.  1.5 ,4. 
If  you  defpife  work,  you  defpife  Promifes,  and  fo  defpife  Ghrift,  and  the  Lord 
knowes  wh.it  ufe  you  may  have  of  the  m  before  you  die. 


SECT. 


144 


of  Exhort  > 


"TheT  arable  of  the 


lOljeEl. 


jdnji\ 


SECT.  VI. 


TO  the  people  of  God,  in  whom  the  Lord  hath  maderhis  great  change?,  ti\ 
m:.de  a  difl^rence  between  you  and  all  chc  world.  .Take  heed  ofdenyii 


ai-Ki 
you  and  an  cnc  woria.  ,  i  aKe  neea  or  aenying 
your  workj  and  this  real  apparent  expreflion  of  the  Lords  love.  How  many  doubt- 
ing drooping  Spirits  are  there,  that  though  others  may  fee,  and  thou-gh  themfelves 
have  felt  the  fenfible  exprellion  of  the  Lords  love,  yet  oft  come  to  this  concliUion, 
or  fear  that  the  Lord  did  never  yet  good  unto  me  ?  AnddJfpute  againft  ir^  and 
rhmk  that  this  an  hypocrite  may  have,  7/^.45?.  14.  There  are  two  waies  vn  hereby 
Grace  is  defpifed. 

1 .  By  making  common  Grace  fpecial. 

2.  By  making  fpecial  Grace  common.  The  Eieilareapt  to  do  fo  before  they 
are  called,  as  PW  thought  his  innocent  Godlinefle  gain;  they  are  apt  to  do  the 
latter  when  once  in  ChrilhAllthis  we  may  have,andyet  to  Hell.Oh  take  becd  of  de- 
fpihng  this  kindneffe  which  the  Lord  jefus  hath  noc  fhewn  to  the  greatett  Poten- 
tates of  the  world. 

Ye;i,  if  I  did  but  know  it ;  but  I  am  put  to  fuchfeirs  and  doubts  about  it,  that 
I  know  not  what  to  make  on'c. 

I.  Do  not  think  thit  thou  art  under  the  power  of  thy  fin,  when  .thou  art  at  war 
with  thy  fm  and  it  with  thee.  For  the  Lord  m.any  times  clears  up  his  love  to  the 
foul,  and  'tis  better  than  life  to  him.,  but  then  winds  arife,  and  ftorm.s  come,  and 
fin  and  Satan  alfaults,  and  now  he  cries  out,  he  perifhech,  and  that  he  was  never 
redeemed  by  Chrill,  nor  never  faw  Chrifts  love.  Should  his  foul  be  thus  enfnared, 
thus  affaulted,  and  noHrength  againft  it,  and  therefore  being  under  the  power  of 
it,  hence  he  never  had  pardon;  they  cannot  overcome  their  corruptions,  though 
they  ftrive  againft  them,  hence  think  they  are  under  the  power  of  them.,  and  then 
fay,  where  is  Chrifts  Spirit?  &e,  ^nfw.  When  i^^^^^^A  had  Twins,  fothatfhe 
was  troubled,  ftie  went  to  the  Lord,  who  told  her,  the  elder  jhalifer've  the  jomger : 
So  there  is  Flefh  and  Spirit  in  Saints,  md  thefe  two  are  contrary,  fo  that  joh  cmnnot  do 
the  things  you  would ;  and  fom.times  cannot  yvill ,  yet  fomthing  oppofeth  this. 
Well,  know  it,  that  the  elder  and  ftronger  fhall  ferve  the  younger,  itfhallbe 
Lord.  A  man  that  is  at  war  with  another,  hath  received  power  againft  him,  but 
victory  is  not  gotten  prefently,fo 'tis  here.-  Judgment  fhall  come  to  victor j.  Though 
thou  art  bruifed  and  canft  not  raife  up  thy  felf ;  now  there  is  no  fear  of  breaking, 
if  God  will  not  do  that,  none  ftiall  do  it,  and  therefore  thou  ilialt  get  vi6lory. 
Only  know  for  the  prel'ent  thou  haft  power.  Thou  goeil  to  all  Ordinances,  and 
when  no  help  there,  raifeft  the  power  of  Heaven.  Oh  Lord  awake.'  JwakeOh 
^rm  of  the  Lord !  Ifa.$i.p. 

2.  bo  not  think  that  the  being  of  Grace  is  loft,  when  'tis  hid,  by  the  ceffation 
of  it  for  a  time  from  adl:.  For 'tis  hard  to  know  whether  Grace  be  there,  when 
a6ls  are  not  feen  or  felt ;  now  fomtimes  'tis  fo:  The  heart  growes  carelefleand 
negligent,  ceal'ethfromafting,  quencheth  the  flam.e  of  the  Spirit.  Hence  com.e 
fears,  was  there  ever  Grace  here  ?  The  Sluggards  Garden  grows  full  of  Netties, 

j«nd  he  faith,  was  there  ever  good  feed  fown  here?  j4nfiv.  Confider  'ds  in  this 
I  cafe,  as  'tis  in  fin.  Though  the  a6l  of  fin  ceafeth,  yet  there  is  a  bent  of  heart  ftill 
I  toward  it ;  and  a  carnal  heart  will  return  to  his  old  Byas  and  bent  again  :  So  though 
[thea6l  of  Grace  cenfeth,  yet  there  is  an  inner  m.an,  a  gracious  bent  and  fram.e 
j  put  upon  the  will,  that  though  for  a  time  it  ceafeth  a6ling,  yet  it  will  return  to 
j  its  old  bent  again,  to  its  own  nature,  which  is  called  the  feed  of  Ged^  i  John  3 .9. 
i  From  which  a  m.an  can  never  fall.  For  in  fleep  there  is  ceffation  from  a6ls,  yet 
1'  the  framje  reaiains  ftill.  In  the  old  Liw,  if  any  unclean  thing  fell  on  a  Pitcher,  it 
[was -accounted  unclean,  but  if  in  a  Spring,  not,  becaufeit  would  work  it  outa- 
gain ;  fo  here :    There  is  a  Spring  of  Grace,  which  m^y  be  muddied  and  ftopt  up, 

yec 


tenVtrgms opened  and  Applied. 


there  is 


yeLic  will  work  iclcit  clear  again.     And  this  Gods  people  lliall  find 
icrathing  in  che:n  that  fprings  up  to  everlaiiing  life  all  their  daie?. 

5.  Do  not  judge  only  of  the  truth  and  meafure  of  Grace  by  what  thou  haft  in 
thy  hand  of  feeling  ,'  but  by  what  thou  haft  in  tliy  hand  of  Faith  inthepromife. 
God  hith  ever  delighted  to  l%eep  his  people  ftiort  of  what  they  would  h.we,  anc 
fogivethein  bur  little,  infomuch  that  they  often  queftion  the  truth  of  Grace>  feel- 
ing fo  little  me  ifu  re  of  it.  Yet  they  look  to  the  riches  of 'Gods  Grace,  to  the 
freencile  and  richer  of  the  Lords  promife,  and  hang  there,  and  pleaJ  th.^t,  and 
fuck  that  bre.ift.  Anfw.  Oh  now  conlider  thou  art  empty,  but  remcLiiber  the 
Lord  Jefus  is  full,  and  the  pro  nife  is  free  and  full.  Oh  the  riches  of  it,  to  c-ive 
abundantly,  and  to  work  Truth  in  thee  !  Hence  'tis  there  in  the  promife, 
and  thy  Faith.  h'Hgs  on  I  he  promife  for  it:  Why,  tis  thine  hy  Faith  then.  The 
natureof  Faith  is  to  carry  the  foul  empty  to  a  promife  and  the  Lords  Grace,  and 
Chrift  there,  fo  that  it  knows  not  vvhicher  elfe  to  go  but  for  bread  here.  Now 
Faith  doing  thus,  it  makes  the  promafc  and  all  of  it  thine,  2  Pet.i.i^^.  Abra- 
ham\\id  hisch'ld'tirft  in  the  promife,  when  he  felt  a  dry  lody,  and  f^w  a  barren 
womb.  And  know  it,  its  infinite  mercy  to  be  kept  up-  in  the  promife,  and  thou 
giveft  the  Lord  infinite  G'ory  by  embracing  of  it  now ,  and  thou  maift 
triumph  here.  Hafinotfald^  Lsrd^  that  Seiomon  jhall  reigfi^  and  fin  fhail  not? 
It  fnali  nor.  Oh  rejoyce  oh  Heavens  and  Earth  at  this,  for  the  Lord  hath  vifir- 
edme/  God  took  from  Pml  his  revelations,  andfent  ditlempers,  that  Grace 
naight  be  m.anifefted  in  the  promife. 

4.  Do  not  think  that  the  Lords  heart  is  not  towards  thee,  while  he  hides  his 
face  from  thee.  For  there  may  be  frowns  in  a  Fathers  face,  and  yet  love  in  his 
heart:  The  Lord  purpofely  hides  himfelf  from  his  people  fom.times,  efpecially 
when  they  begin  rogrow  weary  of  him,  or  proud,  but  yet  his  heart  is  towards 
rhemftill.  Now"  they  think  notfo,  when  in  utter  dark neflc,  then  they  think 
there  is  no  love.  The  woman  of  Canaan  befoughc  Chrift  oft,  yet  he  heard  not, 
yet  his  heart  vvas  towards  her.  How  did  that  appear  ?  Her  heart  and  Faith  was 
ftill  tovvir^  him,  llie  would  not  leave  him  though  llie  tliould  have  but  crumbs. 
//rf.4^.1  5^&  8.17.  And  the  Lord  doth  purpofely  hide  his  face  in  love,  that  his 
peoples  hearts  may  be  towards  him,  Ho[.  5 . 1 5 .  &  6.  i . 

5.  Do  not  judge  of  the  Lords  love  and  heart  toward  you  in  thefe  fad  times  by 
prefent  feelings,  butby  theilTue  of  them.  For  fuch  is  the  Lords  cariage  towards 
his  people  iomtimes,  that  God  feems  wholly  to  erode  them,  and  appears  in  all 
their  waie.  with  a  drawn  fword  againft  them.  He  doth  not  only  leave  them  to 
their  enemies,  as  hedid  5^w/^».,  but  to  their  fins,  and  to  Satan  to  buftec  them, 
that  there  is  nothing  but  clouds  of  wrath  and  no  Star  appearing..  Now  look  to  the 
iflfuc,  znd  m^trk^the  fiprlght  mafi,  his  end  is  peace  ;  andconfider  this,  Ch  rifts  Xtnc^- 
domishid,  and  he  brings  contraries  out  of  contraxies,  he  makes  darkneife  lights 
Hell  Heaven,  guilt  pardon,  weakncffeftrength,  and  calls  things  that  are  not,  as 
though  they  were.  Then  think  within  thy  fclf,  He  conclude  nothing  ajainft  my 
felf,  but  ftay  and  wait  what  the  iftiie  will  be,  which  is  ever  glorious,  Jam<fsi,2^ 
5,4.  I  Pet.i.')^6,j.  Confider  hath  not  the  Lord  done  thee  much  good  already  ? 
Oh  confider  what  is  then  behind  I 

6.  Neverenterintodifpute  with  Satan,  or  thine  own  felf,  about  thy  eftare , 
but  by  taking  and  m.aking  Scripture  and  Wotd  to  be  the  Judge  of  the  controverfie. 
Fears  come  in,  youftiall  never  have  mercy,  never  have  power;  Who  told  you 
fo  ?  Doth  the  Word  fay  that  ?  The  Lord  never  gave  himfelf  to  me,  I  fear  k! 
Doth  the  Word  fay  fo  ?  Never  was  any  as  I ;  Doth'  the  Word  fay  fo  ?  Or  doth 
not  tfee  Word  fay,  God  delights  to  pick  out  the  viieft,  to  fend  thePhyfitianto 
them  that  be  fick-  1  cannot  fee  nor  conceive  any  mercy  ;  Doth  the  Word  fay  fo  ? 
Arc  not  the  Lords  thoughts  above  tkin(^  ?  I  have  not  that  peace  that  others  have, 
therefore  the  Lord  intends  none  toward  mc  ;  Doth  the  Word  fay  fo  ?  Oh  but  o- 

V  thers 


1^6 


[eg- 
Of  Confdiit . 


T^he  Tdrable  of  the- 


thersif  they  knew  me,  would  loach  me  I  Doth  the  Word  fay  fo  ?  When  asic 
faith,  Doukiejfe  then  thm  art  our  Father  t  I[a.6'^.i6,  And  bring  before  this 
Judge  both  fides,  not  only  what  fin  can  fay,  or  may  do  againft  thee,  but  what 
the  Word  of  the  Lord  Jef  us  can  fay  for  thee,  Jer.3 1.18,20.  Ef/hraimlaits  out  of 
(iubb©fne{fe :  Oh  hm  is  mt  Efhralm  my  only  Son  ^  Wtxc  Efhram  lamenting  too. 
And  hear  nothing  againft  a  Word.  Look  on  Pad  warring  againft  Chrift,  and  yet 
the  Law  of  Chrift  in  him.  alfo,  Luhe  24.25. 

7,  In  times  of  greateft  and  fmalleft  fears,  remember  tobehum.ble  and  vile  in 
thine  own  eyes,  worthy  never  to  be  beloved.  And  let  the  Lord  have  his  Will  of 
thee,  and  this  will  give  you  peace.  God  denies  mercy  to  that  man  that  will  be 
Lord  of  it :  To  be  fure,  evidence  mercy  then  he  will  not ;  and  when  he  doth  ma- 
nifeft  it,  'tis  then  when  pooreft  and  vileft,  and  the  heart  is  meek  and  humble  , 
Ifa.$j.i'^^i6.  MM.11.29.  Oh  the  Lord  opens  his  heart  and  love,  when  once  his 
Will  is  dear.  The  Lord  cafts  by  his  rod  and  frowns  now,  and.  creates  feace. 
Thus  you  may  come  to  fee  the  work,  or  the  Lords  Grace  in  you. 

To  Minifters,  to  take  heed  of  making  precious  things  common,  by  giving  in 
falfe  Signs  and  Evidences  of  love,  but  look  up  to  the  Lord-  for  a  fpecial  Spirit 
here. 

To  Gods  poor  people ,  and  thankfulnefle.  Oh  that  he  hath  called  thee  fim^ 
darknejfe  into  marvellom  lighty  Into  the  Kingdom  of  his  dear  Son  \  Oh  that  when  io 
many  com.e  near  to  mercy,  and  fall  fhortofit;  yetm.etobe  let  inl  Caleb  and 
Jojhua  to  be  let  into  Caman,  when  the  reft  fo  near,  and  all  perifhed  /  Ble0e  the 
Lordfor  all  Afifiidlions,  Fears,  Temptations,  Enemies,  Evils,  Hidings  of  his 
Face,  hereby  he  hath  but  tried  thee  and  purged  aWay  thy  droffe  ;  and  be  com- 
forted againft  all  reproaches  ofHypocrifieandApoftacY,ana  aproud  world  that  cafts 
filth  in  the  face  of  Holineffe.  Nororee  are  Sons  of  God  ^  it  appears  not  what  we 
fhallire,  but  we  fh all  k  like  him  in  Glory:,  in  Grace,  in  Honour,  in  hi^  Kingdom., 
for  we  jhallfee  him  as  he  is.  And  as  for  you  that  live,  and  lie,  and  bed  it  with  your 
€.^fe,  lufts,  floath,  and  God  fends  you  m.eans,  but  the  Bellows  arebiirnt,  the 
Leadis  melted,  and  your  Drolfe  not  confuraed  ,  Reprobate  Silver  fhall  men  call 
you^  and  God  fnall  deflroy  alljom  confidence.  But  you  that  are  the  Lords,  Oh 
that  you  could  fee  what  the  Lord  hath  done  !  he  hath  put  Heaven  into  thy  foul, 
and  his  werk  which  is  more  Glorious  than  the  Creation  of  Heaven  and  Earth. 


CHAP.  XV. 


SheTPing  that  the  Hypocrt/te  of  the  Heart  pro- 
ceeds from  a  want  ofji  Saving  Illumination 
in  the  UnderBandtng.  ^ 


Ohferv.^' 


SECT.    L 

HE  Springer  one  great  cauf^  mi  origlml  of  Evangelical  Trmh  andUypo- 
crijieis  themindofmoH. 

For  here  there  was  an  apparent  difference  between  the  Virgins  in 
.  their  pra^ife  and  in  their  wills,  as  hath  been  ^ewn  ;  yet  the  Lord  ex- 

preffeth  it  in  general  thus,  that  fome  of  them  were  w/yjr  (which  is  one  part  of  the 
perfe6"lioB  of  the  underftanding  )  and  fomcofthcm  vie:Qfoolijh  (  which  is.  the 
'  ^        ,  great^ 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


great  defe6l  of  lighr  in  the  mind  or  underfl^nding  )  bccaufe  the  truth  of  the  one 
and  the  fallliood  of  the  other,  manifeftedwhat  their  hearts  were-,  in  their  heads 
andnlinds;  and  the  Truth  in  tr.e  one ,  and  Hypocrifie  in  the  other  did  arifeand 
wasmaincainedbywifdom  in  fome  of  their  minds  j  and  by  folly  in  the  mind  of 
feme  others.  Folly  or  want  of  Divine  Light  made  the  one  unready  for  Chrilt 
wifdom  or  having  of  Divine  Light,  made  the  other  prepared  for  him  :     Not  that 
it  c'oth  exclude  the  evil  or  ch.inge  of  the  will  and  atfeiSlions,  but  becaufe  they  ma- 
nifeft  themfelves,  and  are  maintained  in  the  mind.     Hence  I  fay,  one  c^reat  rea- 
fon  or  Original  of  both  lies  in  the  mind,.  Mati<5.2  2,2  3.   If  thy  eye  he  [mole   thy 
whole bodyis  llglot^^c.  The  eye  or  mindofa  man  fits  like  the  Coachman  'and 
guides  the  heiditrong  Aife6lions ;  if  now  this  be  blind,  there  vA'ill  befalls  and  de- 
viations into  crooked  VYaies,-»3obn  3.19,20^  Light  is  come.     Now  what  is  the 
condemnauon  ?  Men  love  daxknsjfe^  i.e.  will  be  blind,  and  having  fore  minds  and 
hearts,  will  not  look  up  to  the  Sun.     They  fee  nor,  nor  receive  not  the  Truth  in 
love,  and  hence  condemned,  ^n<^€  centra.  Hence  I>em..29,ij'i,2,^^,  Mofes  fets 
down  tbecaufes  of  alkheir  evils .'  The  Lord  hath  not  given  joh  eves  to  fee  to  this  day. 
They  did  fee  and,  hear  by  nacural  and  acquired  knowledge,  but  not  by  a  Divine 
created,  infufed  knovA'ledge,  ■  all  that  God  had  wrought  and  done  for  rhem.  He  ce' 
when  the  Lord  intends  to  fed  down  the  Jem  under  unbelief,  Ifa,6:'-o.  Thef 
Xord  then    faid  ,  fhm  their  eyes  lefl  thej  fee  md  fo    be   converted,.     The  heart 
makc^  the  eyes  blind,  and^'^the  mind  makes  the  heart  fat.  A  man  that  is  at 
enmity  with  God^  ihe  Lord  fees  him  againil  himfelf.  Hence  m.en  are  \Q.ix.  of  God 
to  their  own  luu?,  Luke  19.42,44.     O h  that  thoa  hadfi  known  !  mdthev  k^eiv  not 
the  day  of  vlfitatim.     Hence  Deuc.3  2.29.  Ohthatthlsfeoflehadbeinyvifetoconftder 
their  Utter  end  !  You  know  'tis  in  the  Proverbs  of  Solomon  the  frequent  title  of  thofe 
tliatarefincereanJfalihearted,  the  one  is  called  wife^  and  the  other /co//f^ :  In- 
fomuch  tha]:  fom^e  Divines  have  made  a  necefifity  of  a  change  and  turning  about  of 
the  will,  when  there  is   fulneflfe  and  clearnelfe  of  light  in  the  mind.  Elfethey 
fayaman  might  be  p/??m  and  yet  impim  too,  which  cannot  be.    But  I  difpute 
not  about  that ;  there  be  many  bruit  creatures  that  imitate  the  knowledge  of  man, 
yet  thcreis.no  mind  of  man  or  reafonable  foul  in  them ;  fo  hypocrites  may  have 
excellent  abilities  of  ^eafon,  and  yet  fall  fliort  of  that  new  mind,  the  eye  and  di- 
rector of  rhe  whole  m.an,  that  Saints  have.    Its  ever  dark  night  with  them 
the  Sun  of  Glory  never  did  yet  rife  upon  them. 


H? 


Reaf.ti 


'  '  SECT.   ir. 

I  .T)  Ecnufe  allDivineLight  ofGlory  is  ever  powerful  throughChrift  to  change  the 
13  heart.Hence  if  hypocrites  had  it,their  hearts  woilld  be  fincere,  which  is  nor 
fo,  and  hence  they  ever  want  it,  whatever  light  elfe  they  have ;  and  hence  thofe 
that  have  it  m  uft  be  fmcere,  John  8.32.  Tou  (hall  know  the  truth  and  it  (hall  m.^ki 
yonfiee^  i.e.  from  your  bondagcoffe.U3  and  fins,  hence  D^wWprayes  for  light, 
Pfal.i  19.:?  3,34.  And  then  he  Ihall  befet  at  liberty.  As  Iron  is  drawn  to  the 
Loadftoneby  a  fecret  hidden  vertue,  fo  there  is  a  fecret  vertue  of  Divine  Light 
thatdrawes  the  mofl:  Iron  heart,  nay  changeth  it,  John  17.17.  SanBifiethem 
through  thy  Truth^  &c.  For  this  is  the  difference  between  mans  and  Gods  teach- 
ing: And  hencewhen  the  Gofpel  comes  in  power,  itcom.es  in  demonftration  ; 
whereby  the  heart  is  mightily  overpowred ,  that  it  cannot  but  fail  down  before 
God,  vvhofe  voice  and  truth  it  hears.  And  hence  the  young  man  faw  fome  worth 
inChrift,  but  not  enough ,  and  hence  he  forfook  ChrilL  Truth  is  riotftones, 
but  bread  to  them  that  fee  it  indeed. 

2.  Becaufe  the  mind  is  the  firft  inlet  of  all  (in  and  all  Grace,and  hence  all  hypo-  j^-^j 
criliefpringsfromthenee.     Hence  when  Satan  laid  his  Train  to  blowup  all  the 

V  2  Wofl-d 


148 


#^ 


T^he  ^^ arable  of  the 


world  by  fin,  hciftrft  enters  into  difpuce  and  parly  with  Eve^  and  as  the  Apoitie 
fpeak<;,  deceived  her,  i  Tim. 2. 14.  Thewomanwoijirft  deceived.  And  hence  wlien 
Satan  came  with  his  laft  and  lirongeft  temptation,  to  draw  away  the  heart  of 
Chrift  to  him,  he  attempted  it  by  a  fudden  prefenting  to  his  mind  the  Glory  of 
all  the  world ,  hoping  hereby  to  get  in.     Nay  in  the  unpardonable  fm  there  is 
\jummac(tcita6-i  tocall  evil  good,  and  good  evil.  And  hence  the  Pharifces  that  did 
1  commit  it,  were  called  blind  \  and  when  fm  is  cncred,  it  ftrengthens  it  felf  by  the 
mind,  Hcb.^.13.    Leaji  any  of  yon  be  hardned  through  the  deceltfHlneJfe  of  Jin.  As 
'tis  with  Cities,  tkey  might  be  cafily  taken,  but  for  the  Forts  that  are  built  about 
i  them,  and  the  Souldiers  that  are  in  them  .•  So  men  fet  up  their  hearts  and  minds 
j  above,  and  againft  the  Lord  Jefus.  The  power  of  iin  lies  in  the  power  of  darkncfs, 
I  as  the  power  of  a  weak  State  in  the  wifdom  of  its  CdUncil.    And  hence  when  the 
Spirit  comes,  all  the  work  of  it  is  expreffed  by  eonvi6lion  cf/«,  rlgkeoufriejfe atid 
judgment  y  bccaufe  convince  one  effc6"tually,  and  you  convert  him.     And  hence 
when  the  Lord  comes  with  life,  he  comes  in  by  light,  Eph.  5.14.    Chrifi  fhal! 
give  thee  light.  And  hence  when  the  Goipel  comes  to  take  away  all  darknefl'e  2nd 
fin,  'tis  faidSatans  chief  policy  lies  in  this,  to  blind  mens  eyes,  2  Ctfr.4.4.  Ei- 
ther by  obfcuring  the  Light,  oir  by  kindling  afalfe  Light  in  their  minds,  that 
theylliall  think  they  fee,  when  their  darknefle  remains  ;  not  but  that  there  is 
filth  enough  in  the  will,  but  Satan  knows  that  ChriR-  fliines  into  the  heart  by  the 
mind  J  and  hence  he  blinds  men,  and  then  he  knoWs  he  fball  damn  men.    Be- 
loved ,  if  m.en  had  the  Spirit,  it  would  lead  them  mo  all  Truth,  mtv  this  the  world 
canmt  receive,  becaufe  John  14.17.  It  knowes  hlmnH'  This  is  that  which  opens 
j  and  fhuts  to  all  life  and  iin ;  not  that  bare  light  cm  change  the  will,  but  the  Lord 
doth  it  by  the  power  of  his^  Truth  and  Light;  And  as  tis  with  water  coming 
I  through  forae  Mines,  there  is  a  healing  vertueinit,  fo  Light  coming  from  evcr- 
i  lading  iove,  ithealsmenof  their  evils. 


SECT.    III. 

HEnce  fee  the  danger  of  two  forts  o  f  men  cfpccially . 
I.  Ofthofc  that  {lie  from  the  Light,  which  is  donefundry  waies.  lie 
mention  onely  one,  that  is  ufed  by  a  falfe  heart.  A  man  is  troubled  in  mind 
concerning  his  elhte,  fears  death  and  Hell,  and  fo  few  fhall  be  faved,  how  can  I 
be  one,  &c^  How  com-Gs  he  to  fear  f  The  Lord  hath  by  his  Spirit  in  the  Word 
difcovered  and  found  out  his  nn,  the  thief  is  taken  and  apprehended,  and  con- 
demned, he  hears  (HI,  but  yet  can  find  no  peace.  Why?  Becaufe  he  lives  in 
thofe  fins  that  he  is  convinced  of.  Hence  theWord  raiferh  damps  and  heart-qualms, 
that  he  hath  no  peace,  but  is  ever  pulled  from  his  own  bottom  an  d  hypocrifie, 
and  the  Word  difcovers  more  fins,  and  hence  hath  no  peace:  The  Word  will 
not  give  nor  offer  Chrill  and  a  bafe  luft  together,  nor  will  not  fuffer  any  to  have 
them  both  in  peace.  Hereupon  the  foul  finding  no  reft  nor  peace  f  which  the 
f.ilfe  heart  feeks  for  chiefly  )  flies  from,  the  Light,  efpecially  if  it  hath  found  out  a 
lliorter  cut  to  its  peace,  by  any  device  or  golden  dclufions  of  men.  And  now 
they  will  hear  there  no  more,  and  now  the  Publifliers  of  Gods  Truth  are  tyran- 
nical cormenters  of  the  Confciences  of  them  that  be  weak,  falfe  Prophets,  that 
lead  them  out  of  the  way  of  peace.  And  becaufe  of  this,  they  think  they  were 
led  out  of  the  way  of  truth,  becaufe  out  of  the  way  of  peace.  Or  if  they  do  com.e, 
they  can  fit  with  difdain  and  contempt  of  m.en  ( alas  they  fpeak  according  to  their 
light  J  and  of  all  the  truths  of  God,  which  fhall  one  day  be  preacht  over  again  in 
flam.es  o^fire  CO  their  eternal  horrour.  Rev. 6.1.  Its  faid,  Chrift  ridei  on  a  white 
fTorfe,  emqfieriKgandtsco^tjHer.  Men  have  unruly  hearts  and  ftrong  hearts,  and 
they  will  not  die,  nor  yield  prcfcmly.    And  hence  when  one  fin  iscaft  away, 

another 


tenVirgtnsOpened  and  Applied. 

another  (ieps.  into  the  room  of  it;  and  when  rfiiitis  gone,  another  fuppiies  the 
place  of  ir,  and  commonly  the  lirongc!i  ii;r'and  remptacion  is  the  lath  Now 
hence  Chrilt  goes  on,  rides  on  in  the  Chai'iot:  of  the  Wdr  d,  conquering  and  to 
conquer  ftilU  Thole  that  do  yeild,  he  faves,  thofe  that  will  not,  he  flaics.  Now 
thefe  poor  Creatures  have  had  Chrifts  arrows  in  them,  and  are  wounded  for  fome 
iiri>  bun  the  Lord  difco vers  more  f till ;  hence  at  lalt  they  flic  away  with  th6  ar- 
rowes  in  their  hearts  for  eafe.  Oh  poor  cieatui'cs  know  it,  the  Lord  Jefuswill 
find  you  oiit/  You  will  not  be  conquered  by  him,  you  l"hall  never  bcfav6dby 
him.  You  hive  light,  you  iTial!  have  delulions,  endlelle  unknown  hypocrific 
anddarknefle  to  be  your  portion.  There  is  never  a  plain  heart  but  he  accounts 
that  wound  and  trouble  greatelt  mercy,  andbleiVeth  the  Lord,  that  he  will  nor 
I  give  him  his  fins  and  peace  with  them  too. 

I     2.  Thofethatflienotfromthelight  of  the  Truth,  bur  give  it  the  hearing,  bur 

[yet  Jet  it  \\x^ ;  either  not  minding  ic  then,  or  not  pondering  it  afterward  ;  that 

I  before  they  come,  thirlt  not  for  more  light,  look  not  up  for  it,  nor  arem.ourning 

j  when  the  Lord  hides  it  from  their  eye^;.   Some  there  be  that  be  fuch  allrfuificient 

Imen,  fo  good  they  need  be  no  berrer,  lb  wife  that  they  need  know  no  more ; 

fome  infufficienr  indeed  to   know,  and  hence  e^o-  learnings  hearing,  hmyiever 

comingto  the  knotoMge  of  the  Truth.  '  If  Light-breaks  not  in,  they  can  lieindark- 

neileiiill,  and  not  mourn;  and  think  no   m.ore  of  it  than  a  tale  that  is  told,  or 

news  that  is  brought.     Oh  look  to  your  flandmg,  for  you  arc  in  the  high  rode  to 

Iiypocrilie,  andit^  impoffible  you  iliouldbekept  from  it  that  lie  fo,  John  12.3  5. 

M-^dkwhlle  pH  have  the  lights  lefl  darl^ej?  come  HfonyoH,     Satan  knew  if  light  came 

in,  Chritt  would  come  m  ••  And  therefore  know  it,  all  that  tim.e  thou  haft  heard 

a*id  heard,  but  not  with  Divine  Light,  haft  got  only  fom what  to  prate  on  now, 

to  be  of  another  opinion  now  from  what  thou  waft:  Oh  now  Satan  hath  been 

kt  loofe,  by  the  dreadful  vengeance  of  Almighty  God,  to  blind  thee,  tharfo  thou 

mighttt  die  in  thy  hypocrific  and  fin.    Oh  poor  Captives,  mourn  under  this^'  and 

behold  your  danger  for  time  to  come. 

Hence  fee  the  reafon  why  many  that  have  had  mighty  ftrbng  Affe6tions  at  firft 
tonverfiion ,  afterwards  become  dry,  and  wither,  and  confume,  and  pine,  and 
die  away,  and  now  their  hypocrifie  is  manifeft,  if  net  to  all  the  world  by  open 
prophancnefle,  yet  to  the  difcerningcyc  of  living  Chriftians,  by  a  formal,  barren, 
unfavoury,  unfruitful  heart  and  courfc,  becaufe  they  never  had  light  nor  convidi- 
on  enough  as  yet.    You  i"hall  have  fome  ignorant  creatures  awakened  by  fome 
thundring  Miniftry,  weep  and  mourn  for  fin,  and  after  vanilTi  into  fmcak,  being 
'never  convinced  of  fin.   Land -ftoods  of  forrow  vvithout  a  Spring  of  light,  arc  dri- 
ed up,  and  m'akethe  heirt  more  fruitful  in  fin  afterward.     Many  go  under  fear^ 
1  of  wrath,  and  never  get  peace,  becaufe  never  convinced  of  wrath.  Many  are  af- 
I  felted  with  Chrift,  and  with  joy  of  tlie  Gofpel ,  as  the  ftony  ground ,  but  they 
I  wan  ting  depth  of  earth,  of  conviction,  die  away  again ;  and  hence  all  the  world 
can  never  ftop  a  Chriftian  in  his  ihiningProfelTion^no  m.ore  rhan  they  cm  the  Sun 
in  hiscourfe,  -as  Paul,  2.  Cor.  5.11.  J'fe  knowwgthe  terrour  of  the  Lord  ferfrv^demen. 
And  hence  Mofes,  Heb.i  1 .27.  feared  no  frowns  oi  Pharaoh,  cared  for  no  honours 
from  Pharaoh,  he  faw  the  God  that  was  invifible,  and  hence  Chrift  praies  for  his 
Difciples,  tobekeptfronjevil.   The  world  httth  riot  k^ovpnme,hut  thefe  havek»ovpH 
9ne,  John  1 7.    When  men  are  condemned  to  die,  they  take  on  becaufe  now  they 
\  fee  death,  but  here  in  time  of  health  they  fee  it  not.     If  men  wrong  a  child,  their 
i  heart  fmites  them  and  «ricve«;,  but  the  Lord  is  abafed  dilTionoured  ^  and  men  are 
j  riot  affe6led,  becaufe  they  want  light,  and  fee  it  not  •    If  men  be  to  match  with  a 
I  Prince,  or  ftand  before  him,  'tis  counted  blelTednefle ;  but  before  Chrift,  'cisa 
j  burden,  becaufe  men  know  it  riot,     'tis  ftrangc  to  fee  fome  people  carried  with 
I  mighiry  affe(5iion  againft  fin  and  Hell,  and  after  Chrift.     And  what  is  Hell  you 
fear  ?  A  dreadful  place.  What  is  Chrift  ?  Thev  fcarce  know  fo  much  as  Devils^do, 
]  '  V  ^ '  but 


4^ 


Ctz. 


I^ 


o 


T^he^  arable  of  the 


m 


but  thac  is  all :  Oh  tmft  them  not  /  Many  have,  and  thefe  will  fall  away,  co 
fomeLuft,  or  Opinion,  oroide,  or  World;  and  the  reafon  is,  they  never  had 
light  enough,  John  5.35.  ']ohn  was  a  burning  and  ^nning  light  ^  and  tkey  did  joy  in 
him  for  ajeafon^  yet  as  glorious  as  it  was,  they  faw  not  Chrilt  by  it,  efpecially  not 
wich  Divine  Light.  Its  rare  to  fee  Chriftians  full  both  oflightand  atfection. 
And  therefore  confider  of  this,  many  a  man  hath  been  well  brought  up,  and  is  of 
a fweet,  loving  Nature,  mild,  and  gentle,  and  harmlefle,  like^  and  love^  the 
berthings,  and  his  meaning,  and  mind  and  heart  is  good,  raid  hath  more  in 
heart  than  in  fhew,  and  fo  hopes  all  fliall  go  well  with  him. .  Ifay,  therejmay  lie 
greareft  hypocrifie  under  greatell  affeilions ;  efpecially  if  they  warn  light.  You 
iball  be  hardned  in  your  hypocriiie  by  them.  1  never  liked  violent  affections  and 
pangs,  but  only  fuchaswere  dropt  in  by  light ;  becaufe  thofe  come  from  an  ex- 
ternal Principle,  and  lali  not,  but  thefe  do.  Men  are  not  atfrighted  by  the  light 
of  the  Sun,  though  clearer  than  the  Lightning. 

Hence  take  heed  of  contenting  your  fclves  with  every  kind  of  knowledge :  Do 
not  worfhip  every  Image  in  your  own  Heads ;  efpecially  you  that  fall  lliorcof 
Truth  or  the  knowledge  of  it;  for  when  you  have  fome,  there  may  be  yet  that 
wanting  which  may  make  you  {incerc.  There  are  many  men  of  great  knowledge, 
able  CO  reach  thcmfelves  and  others  too,  and  yet  their  hearts  are  unfound.  How 
comes  this  to  pafic  ?  Is  it  becaufe  they  have  fo  much  light  ?  No,  but  becaufe 
they  want  much;  and  therefore  content  not  your  felves  with  every  knowledge. 
Thereisfome  knowledge  which  men  have  by  the  light  of  nature  (' which  leaves 
them  without  excufe  )  from  the  Bookof  Creation,  fome  by  power  of  education, 
fome  by  the  light  of  the  Law,  whereby  men  may  know  their  iin  and  evils,  fome 
by  the  Letter  of  the  Gofpel,  and  fo  m.en  m.ay  know  much,  and  fpeak  well,  and  fo 
in  feeing  fee  not  'j  fome  by  the  Spirit,  and  may  fee  much,  foasto  prophcficin 
ChriftsName,  and  yet  be  \yiA  defart^  Matq.  Now  there  is  a  Light  of  Glory, 
whereby  the  Eledl  fee  things  in  another  manner ;  to  tell  you  how ,  they  cannot, 
its  the  beginning  of  light  in  Heaven,  and  the  fame  Spirit  that  fils  Chrift,  filling 
their  minds,  that  they  know  by  this  anointing  all  things ,  which  if  ever  you  have, 
you  muft  become  Babes  and  Fools  in  your  own  eyes.  God  will  never  write  his 
Law  in  your  minds,  till  all  the  Scriblings  of  it  are  blotted  out.  Account  all  your 
knowledge  lofle  for  the  gaining  of  this.  'Tis  fad  to  fee  many  a  man  pleafing  him- 
felf  in  his  own  dreaming  deluhons,  yet  the  poor  creature  in  feeing  fees  not,  which 
is  Gods  heavy  curfe  upon  men  under  greateii  means,  and  vvbith  iaies  all  vvail-  and 
defolatc  ,  Ifa.6.     Hmlongl     Until  all  be  w0ifl^v,it. 

Hence  fee  the  right  way  of  living  a  life  of  Truth,  oi  htm^  an  J fraellte  In  whom 
i^  no  guile.  Keep  light  in  your  minds,  and  you  will  keep  Truth  alive  in  your 
hearts  and  lives.  Many  a  fmcere  heart  m.ay  have  Hypocrifie  and  much  unfound- 
neffe  in  him.,  though  he  be  no  Hypocrite.  But  how  comes  it  fo  to  be  ?  and 
whence  fo  little  Truth  ?  and  hence  fo  m.any  fears  and  doubts  about  their  eftates 
continually  ?  Oh  /  men  lofe  that  Glorious  Light  that  fomtim.e  they  have.  For 
when  you  haveir  in  an  Ordinance,  Oh  how  fweet  is  the  Lord  and  all  his  waies  to 
you .'  Afterward  you  have  loft  your  hearts,  truly  'tis  becaufe  you  have  loft  your 
light. 

Two  waies  Hypocrite  vents  it  felf,  which  Gods  peeple  oppofe. 

1 .  In  fecret  withdrawing  of  the  heart  to  fin.  Oh  now  get  light  /  for  fin  ne- 
ver draws  away,  but  by  appearance  of  fome  good  at  leaft ,  pro  hlc  &  nmc,  Jam.i» 
14.  Now  put  off  the  covering,  keep  the  mind  from  being  deceived,  you  will 
keep  the  heart  from  being  hardned,  deaded  and  withdrawn  from  God. 

2.  In  performing  duties,  but  not  for  Chrift  as  their  utmoft  end ;  now  the 
heart  is  bent  this  way  ,  yerit  failes ,  becaufe  light  is  gone,  to  fee  and  behold 
the  Glory  and  bleffedneffe  of  this.  Men  that  have  honour  or  gain  in  their  eye, 
are  carried  vJjoJently  after  it.     Men  that  are  bound  for  a  voyage  will  go  through, 

their 


ten  Virgms  Opened  and  Applied. 

their  eye  leads  them.  Stephen  freaks  till  rhe  (tones  were  about  his  ear?,  I  fee  Je- 
ftis  faith  he,  at  the  right  hand  of  God.  2  Cor.1 5;.  58.  Be  ahnndmt  in  the  Lords  work^, 
knowing  thatjmr  labour  Is  not  in  vdm.  Hence  David  FfaLi  15?.  beg=?  for  knowledge  of 
this  md  char,  and  then  he  wili  do  ir.  Oh  therefore  keefp  it  in  your  minds  as  pre- 
cious, Prov.2.io.  If  knowledge  he  fleafant^diC.  And  pray  to  God  to  keep  it  for 
you.  Light  is  in  the  Sun,  and  not  ceafed  to  this  day:  fp  if  the  Lord  would 
put  in  this  Light,  and  be  the  perpetual  Fountain  thereof  to  you,  ic  would  abide, 
&c»  Thy  Word  I  have  hid  in  my  hearty  &c.  PfaLi  ip. 


Ti 


SECT.    IV. 


Ufey 


HEnce  le  arn  the  cure  of  hypocrifie,  viz..  Remove  the  caufe,  which  is  folly  ;  and 
if  you  would  be  (incere.  Oh  prize,  and  beg  for  more  light,  and  love  it,and 
you  Ihall  then  after  you  have  digged  for  it,  find  it.  "yVould  it  not  be  fad  to  be 
led  blindfold  like  them  till  they  were  in  themidftof  6'^7»«3r/^,fotill  in  thcmidft  of 
Hell  ?  Would  it  not  be  fad  to  be  like  Sodomites,  groping  for  the  door  f  Efpe- 
cicUly  you  that  are  come  over  to  this  Countrey  for  more  of  the  Knowledge  0 
Chrift.  Oh  then  Beloved,  take  heed  you  bury  not  your  minds  in  the  earth,  lofe^ 
not  your  thoughts  in  the  dung.  And  you  muft  ttand  oneday  before  God,  when 
the  Book  of  thefecrets  of  your  hearts  fhall  be  opened,  when  if  found  too  light, 
then  would  it  not  be  a  doleful  parting  to  lofe  the  Lord  Jefus  after  fuch  light  and 
atFedionS)  for  Want  of  a  little  m.ore  Light  ?    Oh  look  to  your  felves  now  / 

1 .  Stick  clofe  to  the  guidance  of  the  Scriptures,  and  love  them.    Mofes  faith,  1  Means  i  ♦ 
Then  other  Nations  pall  fay  ^ -what  poflefo  wife?  J)eut.^.6,  And  thele  m.ake  the] 

men  of  God  (  2  7"/»?.3.i5.  J  full  of  Gods  Spirit,  wife  mto  fahatlon,  and  forneg- 
leSi.  q£  this  ^thehovdoiVQyZnd  doth  give  meK  up  to  firongdelujions,  that  they  believe' 
lies ;iiz.becaufe  they  loved  not  the  Trnth.^t^Q^  a  Truth  but  is  unfealed  byBlood,  and 
revealed  to  be  the  infinite  wifdom  of  the  Father ,  and  love  to  p6or  loft  men,  where 
God  opens  all  his  heart ;  if  men  will  defpife  thefe,  'tis  pity  but  they  fl^ouid  be 
blinded.  Do  not  fcoffc.  at  thofe  that  know  the  Lord  here,  they  arc  ^cripture- 
iearned  men,  if  not,  never  Spirit-learned.  Take  this  for  your  Counfeller,  in  all 
your  doubts  and  fears  it  will  teach  you.  A  man  gets  an  opinion,  or  falls  in  love 
with  a  iinful  ,corruption ,  both  deceive  him.  Why  fo  ?  Is  there  no  word 
againft  it  ?  Oh  yes,  but  they  will  not  hear  it,  but  make  God  and  Scripture  bow 
down  to  them,  they 'will  not  be  led  by  it.  Oh  intreat  the  Lord  to  keep  thee 
frohithat.  '  ■ 

2.  Be  abundant  iri  meditation  dayly,  P/i?/.  119.99.    ^Tis  an  hundred  to  one 
elfe  if  not  miferably  deluded.-  And  as^  the  Spirit  convinceth  firfi  of  fin,  righteouf- ) 
nelfeand  judgment,  fo  let  your  thoughts  be.   This  makes  a  man  fee  far,  and  fee 
much. 

3.  Pra6life  what  you  know,  and  taft  the  fweetneffe  of  it  there,  P/^/.i  19.100. 
And  then  the  heart  will  grow  favingly  full  of  Divine  Light.  Nothing  m-akes  men 
foolifh  but  this.  Oh  tafi  and  fee !  Oh  if  men  knew  the  f vVect  of  this  way  ef  Truth, 
they  would  ever  walk  in  it,  and  bring  others  to  fubmiti  to  it  /  Shall  I  hide  from  A- 
hram^  that  mllteachhis  Family  ?  Gen. 18.17, 19, 

4.  Caft  up  your  eyes  taChrift  glorified,  being  full  of  the  Spirit  for  thee,  and 
b<^  of  him  ,  as  if  he  were  with  thee  to  fend  it  down.  As  Salomon  ^sk^d  this.  See, 
J6hnj,39.  ,   ' 

Oh  learn  to  be  exceeding  thankful  for  any  faving  light  the  Lord  hath  kindled  in 
you,  ifever  it  hath  been  powerful  to  difcover  and  remove  the  hidden  hypocrifie  of 
thy  heart,  that  now  the  Lord  hath  made  thee  plain  and  ferious  for  him,  that  its 
death  not  t&  live,  Heaven  for  to  live  unto  him.  Oh  then  blefTe  the  Lord  for  that 
means  that  did  kfor  thee,  thatmightft  have  pcriihcd  in  thy  own  delufofts  and , 
I-"'  ■^rcams.l 


Means  2, 


Msam 


Means  ^» 


fe6. 


5^ 


The  Parable  of  the 


JDoB.i. 


dreams.  Time  was  wiicn  thou  waft  deceived,  now  rhe  Lord  hach  made  cby  ey  es 
brighter  than  the  Sun,  to  fee  fuch  things  as  are  hid  from  great  ones  in  the  world. 
Oh  though  it  be  but  a  little,  yet  if  real  and  faving  light,  blefic  him.  A  man  that 
hath  beeii  in  midft  of  Sands,  and  without  a  Pilot,  afterwards  looks  back,  and  faith, 
there  I  might  have  fplit.  Oh  this  is  wonderful  to  him!  Oh  Chrirt  did  thus .'  J 
thmkjhee  thoit  hafi  hid,  &c.  Mat.i  i .2  5.  The  Lord  hath  hid  them  from  heads  and 
hearts  of  many  wife  and  prudent,  and  ever  they  lliall  be  hid,  and  e  contra,  revealed 
them  to  thee,  a  babe,  a  yveak  one,  a  poor  ignorant  one,  M^t.i6.ij.  Fkjh  and 
hlood hath  not  revealed  It  ^  fo  as  to  build  here  on  this  righteoufnefle,  to  fetch  all 
light  and  life  from  Chrift,  and  cleave  alone  to  him.  Oh  remerr.ber  you  are  called 
outofdarknejfe  into  marveUom  light  to  [hew  forth  hisvertues}  What  canftdeiire 
more  than  eternal  life  ?    And  this  is  it,  i  John  5.20.  John  17.30. 


;  CHAP.     XVI. 

I 

\That  Hypocrites  dif coyer  themfehes  in  an 

j  ejfeBudl  ule  of  the  JSdean^s  of  (jrace. 

\ 

\  Secondly,  The  differeme  between  the  wife  mdfooUjh  Virgins 

I  is  Jet  down  more  particularly,  ^.^j/\. 


SECT.    L 

THIS  particular  difference  is  declared  by  the  different  prailife  of  the  foo- 
liih  and  wife  Virgins  each  from  other. 
I.  Tliat  the  Fooliih  though  they  had  fo ,  much  wifdom  (likethe 
wife )  as  to  take  Lamps,  yet  fo  much  folly  was  bound  up  in  their  hearts,  as 
that  they   took^no  Cji in  their  Veffels for  their  Lamp. 

2.  That  the  wife  did  not  only  lighttheir  Lamps,  but  they  did  alfo  fill  their  Vefifcls 
withOyl,  that  either  their,  Lamp  might  never  go  our,  or  if  it  did,  it  might  be 
foon  kindled  3gain.M0replci.in';, The  Foolifh  contented  themfclv.es  with  the  name 
and  blaze  of  ourward  Profeflion,  kindled  from  fome  inward,  yet  lighter  and  more 
fuperficiall  ftrokes  of  Gods  Spiric,  negletSbing  the  great  work  within :  But  the 
wife  did  not  only  carry  their  Lamps  of  outward  ProfefTion,  but  they  filled  their 
Veflels,  and  got  an  inwird  Principle  of  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  Jefus  to  maintain 
their  profeflTion  before  man,  and  their  uprightnelfe  before  the  Lord.  So  thatme- 
thinks  here  is  a  double  difference,  the  firft  is  implied,  the  fecond  plainly  ex- 
preft. 

i.'That  which  is  implied  is  this,  that  the  Fooliili  made  choice  ofa  good  end, 
viz..  to  meet  Chri^i ,  but  it  was  with  an  ineffectual  ufe  of  means  to  that  end  i 
their  Lamps  were  to  light  and  lead  the  n  to  Chriif.  Thefe  Lights  might  blaze  for 
a  time,  but  they  would  confume  without  Oyl.  They  negle6t  that,  t^  wife  were 
better  inflruited  than  fo. 

2.  The  Foolifli  glory  in  an  outward  ProfelTion,  as  alfo  in  fome  fuperficlal  af- 
fe(5tion,  without  an  inward  Principle  of  the  gracious  prefence  of  the  eternal  a- 
nointing  and  Spirit  in  them ;  but  the  wife  have  it,  and  are  carried  to  Glory  by  it. 
And  m.ore  at  this  tim.e  of  the  Lamps  and  VefTels  I  fhall  not  fpeak. 

I .  That  the  clofefl  Hypocrites  of  Virgin-Churches  dif  cover  themfehes  (  at  leafi  be-' 
fore  the  Lord  )  in  m  imffeUtial  ufe  ofthofe  means  that  do  conduce  towards  their  dejired 
and  expeUed  end.  The 


ten  Virgins  Opened  aid  Applied. 


The  Bridegroom  is  here  looked  for^  theprefence  of  Chrill  Jefus  is  loncred  for 
he  comes  in  the  night,  they  muft  meet  him  in  the  nighr.    Now  meins  they  ufc' 
Lamps  they  take,  and  fo  much  Oyl  as  kindles  their  Lamps ;   but  Oyl  they  take' 
nor  in  their  Vefiels,  the  only  means  to  preferve  rlieir  Limps  from  going  our    that 
fo  they  may  meet  the  Lord  and  nor  belliutout  fro Tx  the  Lord j  as  aclalt  thefe 
care! efle  Virgins  were.   Search  the  Churches  for  the  prefent,  fearch  the  Records 
of  Ages  pail,  many  have  defired  the  Lord  and  looked  for  the  Lord,  and  yet  have 
loli  the  Lord  their  end :  Why  .fo  ?  They  never  had  hearts  effedually  toufeand 
improve  the  means  to  that  end,  either  outward  or  inward .  Look  upon  men  out  of 
the  Church,  they  periili  becaufc  they  have  no  remedy,  rhcy  have  no  Lamps  to 
light,  they  have  no  Bread  to  eat,  uo  Mems  to  help.   But  vvhy  do  thofe  within  the 
Chui'ch  perilli  ?  Is  it  becaufe  there  is  no  remedy  ?  No,  but  becaufe  they  do  not 
ufe  the  remedy.    Is  it  becaufe  they  want  Means?  No,  but  becaule  rhey  do  not 
eifeitually  improve  m.eans.  Here  they  fall  lliort,  herein  they  difcover  themfclves. 
I  Look  but  upon  this  next  Parable  of  the  Tal6ncs,  v.i<y.  One  of  them  was  caft  off 
land  cart  out.  Why?   Becaufe  he  h. id   no  Talents?  No,  But  becaufe  he  had  no 
mind  nor  lift  to  ufehis  Talent,  he  did  n9t  m^akehis  gain  out  of  it  to  attain  his  end. 
I  All  Ordinance?  of  God,  and  all  that  time  we  have  under  them  are  Talents.  Now 
wherein  do  Hypocrites  fail  ?  There  is  a  fecret  gain  of  Ordinances  which  Hypo- 1 
crires  regard  nor,  and  hence  the  beft  hypocrite  lives  in  debt,  and  6x^%  a  Beggar.  For 
Prov.15.17.  wherefore  is  there  a  price  mthe  hmd  of  a  fool,  but  fjo  heart  to  ufe  it  ? 
Precious  Liberties,  Ordinances,  that  many  have  delired  to  fee,  and  have  not  feen 
tiiem.  Why  doth  the  Lord  betruft  him  withfuch  that  ufeth  them  nor  f  Oh  he 
hath  them,  but  here  is  his  wound,  he  hath  no  heart  to  ufe  them  /    Look  throu^^h- 
out  all  the  Word,  Why  have  many  fee  a  great  price  on  Chrift,  and  yet  have  loft 
him  ?  Becaufe  like  higling  Chapm.en,  they  have  had  a  deiire  to  the  Commodity, 
but  they  have  been  loath  to  be  at  the  co'ft  to  ufe  the  means  for  it.    TheGofpel 
brings  Chrift  and  Immortality  to  light,  and  this  Serpent  is  lifted  up,  this  Limb 
flain  before  mens  eyes,  and  this  Bread  put  to  mens  lips  and  mouths.   Why  are 
not  all  pofleffed  of  him,  bleiTed  in  lira  ?  The  Lord  fiith,  com.e,  and  the  Spirit 
faithy  come,  md  the  Bride  faith,  come;  Why  the  reafon  is,  men  *will  not  ufe  the 
means  for  him,  7/^.5  5. 2, 3, 4.   Men  will  lay  out  their  money,  though  it  be  for 
thoatvphich  umt  Bread.    Jer.2.5,6,7,8.   I  brought  them  thirough  Fits  into  a  pleafant 
Land^  to  eat  thoegoodneffe thereof.   And  doubtleffe  he  brought  riot  aherdoffwine 
into  Canaan ,  only  to  eajoy  the  outward  blclTings  and  fwili  of  Cmaan^  but  to  en- 
joy thegood  of  his  Temple,  Ordinances,  &c.  But  where  was  their  wound  ?  Nel- 
tl:er  Prieflsnor  People  faid^  where  is  the.  Lord  ?  I.e.  Where  is  the  Lord  inrhefe 
jwa'es,  rhatvve  maycome  atlaft  to  the  full  enjoym.ent  of  him  by  thefe?   This 
they  negle6led.  Methinks  'tis  with  the  beft  hypocrites  as  'tis  with  divers  old  Mer- 
chants, they  prize  and  defire  the  gain  of  Merchandife,  but  to  be  at  the  trouble  to 
prepare  the  Ship,  to  put  themfelvcs  upon  the  hazards  and  dangers  of  the  Ship, 
to  go  and  fetch  the  Tre^ifure  that  they  prize,  this  they  will  never  do.     So  many 
prize  and  defire  earneftly  the  Treafures  of  Heaven,  here  is  their  end,  but  to  be  at 
the  trouble  of  a  Heaven- Voy.ige  to  fetch  this  Trcafure,  to  paffe  through  tloe  V^alley 
of  Baca,  Tears,  Tem.ptations,  the  Powers  of  Darknefl'e,  the  Breaches ,  Oppoftti- 
ons  andContradidlionsofafinful,  unbelieving  heart,  good  and  evil  report,,,  to 
pafle  from  one  depth  and  wave  to  another,  this  the  beft  hypocrite  failes  in,  and 
hence  lofeth  all  a  t  laft.    And  this  I  conceive  to  be  one  of  the  great  differences  be- 
tween the  ftrong  defires  and  efteems  of  Hypocrites  and  Saint?. 


SECT. 


^T3 


154 


T^he  Parable  of  the 


Reap 


Re 4'-' 


Reaf.S* 


SECT.   II. 

7 

I.T  N  regard  of  God,  becaufe  this  negle(St  is  one  of  the  great  means  by  which  he 
idoch  execute  his  eternal  rejecHon  of  men,  and  hence   here  they  ever  do 

fail. 

For  I.  The  Lord  hath  chofen  fome  to  life,  the  end. 

2.  He  chufeth  certain  means  to  lead  to  this  end. 

3.  Hcpurpof^th  CO  carry  all  his  Elcil  by  thcfe  means  to  that  end ;  themfelves 
cannot;  hence  the  Lord  doth.  And  hence  anfeth  the  great  peace  and  fupport  of 
the  Saints,  when  they  look  upon  thceverlafting  mountains  of  hindrances  and  im- 
poflibilities  in  their  way,  the  Lord  hath  undertaken  to  carry  them  through  them, 
Jo/?;?  17.15.  That  when  heart  and  ftrength  failes,  he  will  be  heart  and  (irength, 
and  guide  by  his  couniel,  and  bring  to  his  Glory.  And  hence  as  all  the  Eledt 
are  to  be  certainly  carried  through  all  means  to  their  end,  and  this  is  proper  to 
them,  fo  hence  the  bcft  Hypocrite  being  never  appointed  certainly  to  come  to 
this  end,  ever  failes  in  the  ufe  of  means ;  there  he  is  and  iTiall  be  forfaken  of 
God,  and  forfakc  God.  Hence  John  6.  When  many  ufed  the  m.eans,  and  fol- 
lowed Chrift  for  a  time,  that  they  might  have  life,  at  laft  they  lorfook  Chrili  and 
means  to  hive  him.  "Why?  v.6<^.  Becaufe  non  e  mn  ccme  to  mt^  excqt  it 
jvere  given  him  of  the  Father,  Hence  look  as  certainly  as  the  Decree  of  Re- 
probation (hall   Ibnd,    behaving  not  appointed  them  to   the  end;    fo  he 

j  never  carries  them  through  all  means  to  that  end,  and  therefore  here  they  do  ever 
fail.    As'cisinaEamily,  thofe  that  the  Lordof  the  Family  intends  to  give  his 
cftate  unto,  he  keeps  a  ftrifl  eye  upon  them,  keeps  them  under  the  Government 
of  the  Family  ;  as  for  others,  let  them  go  where  they  will,  and  do  what  they 
will ;  fo  here  ,  all  thatiliall  enjoy  God,  are  put  under  the  Kingdom,  of  the  Son. 
Hence  he  is  faid  to  give  it  up :  To  others  he  will  fay,  you  love  Liberty,  take  it 
then. 
ILBecaufe  the  Lord  and  Fcllowfhip  with  him,  is  never  indeed  their  laft  &  utmoft 
end.or... their  only  €nd,but  they  have  fomeot  her  end  of  their  own;&:  hence  they  are 
never  carried  ftrongly  thioi^gh  all  means  to  that  end.For  this  is  the  nature  of  a  mans 
laft  and  utmofc  end,  it  carries  a  man  without  any  flop  toward  it,  and  that  with 
delight.  As  a  m.an  that  hath  ho  our  and  preferment,  and  great  hopes  in  his  eye,  I 
that  is  reaching  to  the  top  of  his  afj.iring  thoughts,  he  will  ride,  and  run,  and] 
flatter,  and  fin,  d"^.     A  man  chat  hath  riches  in  his  eye,  he  WiW  rife  ear  Ij^  find 
goto  bed  late,  eat  the  ht'eadof  careffiinejfe-,  and  he  never  hath  enough.     A  m.an  that 
is  lick,  and  hath  health  in  his  eye,  takes  his  Phyfick,  obferves  his  feafons,  wafts 
his  eftate ,  for  this  is  his  end.     Hence  a  Hypocrite  never  m.aking  Chrift  his  laft 
thd^  but  being  ever  a  double-minded  ma^,  James  i.  And  having  his  own  end?, 
andlufts,  and  felf  to  attend  upon,  hence  the  Byas  draws  him  from  following 
Chrift  effeclually,  but  he  muft  follow  his  own  ends,  and  hence  ever  negledls  the 
m.eans  that  lead  him  thereunro,  MaL6.2/^.    Look  as  'tis  with  men  that  have  two 
Trades,  or  two  Shops,  one  is  as  much  as  ever  they  can  follow  or  tend,  they  arc 
forced  at  laft  to  put  off  one,  and  they  muft  ncgledl:  the  one :     So  here. 
!     IIL  In  regard  of  that  Spirit  of  iloath  and  flumber,  which  the  Lord  ever  k?yes 
chebeft  Hypocrite  unto  j  which  is  the  deareft  luft  and  laft  eneiny  that  the  Lord 
deftroycsinallhis,  but  never  deftroics  in  thefe.     Which  fo  might-Iy  opprelieth 
all  their  fenfes,that  they  cannot  ufe  effedually  all  means  to  accomplilK  their  ends. 
And  hence  a  man  defires  the  end,  but  hath  it  not,  Prov.13.'^.    The  Lordpro- 
pofech  the  moft  Glorious  end  to  his  people,  but  its  through  many  difficulties  that 
we  muft  come  to  it.     Now  there  being  the  Spirit  of  floath  within,  and  thefe  dif- 
ficulties without,  a  Hypocrite  (its  down  and  refts  under  the  fhadow  of  this  grow- 
ing, fpreading  fin  ;  and  faith 'tis  hard,  and  becaufe  he  cannot  dofo,  he  hopes 

'tis 


-.-^ 


tenVirgins opened  and  /ipplkd. 


1^5 


'tis  but  an  iniirmity,  and  Cjod  will  accept  of  his  defires,  and  here  perilTieth,  Mac. 
7.14.  For  fir  aight  is  the  gate  that  leads  tifito  Ufa  J  hzncefarv  therff  i>e  that  find  it.  Look 
as  it  was  wach  the  Ifraelites,  Caman  they  were  bound  for,  they  cair.e  at  Uft  to  it, 
but  when  their  Spies  had  told  them  of  the  difticulties,thcy  fank,  only  Caleb  and  Jo- 
]??^<2ofthat  mighty  Hoft  that  had  upright  hearts  here.  Heavy  things  muftdefcend, 
though  call  up  ;  for  their  place  is  downward.  Light  things ,  caft  them  down- 
ward, yet  they  murt  up  again,  for  their  place  is  upward  ;  So  'tis  here :  A  AaggiiTn 
heart  may  be  lift  up  by  mean<;,  but  they  cannot  hold  it,  their  place  is  downward, 
here  is  their  rell ;  fo  Saints,  ^  r(?;2fr^,  like  fire  wiil  confume  all  difficulties,  their 
relUs  upward.  i        " 

SECT.    IIL 

HEnce  we  fee  one  ground  of  many  complaints  that  are  in  the  mouths  of  many 
ProfelTors  of  the  waie-s  of  God,  chat  never  find  the  fvveet  which  is  the  end  of 
their  Chriftian  courfe,  chat  are  ever  complaining  of  wants,  but  never  feel  fupplics, 
ever  learning,  never  knowing,  ever  hoping,  never  having,  everconfetling  of  their 
(ins,  never  triumphing  o\rer  their  fin,  ever  \vifhing  that  they  had  the  Lord,  but[ 
never  poiTetTing  the  Lord.    And  hence  have  minds  full  of  fears,  and  'm.ouths  full 
of  complaints,  and  hence  finding  no  fweec  in  their  courfe,  could  be  concent  but 
for  (liam.e,  to  throw  by  their  ProfelTion.    Why?  Where  is  thccaufeofthis?  Is 
Heaven  fo  barren  and  beggarly,  that  there  are  no  Jewels  to  be  had  there  ?  Are 
the  fields  of  Gods  Ordinances  fo  empty,  chat  there  is  no  Treafure  to  be  found 
there?  Oh  yes/  there 'tis,  but  Chriftians  are  idle,  there  is  the  Treafure,  but 
they 'cannot  beg,  much  Icffe  dig  for  it,  Pr<7z/.2. 5,4,5,5.  If  there  be  a  treafure  in 
the  ground,  and  a  man  can  find  nothing,  and  fo  is  ever  complaining,  the  fault  is 
in  the  man,  he  doth  not  dig  long  enough,  nor  deep  enough ;  fo  'tis  here  :  There 
is  never  an  Ordinance,  but  the  Lord  is  in  it;  he  never  [aid  to  the  Ho-ifieof^acoh 
faeJ^hisface  in  vain.     Men  pray,  and  if  a  few  fighs  will  fetch  in  relief,  well  and 
good,  if  not,  they  caft  that  Shovel  by,  dig  I  cannot-,  they  fpend  feme  ci-.re  inlays 
ing  fin  to  heart,  butiflcannotprcfently  feel  the  bitternefle  of  it,  I  cannot  help 
it,  dig  1  cannot.     A  mancanbeconrenc  to  hear  the  Word,  and  to  liften  after  it, 
bur  to  ftir  up  the  foul  to  lay  hold  on  the  Lord,  that  their  fleep  forbids,  Prov.i  ^.4. 
,  The  fonlef  the  diligent  (hall  be  made  fat.     Why  do  you  famiOi  under  means  ?  Is  it 
becaufe  the  Lord  is  unwilling  or  unable  to  relieve  ?    No,  John  6.2j.    Yowla^ 
boar  far  that  bread  that  per  iiheth.    Labour  not  for  it,  but  for  the  other,  and  the  Son 
of  man  will  give  it  you,  for  he  is  fealed  for  that  very  end.    You  complain  your 
I  hearts  are  alwaies  out  of  frame.     Teli  mc,  do  you  keep  them  with  all  diligence  ? 
Prov.^^.i  ? .    With  all  your  Guard  about  it  ?    You  complain  you  never  get  afili- 
rance.    Do  you  ufc  all  diligence  to  make  it  fure  ?  You  complain  you  feek  and  find 
nor.     Do  you  feek  him  diligently  ?  Heb.  1 1 .6.     Oh  this  is  the  caufe  /  The  Lord 
hath  given  yon  the  Sprit  of  (lumber.  Oh  lay  not  the  fault  on  the  Lord,  but  on  thine 
own  care!  effe  heart,  and  lament  over  it,  and  fay,  this  hath  been  the  caufe  ofalJ 
my  complaints  and  woe.    Oh  I  rem.ember  what  the  Lord  by  y^r^^a;' fpeaks  /  Ga 
into  the  fir  ong  Holds  ^  for  the  Lord  hath  foured  upon  m  the  Spirit  of  deep  (leep,  and  gi- 
ven us  the  waters  of  Gall  to  drinj^    I  confeffe  the  Lords  choiceft  fervants  have  their 
complaints,  their  fighs  and  groans  unutterable,  they  have  their  fears,  temptations 
and  rears ;  Who  more  abundantly  ?     Yet  Beloved,  methinks.  'tis  with  them  as 
'tis  with  Paffengers  and  Travellers  towards  their  home,  that  they  fee  it  Twenty 
Miles  off  fomtime,  when  they  be  on  the  Top  of  an  Hill,  after  they  have  gone  4 
litrle  farther,  they  come  into  a  Valley,  and  then  they  complain  they  have  loft 
Cihe  fight  of  it,  and  canntft  fee  it  again  fcarce  till  thev  be  upon  io ;  yet  they  fit  not 
down  in  their  ValleJS  but  are  going  towards  it.    They  go  frsm  fireyigth  tofirength^ 

X  s  tbcnigh 


e    1. 


11^6 


el. 


TheTarahleofthe 


though  they  come  tired  thither ;  as  Pfal.84.7,8.  Theyfajfefrbmftre^igth  toftrength 
tillthey  come  to  fee  Gedin  Sion.  They  reit  not  in  their  complaints,  but  gee  on  • 
and  the  ftar  before  tb^m,  the  Means  that  lead  them  to  thitend,  make  them  ('as 
Mat.2.io.  )  rejojce  mth  exceed'mggreat  joy.  I  confefle  they  may  for  a  time  c-ive 
way  to  their  floath,  and  fit  in  their  vallies,  and  turn  day  inco  nighr,  andi^eep 
out  almoft  the  feafon  of  means;  yet  you  ilialle\'er  find  this,  if  ordinary  means  a- 
waken  them  not,  terrible  Flafhings  and  Lightnings  of  wrath  do  •  and  in  their 
affli6lions  and  terrours  and  wounds  of  Confcience,  Hof.5.15.  thy  jhallfeef^the 
Lord  early.  Ponder  therefore  of  this  caufe,  and  in  a  tim^e  of  lorrovv  [heyinall 
(complain  for  fomihing^z//?:,.  for  their floarh.  Thi;  may  be  the greacel^  iinof  fome, 
they  live  in  no  fin,  but  complaint,  thy  complaints  may  be  fruics  of  fioath  in  not 
uiing  means,  and  this  may  be  chy  great  fin. 

Hence  learn  'tis  not  having  of  Mem?  in  this  place,  nor  coming  hither  for 
Means,  that  will  do  you  any  good  or  evidence  your  fafe  and  good  ettate,  but  an 
effe6hial  ufe  and  improvement  of  them ;  not  only  the  ufe  of  outward,  but  inward 
means  too.  Men  that  have  never  fo  gre;t  a  ftock  m.ay  die  Beggars,  by  not  im- 
proving it,  D^/itf.29. 3, 4.  I 
I  I »  Many  feeing  and  beholding  that  Sun  which  is  fct  with  them,  to  be  rifen  here 
in  thefe  VVcfiern  Parts,  partly  out  of  fear  of  perfecution,  partly  by  Friends  per- 
jffi-vafion  and  company,  partly  to  enjoy  Gods  Ordinances,  have,  taken  their  Bight 
hither. 

But  2.  Being  come,  wifh  Oh  that  our  eyes  hid  never,  feen  it  /  partly  through 
plenty  ofmeans,defpife  and  loath  them,  partly  through  multitude  of  coveting  or 
vexing  cares  have  no  hearts  to,  or  time  to  ufe  them. 

And  yet  3.  Are  comforted  in  this,  that  they  have  them,  though  they  fee  no 
God  in  them,  taft  little  fwectneffe,  receive  little  power  from  them,  and  hope* 
to  go  to  Heaven  at  next  remove,  that  have  come  fo  far  for  thefe,  &c.  I  would 
to  God  it  vvere  fo.    But  oh  confider, 

1 .  If  you  improve  them  not,  thy  coming  hither  is  but  the  difcovery'  of  thy  hy- 
pocrifieto  men  and  Angels,  for  this  is  the  iiige  wherein  the  moft  fine-fpun  hypo- 
crifie  and  real  fincerity  ihall  ad  its  part. 

2.  Nay  thou  art  fo  far  from  being  bleffed  in  having  them  thus,  that  Godsfier. 
ceft  plagues  fhall  here  approach  thy  dwelling.    The  Arke  among  the  Philiftlrns 
made  the  Lord  plague  the  Phlliftlms. 

3'  Nay  this  fhalllay  all  defolate  one  day.  They  cried  the  Temfkofthe  Lord^ 
Jer.y .  Go  to  Shlloh.  So  I  fay.  Go  to  thQFalatifitite,  Go  to  Germany^  Francs,  go  co 
che  places  wbsnce  you  came,  and  {ee  what  the  Lord  hath  dene, 

4.  This  {hall  be  as  to  Saints  greateft  joy,  when  they  fhall  lookback,  and  fee 
all  the  difficulties  they  have  pfled  o\'er,  that  here  and  there  hearts  and  help  failed, 
and  there  I  lingred,  but  the  Lord  was  merciful ,  and  pulled  me  out,  and  they 
Aall  wonder  at  that  Faithfulncffe  and  Grace ;  fo  here :  This  will  be  terrour  and 
anguifh,  that  I  cam.c  fo  far,  and  had  means,  and  took  fom.e  pains,  and  was  almoft 
perfwaded  one  timx,  almioft  confuted  another,  almoft  conquered  and  had 
yielded  up  all  at  another ,  but  oh  m.y  Lump  fell  down  to  the  duft  again ,  and  my 
foul  forfookthepurfuing  of  the  Lord  again?  and  this  (hall  be  the  portion  of 
Hypocrites.  You  may  neglect  and  vvrap  up  your  Talents,  but  the  Lord  hath  a 
time  to  call  you to  an  account  what  gain  you  make.  Look  therefore  to  it,  it  may 
be  fome  of  you  have  need  to  improve  means,  you  defpife  them  in  one  place,  and 
hither  you  come  for  them ,  and  poor  hearts ,  eyes  dim,  hearts  hard,  Confci- 
ences  afleep,  ears  deaf,  breath  gone,  life  "loft,  God  departed,  and  nothing  left 
but  a  dead  Carcafe.  It  may  be  fome  are  fincere,  and  the  work  of  Gods  Spirit  is 
jfct  back,  your  Lamps  arc  out,  your  watchful  minds  arid  tender  hearts  and  ear^eft 
ipurfuit  after  the  Lord  is  gone.  Oh  then  confider  what  little  caufe  you  have  to 
boaft  in  means!     Men  that  have  no  part  in  fliips,  look  for  no  gain;  but  if  you 

have 


-V 


ten  Vtrzjns  Opened  and  Applied. 


have  any  pare  in  the  Blefling  of  Ordinances,  reft  not  without  it. 

Hence  fee  what  need  you  have  of  a  mighty  and  unreHftabl  e  power  of  the  Lords 
Grace  and  Spirit,  to  carry  you  an  end  in  your  Chriftian  courfe,  if  ever  you  come  to 
life.     For  if  Hypocrif^e  difcovers  it  felf  in  an  ineffe6lual  ufe  of  means,  then  you 
will  find  all  the  powers  of  darknelfe  refifting  and  feeking  to  furprize  you  here. 
That  as'tis  with  Thieves,  youiliali  not  fee  nor  find  them  lying  in  the  City,  'tis 
in  vain  there  to  offer  any  violence,  but  in  the  way ;     So  Satan  cannot  ftep  unto 
the  Gates  of  Heaven  to  keep  you  from  thence,  and  hence  all  his  power  and  policy 
licsin  the  w-^y  of  means,  to  keep  you  from  thence.    And  hence  look  upon  the 
bellman,  how  many  hindrances  to  Prayer  fomtime,  though  he  hath  tatted  the 
iweetof  ir,  he  had  rather  die  than  pray.    How  foon  are  the  thoughts  turned 
from  God,  when  we  come  to  draw  nigh  to  God,  how  unable  to  wake  one  hour  ? 
Thjt  if  ir  were  not  the  invincible  ftrengthof  a  God  that  did  fupport  them,iP«-.i.5. 
they  could  never  go  on.    Tell  m.e  you  poor  Creatures  thrit  never  v\ere  eftecUially 
carried  to  your  end  by  means,  Do  you  not  oft  find  checks  for  fin,  defires  againft 
it,  Clirift  and  mercy  weeping  at  your  knees,  melting  over  you,  and  your  hearts 
ainioft  perfvvaded  ?    Do  you  not  find  a  want  of  Chritt,  and  Grace ,  and  Spirit , 
and  Promiies,  and  you  hope  it  will  be  better?  Do  you  not  find  ibm.c  movin^s 
towprds  the  Lord,  but  yet  withil  do  you  not  find  a  dead,  (loathful  heart  (layes  you 
again  >  The  verieftreprobarein  the  world  may  have  as  good  an  afTurance  of  heaven 
as  thou,  there  may  be  better  in  Hell  than  thee.  And  who  can  mend  this?  lonor, 
long  it  hath  been  thus.  Oh  then  feel  a  need  of  the  Lords  irreHftable  power/  Thou 
indeed  h.ift  an  end,  but  fay,  Lord  thou  muft  carry  m.e  like  alolf  fheepoiithy 
flioulders  to  that  end  /     Seekjhe  Lord  and  his  ftrength^  feek^huface  tvermore^  in 
all  mems,  at  all  time?,  but  feek  his  ftrength  then,  Col.  1.29,    /  labour  thm^ftn- 
vir.g  according  >-o  his  workings  vfh'ich  works  In  me  mightily  '  and  fo  I  ftrive.  Oh  fee 
need  of  this  /    Many  of  you  m.ake  work  with  your  own  hearts,  and  ftrive,   and 
endeavour,  and  yet  cannot  ftir.    Oh  look  then  for  this  mighty  worl^In^^  and 
feel  a  need  of  it.' 

SECT.    IV. 

HEnce  judge  what  your  eftates  are  this  day  before  the  Lord.  I  know  and  be- 
lieve th;,t  you  prize,  pray  for,  longforthecnd,  and  if  ever  the  Lord  faves 
and  pardons  you,  youfhall  have  caufeto  blefle  him.  You  may  do  as  hath  been 
faid,  but  never  find  a  hearc  given  you  by  the  invincible  wreftlings  of  a  God  to  ufe 
and  improve  all  means  to  that  end ;  and  thus  your  pra6life  in  the  habitual  negledf 
of  means  is  a  clear  and  manifeft  witneffe,  like  the  day  againft  you,  that  you  do  nor 
defirefincerely  theend  fas  you  think)  in  having  fo  little  refpeft  to  the  me.ins 
that  conduce  thereunto.  Did  you  ever  fee  that  man  that  did  indeed  defire  life, 
but  he  would  ufe  all  means,  vvits,  and  friends,  nay  cut  off  his  Lim.bs  to  prefervc 
it?  But  however,  put  that  nam.e  upon  it,  fay  you  do  dehre  and  prize  the  end, 
yet  if  the  Lord  leaves  you,  or  you  forfakc  the  Lord  in  a  negle6t  of  means,  that 
lead  thereto,  and  that  effedlually;  what  you  may  be,  and  what  the  Lord  m.ay  do, 
I  know  not,  but  to  this  day  your  eftate  is  no  better  than  a  painted  falvation  and 
pi6lured  hypocrific  before  the  Lord.  That  ftone  at  which  the  cloieft  hypocrites 
have  ftumbicd,  that  rock  on  which  the  beft  hypocrite  hath  been  broken,  thou  art 
fallen  upon,  that  enemy  of  (loath,  which  hath  carried  Kings  (  men  that  have 
worn  the  Crown  of  Profeffion  in  the  world  )  miferable  Captives,  (  notwithftand- 
ing  their lam.entable cries,  Lordfaveus  .')  to  hell,  the  fam.e  enem.y  hath  already 
bound  thee  up  in  Chaines,  and  what  will  becom.e  of  thee,  'tis  only  known  in  his 
Breaft,  that  by  the  voice  of  his  Trump  can  awaken  the  dead,  and  break  the  bonds 
of  (loath  and  death  it  felf.  But  you  will  fay,  there  are  no  Virgins  among  us  that 
negle6^  to  take  their  oyle ,  that  fo  far  forget  themfdves  as  to  negle6l  the 
mems,  that  are  come  fo  many  thoufand  miles  for  means  \  there  is  not  a  day  but 

X  3  -       -  fom.e 


r^3. 


ofrtid 


^s^ 


^ 


J  he  ^Fdfdhle  oj  the 


romclinc  is  tiiwwn.  not  .1  ^crir.on»  Sabbath  but  ion:e  gcod  got,  or  vKc  they 

tlnnk  ihcmfdvcs  half  uiulonci not:  A  vrA^<^rUt  or.clkp  ntsrcr  to  glory:  Tbc 

lay  is  not  Im^  cnoi^b,  i^nd  thcr(?forc  i1  c  nights  iMC  l] entin  \vr?(lling<^  ^^ith  lie 


Am 
on 


|cl  Jhiy,in  peviiilingwithGod  ior  iVcmfdvcs  .md  Cbmchcs,  and  blcirmg 
iToth  ;  ^^lbbJlhs3^e  the  day  bie^Vs  of  haver,  the  rcllovvfliip  of  Saints  bci- 
tcrfchen  to  luuid  bcfoie  Kings  ^  the  fellovvlliip  of  ChiKlin  hciivcn-{o  fweet, 
.  th>\t  in  fcdingof  him  n.cn  forget  ibcmrelves  ray  to  e.it  their  bread  ;  that  it 
I  tlic  Lerd  lliould  have  let  our  the  vineyard  of  Ordinances  to  sny  Husband- 
nenin  the  vVv>rld,  who  could  or  would  have  laVcn  more  pains  to  dig  it,  to 
drefsit,  den  we  doe.    Ik-lovei^  tt^^ofccnlargencntsthat  are  in  any  after  the 
Lord,  the  Lord  cherilh  and  increafe  ilcm,  t^ut  1  fear  we  may  go 'five  times 
about  the  tree  b<^fore  we  feefuch  loaden  boi'ghs.    I  am  much'mjdaV'cn  if  the 
bell  may  not  be  dilcovered  berCj  the  fairdi  tlowers  in  the  field  m.urt  wither , 
tley  cannot  la{l,  and  ile  bell  aftc<5lions  tbataixj  but  temporary,  tliat  haxxi  «d1- 
ed  m.en mightily  for  ^  time  it\  tie  uie  of  m.eans ,  murt  pcrilh  in  the  negle^l 
of  means  at  laih    I  lliAll  not  therefore  m.eddle  with  profane  or  carnarCo- 
f^-ellers^fo  much  As  wiib  dofe  dcccivefs  of  their  own  fouls ;  and  look  as. 'tis 
in  all  fore!:>you  may  know  where  the  fore  is  bv  the  lappings,  fo  you  m,ay  know 
a  fluggard  that  ncglcv:is  m.eans  by  bis  (liifts :  For  if  ycu  oWeiTe,no  lin  hath 
fo  mfthy  fliifts  an\3  colours  for  it  aS  this  j  Srttl  when  he  had  not  gone  through 
(Kcb  N>ith  the  Lords  w^rk  in  flawing  the  Jw^ekjtes^  what  adcc  had  Samuel 
to  convince  him?  He  tells  a  lye,  lays  \bc  blame  on  the  people,  propounds  tlie 
goodendandaffedionhehad  s  Sohete:    Thus  it  is  with  many,  as  Tr*. 
;p  I.  Thofe  that  live  in  a  fccret  ncgle<ft  of  n.eaiis,  anfi  yet  hope  ro  con:c  to 
"^ '  their  end,  becaufe  of  their  defires ;  we  fliall  f  nde  thie  S^riptutx;  gives  us  two 
forts  of  dcfires*    i.  Of  the  fi'gkeous.  i.  Of  the  lluggard,  t.  Thdepcs  ofth 
ri^mfts  y  X\W.  l<>w  24.  f-M  be  graMtd  •,  being;   brc.nhings  of  Gods  eternal 
I  Spirit,  not  A  (igh  of  groan  un^arwered.    4.  Of  the  flu^ard*  Prw .  21.15.  Th 
'  ideftrc  cf  th  flothftfl  kj'i>'  hm^for  his  hands  refufe  to  hhonr  ;  tl^  dclires  of  the 
righteous  are  ever  fpurs  to  quicken  them  up  in  theufe  of  m.eans  mjghtily,  the 
'  defires  of  the  lluggard  bridle  him  up,  they  bindc  his  bands,  and  fetter  his  feet 
that  he  cannot  but  nea,! oft  mcAns :  Som.e  defires  there  be  that  arife  fmm  the 
need  of  a  good,  and  lier<J  Will  not  only  be  del'.res,  but  all  means  ufcd,  as  in 
point  <^f~famine  *,  fom.e  oiily  from  want  of  a  good,  and  here  a  man  ufudlly 
conierifs  himfelf  witb  bar^  cefires,  never  haih  a  heart  to  ufe  the  means  migh- 
tily for  that  end.    Many  a  one  is  convinced  bis  ftate  is  miiferable,  and  fears 
it,'  And  •3?rf/^4w-like,  fees  the  blef  ednefs  of  the  people  of  God ,  and  knows 
be  wants  pK^rdon,and  life,  and  peace,  £n<3  promifes,  and  Chrift,  and  defires  it  ,• 
ohthattmjgk<^e  their  de^rb,  oh  that  1  might  live  and  drink  that  water,  that; 
I  might  vMiS  Vio  more,  oh  that  my  iins  wer^  pardoned,  oh  that  my  heart  was 
bumbled.    But  wlwt  if  the  Lord  i^rant  tlem  no  peace  nor  pardoii?  Do  tliey 
makeeaitnei^  enquiry  aft^r  the  Lord  Chrift  with  reftlefs  purfuits  and  groaiis  be- 
■  ^  '    '  v7n<^it,  is  it  wo^h  that  >  Oh  iK),but  yet  tbcy  hope  GodVill  belo, 
.  .        as  TO  accept  theiT^^enrcs ,  and  fo  il-^y  reft,  and  live  and  die  in  that 
•o(^,  oh  poor  creatures  your  defires  kill  you ;  ijs  a  man  is  undone  with  lloth- 
<vX  icrv^ant?:  tKit  cannot  earn  tbdr  own ,  m.ueh  lefs  get  their  mallei-s  bread. 
Aivl  many  itt  Hell,  fay  I  had  tbought  my  defires  w<^uld  l"«ivc  carried  m.e  to  glo- 
ry, but  now  1  fee  tl->ey  ba\-e  beei\  "floihful,  and  here  I  m.uft  perifli  and  famii"b 


knv^\^l^  that  by  conrcnritig  tfjy  felf  with  tVefe  ^efi^  t  fliould  bav^  loft  my  ^ 
Rile.    Hene  ttixa^  Chrit^i«ft$  ^!t  f«Hlj*  bottoB-^ed,  they iifc  troi^lcd  about  their! 


c(:ate. 


■        ■       ■  ■  I  — I  ■   .■■.■-.^.—       M      ■-  I.  M^■    ,i.i^.iw..|i    .1  ■     I.  I  ■  "'^^        ■■.■■■*■■     ■— — ^^M^gia 

f  ^»  Virgim  Opened  and  Jpplied. 


I 


»f5* 


e(tate,  come  to  fome  or  other  and  profeffe  their  defire^are  after  Cbrirt  and 


grace, 


:e^^c.  And  theii  comfortej  (^as  in  ftridng  fits  a  n^n  fnitchcthat  any 
,^  or  Twig)  v\-ith  them  derire<;,  before  fh<iy  h.ive  followed  th^  Lord  m  the 
ufe'of  aWmcm^  to  gee  tte  thirjg  they  defire.  And  here  ii  thic  ftrft  t>e^in- 
ning  of  the  Lords  forfaking  of  them,  and  theirs  of  ilje  Lord,  and  he  is  left 
alone  otily  witfj  his  derire>)  th.it  if  any  duty  be  ncgle6tcd,  ddirc^  comfo-t  him  ; 
if  grace  refiHeJ,  defire;  (|uiet  him  ;  if  fin  keeping  JMm  captive,  dcfirc;  fill  him  • 
Lnh  13.  24*  And  fo  like  a  Bird  thtt  lie«;  m  tre  neft,  hw  m  vfin^fH  ne\er 
grow,  there  it  perifheth^  I  know  Saints  may  comfort  thcmfelve?  with  ddires  be- 
fore tiie  things  be  given,  becaufe  promifed,  but  yon  fhall  fee  an  ewdlefs  reach  in 
them  in  the  iife  of  all  mean.?,/*/>/7. 3  ,t  3.0thers  r hink  their  Begle6t  of  mean«;  to  be 
but  an  infirmity,6i  that  their  dcrtre?  wijl  f€rvc,&  hence  abufe  th?,t  Scripture,/:<?w.7' 
1.  They  that  neglect  the  roejns  anJ  yet  hope  to  come  to  their  end,  becaufe 
of  worldly  clogs  and  incumbrancer  here;  for  this  is  the  veryfpint  of  tmny  a 
man.  If  God  keeps  the  houfe  from  being  burm,  and  family  from  being  f)ck, 
it  may  be  family  prayer  is  neg'ected,if  not  tbar,  yet  (ccfet  is  omkfejj  if  not 
th^t,  yet  meditation  ;  a  man  cin  get  no  heid  nor  heart,  nor  time  for  ir,  if  any 
go«xl  is  got,  i:s  loft  again  j  Sabbaths  fpent,  and  no  good  gained ;  a  m^n  knows 
his  foul  lies  wafte  and  comm.on  without  any  fence  or  watch,  and  that  he  would 
not  let  his  fields  lie  ashedOih  his  heart,  overgrown  with  cares  andlufts  and 
vain  thoughts.  No»,v  many  a  man  though  he  doth  diflike  this ,  yet  lives  in 
this/  Why>  Is  this  your  home,  aretbefe  things  your  pordoa  ?  No,  but  yetj 
thinks  he  may  with  a  fafe  Confcience  continue  thus,  and  God  forgive  him  too ; ' 
why  the  family  is  gre^ir,  children  encreafe  upon  me,  (and  they  are  fobufie  and 
long  a  dreffmg  on  the  Lords  day/  that  Sermon  is  out  before  they  come  )  ^n^ 
we  are  notcai'edto  book  it  all  day  as  Minifkra  can,  and  worldly  employments 
are  fo  many, and  the  beft  are  entangled  here ;  and  they  think  this  is  m  excuse  ^ 
Ltth  14. 18, 19.  Nay  many  a '6ne  convinced  of  this,yet  lives  in  thi?  ag;>inft  the 
light  of  conviction,  hoping  that  one  day  the  (trcam  of  worldly  occafion;  will  ' 
be  run  by.  I  confeife,  as  the  I/)rd  hath  given  us  his  Ordinances  to  feek  him 
in,  fohe  hath  appointed  our  callings  to  walk  wich  him  in  :  Adam  in  P.iradtfe 
muf^  not  be  idle,  but  look  to  the  garden  ;  and  in  this  hnd  thofe  that  will  be 
good  husbands  for  God  (leaft  they  difcrcdit  their  profdfion  by  bringing  them- 
felves  to  a  piece  of  bread)  mufi  be  good  husbands  for  themfehes :  But  herei'? 
that  which  (ting',  when  to  worldly  emploim/ents,  men  afre  fervants,  not  Lords  of 
them,  when  men  do  not  mave  their  occafions  bow  down  to  them,and  fervetl-em, 
that  they  may  ferve  and  feek  a  God,  but  they  bow  down  their  knees,  nayb;5fel/ 
their  backs,  under  the  feet  of  any  m.ean  imploymenr,  and  that  muft  be  follow- 
ed with  neglett  of  God.  Do  not  fay  who  is  not  entangled  here  ?  I  tell  you  if 
Chrifts  prayer  can  prevail  fome  are  not,  John  1 7.  i  5.  /  praj  f}>/t  that  thtw  muld- 
ejl  take  them  oftt  of  the  roarld  ^hm  keep  them  from  the  evil  :  Jf  blood  can  prevail 
it  doth,  Gal.  1.4.  Oh  look  to  this  /  it  may  be  fome  of  you  do  not  only  neglect 
thie  T/>rd  in  means,  but  when  the  Lord  comes  to  you  in  mems  and  quic'  ens  your 
;beirts  and  kindles  many  refolutions  in  you ;  you  negleiii  the  Lord,  all  dyes  a- 
gain,  oh  i:  is  th.e  world  /  know  your  eftatcs  by  t/iis. 

I  ^.  Thofe  that  depart  from  God  in  the  neg!e6^  of  means,  hcc3ufe  they  finde 
j  no  good,  and  dono^  feel  themfehes  a  whit  The  better  for  th^m  ;  th^y  neglect 
[this trade,  becaufe th.ey. finde  it  a  gain'efs  trade  :Tof  thus  God  executes  his  e-er- 
I  nail  rejecHon  upon  many  a  foul :  As  it  was  with  Sattly  k  fvas  one  of  the  hH 
iViils  God pov\red out  upon  him,  i  Sam.  28.5,^,  1%.  faith  he,/  am  fore  di- 
,/hejfedy  a^d  the  Lord  anfiffen  me  »ot  by  UrimK'/r  by  Thttmrntfiy  ahd  thereff/re  am 
\  I  corme  to  thee ;  \ti  a  Devil  c:>mfort  m.e  if  God  will  not :  So  many  n  fotil  having 
',  committed  fom.e  fin  that  lies  glowing  on  the  Confcience,  is  fore  troubled,  and  , 
j  £iR  it  goes  to  the  Lord,  and  the  Lord  anfwcrs  not,  there  is  filence  in  he  wen,  and 

in 


o 


TheT  arable  of  the 


in  dl  means, but  the  noife  of  fears  within;  now  at lall  the  foul  doth  not  for- 
fakedie  Lord  for  Sajian  plainly,  but  what  means  can  comfort  them  that  they 
feek  for,  and  in  time  a  man  is  w'e.iry  of  waiting  ar  Gods  gate-,  and  hence  a 
form  of  duties,  and  prayers,  and  cultome  of  desotion  is  kept  to  quiet  the  con- 
fcience  ;  but  they  are  not  reliefs  for  the  gain  of  them,  for  the  Lord  in  them  : 
they  think  'tis  in  , vain,  to  no  profit,  as  thofe  iwMd,'^.  14.  to  walk  mournfully. 
Jonah  vVas  call  out  of  Gods  light,  yet  through  r^fZ-^Z/y  of  alVhale  he  would  lool^ 
toward  the  Temple.  So  'tis  with  the  people  of  God  ,  though  they  fometime^ 
conclude  thus,  and  think  not  to  feek  any  m.ore,  yec  their  he.irts  have  tailed  the 
I  good,  and  their  faith  beleeves  there  is  that  hid  in  the  Lord  in  his  Temple, 
i  that  it  never  fa w  yer,  hence  they  look  ftill.  What  made  th;€  m.an  Mat.  25^ 
hide  his  talen:  in  the  earth  ?  I  thought  thou  waft  an  hard  Mailer,  and  lookedit 
for  fo  much  gain,  and  I  could  not  get  ic,  and  hence  he  hid  his  Talent.  Hence 
men  keep  the  mxcans,  vyithout  ufe  of  the  m^eans,  and  fom.e  that  have  for  a  tim.e 
been  ufed  to  do  fo  ,  keep  it  as  their  aiftome  without  making  any  fuch  W'ork 
of  it,  as  to  gain  die  end  of  the  means. 

4.  Thofe  that  doneglecl  the  Lord  in  means  by  an  effectual  purfuitof  them, 
becaufe  of  fome  fips  and  tafteof  fome  good  in  them;  and  fo  me  thinks  'tis  in 
this  cafe  as  'tis  in  fome  Countries  where  if  a  man  comes  to  their  houfes  in 
the  afternoon,  and  both  have  amjnde  to  parr,  yen  lodi  to  partwichout  fhewin^ 
fome  kindncfs,  and  the  other  without  tailing  of  it,  they  lay  their  voiding  nap- 
kin, and  finding  that  refrel^ing  there,  they  are  content  to  lofe  their  fupper. 
So  'tis  here,  a  man  com.es  weary  to  the  Lords  Houfe,  to  his  Ordinances",  the 
Lord  will  not  let  him  go  without  fome  expreflion  of  kindnefs,  nor  they  depart 
willingly  from  the  Lord  without  it,  and  hence  the  Lord  gives  them  light  out 
of  dari^nefs,  joy  out  of  forrow,  peace  out  of  trouble ,  a  tails  of  his  fweetnefs, 
after  tafts  of  fins  bitter nefs,  and  then  they  take;  their  leave ;  as  they  Heh.  6.  2, 
3, 4,  5.  And  here  the  Lord  leaves  many  a  poor  creature,  Dem.2^.  2, 5,4.  they 
did  fee  fom.ething,  and  tai^  fomething,  and  there  they  refted  ;  Oh  but  the  Lord 
gave  them  not  eyes  to  fee,  ere.  For  no  Hypocrite  living  is  fully  emptied  of 
his  lufts,  but  hath  fomewhat  to  fill  him ;  but  fome  em.ptinefs  he  may  have , 
hence  may  have  fome  defires  after  the  Lord,  and  hence  it  is  not  the  fulnefs  of 
God  onelythat  fatisfies  him,  but  fome  tafts  of  Gods  kindnefs,  and  finall  things 
do  and  maift  fill  him  ;  his  lufts  fill  him  in  parr,  and  fo.meihing  of  God  is  want- 
ing ,  and  that  fome  little  matter  doth  make  up.  Hence  w'hen  this  is  done , 
means  u  neglected  fearfuUy,a  mans  heart  is  hardned  and  ignorant,  a  little  light 
and  forrow  iiiys  him,  as  the  ftony  ground  though  there  be  a  ftone  at  bottom ; 
a  man  is  full  of  doubts,  and  a  little  hope  which  frees  him.  from  fears  quiets  him, 
hence  he  never  conquers  unbelief :  A  man  hath  lived  a  loofe  courfe,  a  little  re- 
folution  of  heart  ftays  him.,  though  theheart  will  depart  again,  as  thole  Deut.'y. 
27,  25?.  the  Lord  hath  but  little  of  their  he.irts,  and  the  Lord  llie\vs  them,  but 
little  of  his:  And  hence  this  is  ufual  to  fee  afalfe  heart  moft  diligent  in  leek- 
ing  the  Lord  w  hen  he  hath  been  worft,  and  moft  carelefs  when  'tis  beft.  Hence 
manyatfirft  converlion  fought  the  Lord  eirneftfv,afterw\ard  afteilions  and  en- 
deavours die,  that  now  they  are  as  good  as  tlie  Word  can  m.ake  them  :  Hence 
the  Lord  when  in  m.ercy  he  deals  with  men,  keeps  them  long  fafting  till  the 
time  of  extremity  comes,  and  then  he  pours  waters  on  the  thirfty.  Hence  bet- 
ter for  thofe  never  to  have  known,  2  Pet.  2.  21.  and  an  hypocrites  lift  end  is  to 
fatisfie  himfelf,  hence  he  hath  enough  ;  a  Saints  is  to  fatisfie  Chrift,  hence  he 
never  hath  enough. 

5.  Thofe  that  do  neglecl:  the  Lord  under  this  colour  of  receiving  Chrift,  they 
can  do  nothing  themfelves,  and  Chrift  m.uft  do  all ;  and  hence  negleifl:  the  Lord 
f<?cretly,.and  fometimes  quarrel  with  the  Miniftry  privately,  when  prelTed  to 
a  duty  or  to  beleeve.    Alas  what  can  a  man  do,  when  all  the  Miniftcrs  in  the 

world 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


world  have  preached  their  hearcs  out,  at  laft  they  muft  bring  us  to  Chrift  •  what 
elfe  lliould  the  Afoftle  mean,  Rom^^.'^.  Not  to  him  that  veorkeih  ^  but  bekeveth 
is  faith  accoMftted for  r'tghteoptfuefs.    1  mujf  r.ot  live^  1  mnfi  let  Chrlfi  Hije^  8cc. 
And  hence  fay  they  the  caufe  of  |-eriiliing  is  not  mens  wills,  but  Gods,  he  eledls 
nor,  he  gives  no  heart;  fucb  hypocrires  the  Lord  prophefies  of,  Mat.  7.21.  Mam 
thatfa'^  to  me  Lord,  LordjUtmt^dvince  the  Lovd^eCus J  and  live  innec^'edl:  of 
all  duties,  and  bring  theLordof  glory  not  from  his  Throne  in  Heaven  to  Hell 
but  which  is  worfe,  debafehim  from  his  glory  to  fin ;  to  be  the  cover  of  firi,  and 
protestor  of  it-   Beloved,  I  knownofurer  fignof  a  veflfel  that  God  inrends  to 
break  in  peaces  then  this,  to  live  in  this  neglc6l,  2  Tim.  1. 20.  Nay  'tis  an  e- 
vidence  there  is  no  hope,  no  living  hope,  1  John  3.3.  He  that  hath  this  hope, 
ftirgeth  himfclf  as  Chrifl  is  fHve.     Many  it  feems  boafted  of  hope  in  Chrift    fo 
do  Saints,  but  he  ^ives  this  Note,  He  purgeth  himfelf,  he  will  nor  fluggiflily  put 
all  on  Chrift.    Tis  true,  'tis  the  mighty  working  of  Chrift  than  m.uft  conquer 
thy  lufts,  but  muft  this  put  you  to  negleft  ftriving.  Col.  i .  2p.  Iflrive  accorditia 
to  the  working.  And  for  mine  own  pare,  though  lie  not  difpute  the  point  at  hxf^^ 
I  beleeve,  there  is  a  conftanc  afliftance  of  the  mighty  power  of  the  Lord  Jefus 
in  the  fouls  of  all  the  Saints,   1  Pet.  i.  5.     And  hence  i  John  ^.  Greater  is  he 
that  is  in  you,  then  in  the  world.    The  Saints  as  they  receive  the  Lord  Jefus  to 
rule  them,  that  he  alone  may  be  Lord  and  King  not  only  in  heaven,  but  in  their 
hearts ;  So  a  falfe  heart  receives  Chrift  laftly  for  to  eafe  him  :  Sometime  for  to 
eafe  him  Oi  the  burden  of  Confciencc ;  fometime  to  eafe  him  of  the  Lords  work 
the  burthen  of  his  will;  and  hence  fome  at  laft  have  complained,  though  hardly 
convinced  of  it,  that  they  could  be  contented  the  Lord  fhould  a6l  them ;  but 
their  end  was,  that  hereby  they  might  be  rid  of  their  burden,  and  fo  eafed  by 
him..    I  have  heard  aQueftion  fhouldbeaskr,Whatis  the  difference  between 
the  workings  of  Gods  Spirit  and  the  Saints  ?  And  that  the  Anfwer  was,  1.  The 
one  is  by  graces,tbe  other  immediatly.     2.  The  Spirits  is,  when  a  man  labours 
leaft :  quite  crofs'to  the  ftream  of  truth:  Take  heed  how  you  underftaiid  thefe 
points  arighr,  the  depth  of  the  moft  hdlifh  villany  in  the  world  lies  uii  er  them. 
Wo  to  thee  that  canft  paint  fuchaChriflin  thy- head,  and  receive  fuch  a  Chrift 
into  thy  heart  as  m.uft  be  a  pander  to  your  floth  ;  the  Lord  will  revenge  this 
wrcaig  done  to  his  glory  with  greater  forrows  then  ever  any  felt:  To  make 
Chrift  not  only  meat  and  drink  to  feed,  but  cloaths  to  cover  your  floth.  Why 
what  can  we  doe  ?  what  can  we  doe  ?  Why  as  the  firft  Adam  conveies  not 
only  guilt  but  power :  So  the  fecond  conveys  both  righteoufnefs  and  ftrength ; 
as  Chrift  is  now  triumphing  by  his  eternal  Spirit,  and  his  life  is  heavenly  j  fo 
if  you  be  in  Chrift,  there  is  a  Spirit  of  Chrift,  whereby  a  never  dying  life  is  be- 
got, that  can  and  doth  conquer ;  though  it  be  butafpark,  Chrift  maintaining  it, 
it  fhallcometo  vidlory.    You  areforfaken  of  Chrift  if  you  want  this,  or  elfe 
take  heed  this  colour  make  you  not  forfake  him. 

6,  Thofe  that  negleft  the  means ,  and  yet  look  for  the  end  in  hope  of  fu- 
ture time,  and  fo  negleft  the  prefent  feafon.  Thus  'tis  with  many  a  one ;  the 
day  of  life  and  health,  and  day  of  Ordinances  continues ;  and  hence  the  Aug- 1 
gardcryes,Pr(?'?/.  24. 33.  Tet  a  little  more  jlumber^i.  He  have  but  a  little  while  J 
longer,  &c.  Hence  when  Confcience  checks,Minifters  warn,  the  Lord  wooes, 
the  Spirit  cries;  a  man  puts  off  all  with  this,  I  hope  it  will  be  better  :  And 
hence  it  falls  out  with  them  as  with  thofe  Matth.  24.  The  Lord  comes  in  a 
time  they  loo\  not  for  him  ;  and  of  this  many  on  their  deathbeds  have  cryed 
our.  Think  of  this  you  convi6led  perfons  that  know  its  miferable  with  you, 
before  God  flop  your  breath ;  you  have  nothing  to  plead  for  your  neglect,  but 
hope  of  tim.e.  Know  it,  Gods  prefent  feafons  are  golden,  one  moment  worth 
eternity ;  and  now  is  the  time,  if  you  negle6l  his  feafon,  he  will  not  regard  yours. 
God  is  never  found  in  your  tim-Cj  but  in  his  time.   Oh  lay  thefe  things  to  heart  / 

Y  efpecially 


t6i 


i6z 


"^T arable  of  the 


feS* 


OhjeU, 
Aafrv* 

oyjeci. 

Anffv. 


efjiecially  you  that  are  grown  weary  of  means,  th.it  faint  in  ygiar  way ;  God  is 
not  yet  Weary  of  continuing  means,  art  thou  weary  of  gakiing  by-means  ?  Oh 
confider  this  you  that  have  had  many  hopes,  defires  purfofes ,  but  all  blafted , 
your  tim.e  and  m.eans  neglected  :  T:hirk  on  this  you  that  have  had  mar- 
vellous affei^ions.^:  but  your  fpirits  are  gone  ;  Norhing  cm ■Tinake':  you 
mend  your  pace,  not  all  Miniftry  and  Vvord ,  but  you  are  clog'd  with  means. 
Remember  that  Jfai.  6$,  8,  9,  lo,  1 1,1 2,1 3, 14.  For  my  feo^lethat  have  fomht 
me^  tec.  -^   ^ 


SECT.    V. 


v^i 


And 


TO  allthofe  that  do  eflFe6lu ally  feek  the  Lord  in  the  ufe  of  means, 
for  difcovery  thereof,  Confider  :  - 

1.  If  ever  the  Lord  gave  you  a  heart  effe6lually  tofeek  him.  inm.eans,ypu 
will  finde  mighty  oppofidon,  temptations  fpringing  up  one  after  another,  &c. 
from  wit  hill,  from  without,  and  the  oppofitions  will  make  you  feek  him  the 
m.ore;  -Hence ^^o»?.  13.11,13.  he  bids  us  pt  ojf  the  veorks  of  darknefsy  md 
pit  On  the  armoHrrof  light.  When  a  man  deiires  and  lie?  in  his  fiorh ,  he  m.eets 
with  little  dppolition  or  trouble^  of  his  own  heart ;  but  here  'tis  otherwife,  there- 
fore put  on  armour.  And  I  fay  the  foul  is  m.ade  hereby  to  feek  the  Lord  the 
more,  as  the  blinde  man,  Mark^  i  o.  48.  Redeem  the  time,  hecattfe  the  days  are  ev'dl 
As  'tis  with  Mariners,  they  will  not  only  ufefair,  but  fide,  andalmofl  contrary 
winds  to  come  neer  the  fhore  they  are  botmd  for ;  let  the  Lord  give  any  grace, 
oh  m.oreof  that  mercy,  as  ^^o/w,  Deut.  3.24.  Let  the  Lord  deny,  yet  the  foul 
cries  the  more;  let  agonies  eQ|iie,Chrift  prays  the  more;  let  the  vyillroppofe, 
he  will  yeeld  himfelf  to  the  Lord  to  crofs  his  own  will,  and  deny  bimfetf;  peace 
makes  him  love,  and  afflidlion  makes  him  feek  the  Lord  early.  Hence  becaufe 
thou  art  troubled  at  the  feeling  of  a  flothful  heart,  that  wiU  make  you  feek  for 
more  help. 

2.  You  will  feek  him  with  your  whole  heart,  fo  that  'tis  the  Lord  only  that 
the  heart  is  bound  for^Pfal.  1 19.  2.  Phil.  3.12.  The  feeling  of  the  Lords  pow- 
er and  eternal  life,  and  that  not  only  while  means  lalt,  but  when  in  wane  of^  and 
banifht from  means :  As  David  forgets  his  Crown  and  Kingdom., and  faith, 
Pfal.  27. 4.  0>ie  thing  I  have  dejired.  Hence  Hezekjah  had  a  promife  of  life, 
and  going  to  Gods  Houfe  when  recovered.  It  was  not  life  he  minded  fo  much 
as  this,  fVhat  is  the  Jign  that  I  (hall  go  to  the  Houfe  of  the  Lord  ?  Hence  Saints 
though  they  riegledl:  iometime3,yet  as  a  Ship  driven  back  by  negledHng  winds, 
or  as  a  Tradefman  he  is  altogether  for  his  gain,  yet  proves  an  ill  husband  fom.e- 
times,butwhenhe  hath  felt  his  lofles  he  falls  to  his  trade  again:  So  here,  like 
Merchants  feeAing  pearls, &c.  Matth.  13.45.  Let  this  comfort  you,  though 
you  finde  nothing,  yet  Saints  are  a  generation  of  Seekers,  findingtiaie  is  not 
c6me, yet  certainly  yOu  fhall  come  to  your  end  at  laft.  You  have  no  lappings 
for  the  fores  of  your  floth,  but  opening  them  before  the  Lord,  the  Lord  will 
healand  help  in  time. 

But  1  feel  no  good,  hence  I  am  afraid  I  feeknot  aright. 
f_  Gal.  6,^.  Toft  fhall  reap  ifi  dfietlpte,  andHebr.11.13.  All  things'wcre  crofs  to 
the  prom,  ife  yet  J^^mA^^aw  holds  on  fli  11. 

'But  I  finde  m:y  fpirit  faint,  and  grow  liftlefs  and  weary. 

When  heart  and  ftrength  fail,  yet  Goddoth-not.  God  will  defert  that  you 
may  know  where  your  ftrength,  and  heart,  and  hdp  lies.. 

But  'tis  fo  great,  I  knpvv.  no  difference  between  mine  and  others  negle^V. 

That  is  fad,  yet  as  'tis  in  all  (ins,  falls  into  them  do  but  undermine  them 
the  more.    Peter  denies  Chrift,aswefl  asfleeps,  yetheisthefirftthat  preach- 

^ '      eth 


,^ 


ten  Virpns  Opened  and  Applied. 


ethhim.  When  a  mans  meat  is  fo  far  from  doing  good,  as  that  k  doth  him 
hurtiheisdying ;  fothatfin  is  dying,  that  flo.h  is  dying,  when  food  given  to 
It  doth  kill  it.  David  is  reidy  to  give  up  all,  yet  faith,  Its  gwdfor  metodrarv 
wrr  f<?  G<'^>  and  there  the  heart  will  repofe  it  felt  again.    __  ^  ^ 


i6^ 


SECT.    VI. 

OH  be  not  ilothful  then  j  ncg1e6l  nomeari?j  but  ufe  all  m.cans,  gct'oyHri 
your  veffels.  that  you  may  get  your  delircd  end.  Mariners  that  are  boimd 
for  a  voyage,  when  fet  out,\vill  not  be  at  reft  till  they  are  landed  where  they 
would  be.  ,Ic  was  one  of,  the  Churches  forrowfuL  complaints,  /fai6.^.:j.  Nokc 
that  fiirs  tiphlmfilf,  &c.  ;  r,u^.a  v^i  ,^rJV']o  ibf  ^>  nV'/ 

But  I  finde  many  hindrances  without  me,  many  fins  vvitnin  me,  I  navefome- 
time  neither  ftrength  (nay  which  is  worfe)  nor  yec  heart  to  feek  the  Lord,  though 
my  wants  are  many,  though  my  days  decline ;  how  (hall  I  doe  > 

I.  Finde  out  that  which  clogs  thy  heart  from  feeking  cffe6luaily,  and  caufeth 
that  negled,and  thati  makes  the  Lord  neglcit  thee  in  thy  ineffectual  fcekino;  clfc 
thou  mayelt  feek  and  never  finde,  and  that  is  fome  iuft,  fomething  that  eafcth 
the  heart  which  is  not  God.  When  the  foul  hath  not  bread,  it  will  with  the 
Prodigal  then  refolve  for  home ;  men  could  not  live  as  they  do  ,  fo  rnany  days 
Without  Godjunlefs  they  did  feed  on  fomewhat  clfe  belide  the  Lord.  Hence 
its  ufual  for  men  in  means,  to  ufe  means  for  a  good,  and  out  of  means  to  rcfift 
that  good,  Ifa.  58.  i,a.  Zac/j.C,  Men  that  would  hive  their  load  drawn, muft 
firft  take  their  wild  Horfesouc  of  it:  So  do  with  thefe  lufts.  If  therefore  not 
for  your  own,  yet  for  the  Lords  fake,whoeIfe  Mil  notbe  accounted  worth  the 
fcckingyfiade  out  whatever  c^npencs  you;  neceflity  hath  no  Holidays,  oh  you 
muft  have  him  i  :^  . - 

2*  uic  mcans,but  truft  not  to  thcnr,  nor  td  any  fircngth  received  to  carry  you 
along  in  this  work :  you  will  elfe  negleit  and  fall  from  the  Lord,  and  the  Lord 
from  you.  Its  faid  of  Af^y  2  Chro.  16^1 2, 13.  \A[a  was  difeafed  i»  his  feet  in 
his  old  age  ^  yet  he  fought  net  tothp^Lordy  but  Phyjitjans :  So  'lis  with  many  a  dif- 
eafed ChrilUan,  they  feek  not  to  the  Lord,  to  cure  their  feet,  but  means,  or 
themfelves,  ^ence  he  decays  and  dies.  Yon  have  the  ftream  of  all  temptations 
againrt  you, 'tis  not  your  o^vh  Oars,  but  the  Lords  winde  that  mult  carry  you  a- 
gainft  it ;  look  therefore  to  an  almighty  power  in  means  to  help  you,  plead  Gods 
Covenant  to  put  his  fear  into  your  hearts ,  that  you  may  not  depart  from  him, 
j  as  he  will  not  forfakeyou ,  i  Cor,  1 5. 10*  Paul  receh'ed  nst  grace  In  vain  ,  hut 
iahfiurs  ahundantly  \yet  not  lybm  grace.  There  is  lictlc  fear  of  drowning  fo  long 
as  we  keep  head  above  water,  io  lonp  as  we  cleave  to  the  Lord  Jefus. 

I.  Love  the  prefence .  of  the  Lord  and  his  company.  If  there  be 
any  love  between  you,  you  will  then  finde  tim.e,  arid  nothing  fliall  keep  you 
from  him,  y<?r.  2. 1,  2,5.  /  remember  the  love  of  thltte  effoufalsy  vphen  thon  folUw- 
edfl  me  in  a  mldernefs  thorom  fits  and  deferts.  Remember  he  hath  been  in  hea- 
ven praying  for  thee,  when  thou  haft  been  provoking  of  him,  he  hath  been  blef- 
fing  thee,  when  thou  haft  been  abufing  him,  it  may  be  he  hath  let  out  his  heart 
blood  to  make  roomfor  thee  in  his  hc.irc,,  it  may  be  he  intends  through  all  ^- 
ternity  to  cxprefs  his  deard^  love  to  thee,  and  is  he  not  worth  your  love  ?  Love 
him,andyouwillbewithbim[,  love  will  beflronger  thendeuh,  it  will  break 
all  chcfebonds. 

4.  Set  before  you  the  greatnefs  of  the  good  you  are  to  ufe  all  means  to  gain  j 
why  do  men  hunt  after  fieflvpots?  The  world  is  cAeemed  great , 'tis  near  us, 
md  fo  forhpnour :  Now.  Chrift  and  eternity  are  afar  off,  and  hence  theyfeem 
'llriie,andhenc.ietofeekthc:ti  isnoc  made  a  bufinefs  of  greateft  weight  andim.- 
■  '  ~  Y/ i\  portancc. 


Ufe  6. 
Of  Exhoh, 


Oi^jecl, 


Anfif, 


-I 


i64- 


"rlshe  f^ arable  of  the 


Motives, 


^  i' 


porrance,  2  Or.  4.  !<?*,  18*  We  faint  m  while  we  looh^td  things  thm  are  etetnal--, 
ABs  14. 1 5,  i6»  There  is  not  th^  viiei'-l:  Repiobace,  but  when  lie  fliall  lee  the 
gbry  that  lliall  be  revealed,  iMl  ftaOip  and  teiir  his  hair  and  % ;"  Oh  ,  if  I  had 
known  this .'  I  hope  I  iT:iobild  never  have  dreamed  out  my  time  ft>  as  I  have  done  I 
We  look  on  thePidure  of  Goodnefsin  the  volume  of  the  Creatures,  which  fa- 
tisfic  not ;  Oh  never  ceafe  looking  upward,  till  you  fee  what  you  fcek  for  in  the 
greatnefs  of  ir.  Suppofe  a  man  {tould  fleep  all  his  life-rime,  and  be  in  a 
dream,  and  in  it  have  all  the  delights  and  glory  of  the  world  prefented  before 
him,  at  iaft  the  ground  opens  its  mouth  and  fwallows  himup,  and  then  heAs  ^- 
wakened.  Lord  how  vvill  he  cry  ?  Truly  Chrift  and  grac^e  ^hd'  f<siIowl>iipS\khi 
God  are  not  rhought  of,  fought  for,  are  fmall  things  with  m.en,  but  the  World  is 
great,  and  this  is  your  delight ;  truly  'tis  but  your  dream :  Wl^at  will  your  fouls 
be  when  death  opens  its  mouth  ?  w'hat  a  fad  thing  is  it  to  fee  men  fpin  Cop- 
webs  that  muft  be  fw'ept  dbwn. 

I.  To  thofe  that  never  fought  the  Lord  effectually  to  this  day^  not  to  neg- 
le61:  him  now ;  thofe  that  aire  like  children  born  before  their  time,  that  have 
had  fome  forrow  after  the  Lord,  but  comforted  before  ic  was  deep  enough  ^  have 
fom.e  dcfires ,  but  cafed  with  other  things  before  they  were  fatisHed  vVith 
Chrift  himfelf ;  that  have  run  for  a  fpurr,  but  are  grown  weary  before  they 
come  half  way  hem.e ,  and  fo  fit  down  in  the  way  ;  lilie  Clocks  fet  flow  in 
the  firft  hour  of  the  day,  run  flow  all  the  day  after  :  So  thefe  fet 
back  and  think  thev  are  fet  right  too,  run  flow  all  their  life  after.  That 
35  he  faid  of  a  covetous  man,  he  had  a  ftrong  defirc  for  heaven  if  any  would 
bear  his  charges  thither :  So  thefe.  And  to  you  I  fpeak,  not  that  never  fought, 
but  that  have  been  fceking;  yet  effectually  •  to  ufc  all  means,  this  you  never 
did.  '  .  , 

1.  Gonfider  how  far  men  have  gone?  W^iat  m^ans  they  have  ufed  ? 
yet  have  never  found  to  this  day ,  Z«%  1 3.  24.  Strivey  faith  Chrift*  This 
I  fpeak  becaufe  men  think  they  may^  neglddt  ;their  feafons  of  ^arneft 
purfuit  after  grace,  men  may  fitftill,  and  put  all  care  from  themfelves  to 
God,  and  live  in  their  florh.  Oh  no,  Confider  fo  many  fnares,fo  many  bypaths, 
fo  many  deceits  within,  fo  many  fins  and  lulls  to  ftibdue,  all  time  and  means  is 
little  enough :  Take  heed  of  fpending  prodigally,  atid  think  Chrifts  grace  will 
bear  you  out.  -  Oh!  look  upon  the  cries  at  death-bed,  to  fee  fomc  men  that  haVe 
becH  like  famifliing  men  that  have  wanted  bread ,  and  then  have  cryed  bread, 
bread,  but  could  not  eat  it.  Oh  faith  Vml^  I  he  At  dotvn  my  hdj,  lefl  in  f  re  aching 
t»  others  my  felf  hecome  a  cafi  away, 

2.  Coiilider  how  others  have  broken  down  ^:he  grcateft  difficulties ,  and  are 
now  in  glory,  as  Rev.  1 2 . 1 1 .  They  loved  not  their  lives  to  the  death.  They  have 
not  only, fpent  their  time,  loll  their  name,  their  comforts,  but  their  blood,  that 
have  paffed  through  waters,  fires,  bonds,  imprifonments,and  with  Paul  have  not 
accounted  their  lives  dear ^that  they  9fflghtfimjh  their  work.  David  was  full  of  God 
bne  would  think  fometimes  he  had  enough,  yet  when  he  awakes,  he  is  with  God 
at  midnight,  his  thoughts  and  reins  Injfruti  him  ;  the  Law  was  his  meditation  day  and 
night.  You  iTiallfee  him  in  the  Temple  bleflfing  God,  on  the  Throne  advancing 
the  Lord,  oft  the  dunghill,in  banifliment  longing  after  him,  when  he  fate  among 
Princes  meditating ;  and  was  there  here  too  much  coft,  might  any  of  this  oint- 
ment have  been  fpared  ?  Confider  Chrift  himfelf,  K^^.  12, 1,2,5.  caftoff  floth, 
Leal{ikg  to  Jefm,  who  for  the  joy,  defplfed  the  fhame^endnred  the  Crofsy  and  that  not 
for  himfelf,  ic  maybe  for  thee,that  thou  mightft  not,  now  he  is  at  the  right  hand 
of  God :  So  are  the  Saints  in  Heaven,  and  now  rejoycing  that  ever  they  fought 
jhim.,  that  they  fpent  fo  much  time  on  him. 

3.  Confider,  There  is  a  time  of  negledl  of  Chrift,  which  when  paft,  you  fhall 
jitever  finde  him  again,  Jo^«  7.3,4.  Te fhall f^ekjme^  but  never  finde  me.    You  have 

had 


ten  V trains  Opemd^  ^tid'Jpplied. 

had  many  Diamond-day?  and  feafons ,  and  God  give*;  y6u  a  fpace  to  repent, 
and  faith,  Mj  Spirit  (hall  Kot  almy  flrtve^it  may  be  ibilit  are  but  witiiin  that 
fp;ice,  that  the  Lofd  is  at  the  lalt  calt  with )  ou. 

■4.  Confider  whatever  your  condition  be,  Chake  off  yotr  {loth,  and  fet  upon 
the  means,  the  Lord  will  be  found ;  do  it  in  good  eirneft  :  This  will  bil  good 
news  ro  you  that  think  he  will  never,  but  be  thy  heart  like  fteel,  aild  hard,  the 
Lord  will  breik  it,  Hebr.  11.6.  he  mil  hfrmdof  them  that  fetk^  him  Aitigeyitly  : 
And  the  greater  things  thou  feekell  for,  the  more  like  to  get  thism ;  as  ong  of  th^ 
Fathers  chinks  that  to  pray  with  repetitions ,  is  to  pray  for  fmall  things.  Open 
thy  mouth  mde  lie  fill  it  ^  and  it  may  be  pfefently  in  a  moment,  when 
thou  thinkeft  lead:  of;  ir,  it  may  be  at  that  time  when  thotl  findett  mort  iln- 
willingnefs  and  difficulty  10  feek,  feek  then  and  the  Lord  will  be  found.  Oh  this 
, damps  m.any  a  Qian  in  the  ufe  of  m.eans,  he  thinks  the  Lord  will  tjever  help^  and 
hence  is  torm-cnted  with  this  thought,  and  fits  doWn  and  refts ':  If  yon  Would 
keep  a  Labourer  from.  WorK,  or  a  Traveller  front  walking  j  put  thorns  in  their 
feet ;  now  the  work  is  negle6led,  there  is  pricking  fiuflfe,  he  tannot  follow  on 
his  bufinefs  now:  So  'tis  here,  Prov.  15.  i p.  Take  heed  therefore  of  fitting 
down  with  fuch  thoughts  as  thefe^;  its  ftrange  thou  fhouldft  be  killed  for  every 
cut,  and  becaufe  wontided  for  fin,  to  fall  off  from  the  Lord  by  unbelief  too. 

IL  Motives  to  you  that  have  followed  the  Lord,  but  now  have  begun  to  negkiSl 
him :  For  what  caufe  I  know  nor,  but  I  am  fure  the  Lord  hath  given  yoii  hone : 
Yet  a  fpirit  of  flum.ber  and  floath  is  upon  you,  that  you  are  not  the  men  you 
were.  It  may  be  fome  for  want  of  place/ want  of  time,  many  occaifiolii,  m^any 
forrowes  and  temptations  in  this  wilderneiVe ;  and  hence  no  tneans  fweet,  no  bed 
eahe,  your  bones  are  broken.  It  may  be  a  little  time  of  negle61:  hath  emboldned 
you  toacuftome:  It  may  be  loofe  examples,  the  fpirits  of  others  flat,  and  thine 
is  fo  too,  whom  God  fent  into  Church-Fellowlliip  to  quicken  them  :  It  may  be 
an  ill  Husband  is  an  hindrance,  a  bad  vvife,^^s  Jobs  wife,  or  whatever 'tis,  Oh 
that  God  would  fpeak  this  day  ro  you  .'  - 

1.  Confider  thou  art  nearer  to  thy  falvation  than  when  thoii  didft  firft  believe ; 
and  then  you  thought  no  tim.e,nopains  too  much,  but  all  too  little,  RomA  5  .t  i^i  a. 
Mariners  near  the  Shore,  look  out  for  Rocks,  Lord  that  I  may  not  fplit  iiow. 
Truly  as  in  was  with  Chrift,  the  longer  he  did  live,  the  m.ore  forrows,  fo  with  you. 
God  hath  carried  you  near  falvation.  Oh  now  being  neerer,  there  are  worfe  rocks, 
look  about  you  now.  Satans  laft  temptations  are  ftrongeft.  Oh  j^ive  not  in  how  .' 
It  may  be  not  many  dales  nor  Weeks  hence  thou  flialt  come  to  thy  journeys  end  : 
Awaken  then  out  of  deep. 

2.  Confider  how  glad  the  Lord  is  ofthy  company,  he  hath  been  fo,  and  will 
be  fo  again;  thou  cahft  not  come  in  too  late,  1Sam.12.21.  as  poor  arid  vile  as 
thou  art,  Prov.8.  His  delight  is  with  the  Sons  of  men.  Witnefle  mercies,  wit- 
neffe  affli6lions.  Oh  then  feek  him  I  Witnefle  defertions,  then  feek  him  j  ivit- 
nefs  his  fweet  entertainment  of  thee,  many  a  time  when  he  hath  given  thee  meit 
that  the  world  knows  not  of;  witnefle  fo  many  hindrances 'which  Satan  laic^s  irij 
who  knowes  how  crofle  'tis  to  Chrift,  Jer.2.1,2,^.  7  rememher  the  tove  of  thine 
effoufals^  when  thou  didfi  foHorp  me  ;  efpecially  when  with  miOft  difficulty,  vvh^n 
little  ttrength  within,  when  little  hepe  without,  yet  Ilendt  give  over.  Hehe- 
ver  forgets  thi?.  The  Lord  hath  never  fuch  fad  dales  as  wheh  thou  tii^neft,  thy 
back  on  him,  and  thou  never  fo  good,  as  when  thou  feekefthirtl. 

3.  Confider  thy  gaincs,  there  fhall  not  be  theleaft  endeavour*,  defire,  purfuit 
after  the  Lord,  not  the  leaft  Word,  Prayer,  Thought,  time  fpent,  but  an  abun- 
dant recompenfe  is  in  Chrifts  hahds,  i  Cor.  I5.58.  Ever  ahmdifjg,  k^yeing 
that  it  (haUmt  he  in  vain.  A  man  that  fowes  againft  the  ftream,  a  little  neglec^t 
of  rowing  carries  him  down  agai^n.  But  oh  heeuef  domdiHg  in  the  Lords  rvorkji 
forpHrUb3Krisnotinvaininth&t,6rd, 

I  Y^  4.  Confider 


16^ 


i66 


T^heT  arable  of  the 


I  4.  Conlider  if  after  admonition  again  and  again,  yet  you  nouriili  ih\xb.^  there 
1  is  feme-heavy  ftroke  neer  chee.  Believe  it,  he  will  noL  alWay  bear  wich  thy  neg- 
i  leit.  As  nothii^g  joyes  hiin  more  than  your  company^  fo  nothing  cues  him  more 
than  youniegie6l  t  But  though  he  fave  you  from  erernal  nnfery,  yer  forfiecimes 
your  grcateft  comfor t  js  loft  by  this  means  ^  Mat.  2  6 . 3  8 ,40 ,44,4  5  *  Firii-  he  ftirsf 
them  up  once  and  again,  then  leaves  them,  and  comes  agiin^  and  faith  nonhing, 
but  the  third  time,  Jleip  on,  the  Son  of  man  is  betrayed.  So  your  comfort,  and 
Chrift  and  his  prefcnee  are  becraied.  Some  have  had  their  husbands,  wive-;,  chil- 
dren ieftates  gone,  but  which  is  worft  of  all,  the  Lord  beiraied,  the  comfort  of 
their  hearts  gone,  and  hence  horrours  and  fears  furprize  them. 

III.  Motivesto  usefpecially  inthisCoumrsiiy. 

i.  God  hath  put  the  price  and  wealth  of  the  world,  better  ihiw  ail  Gold 
and  Silver  into  our  hands,  who^re  moft  unthankful,  m.oft  unwori  by  ;  and  will 
youeomcfo  far  for  means,  and  here  negle6t  them  ?  Will  yoiuhus  neg'.ed  the 
Lord  ?  Like  m.en  in  Confumptions,  they  long  for  any  thing,  and  when  it  comes, 
they  cannot  touch  it.  If  it  were  night,  you  might  fall  tofleep,  but  the  day  ap- 
proacheth.  Shall  God  plant  his  Vineyard,  but  you  never  com.e  to  eat  the  fruit 
of  it? 

2.  Your  Temptations  arc  greater  here  to  negle6\  the  Lord,  Others  -^re  tried 
with  the  fcorching Sun,  there  is  no  fleeping  there.  God  ciie,^  us  vyith  rhe  iliadovv, 
fets  us  under  the  Vines  of  Ordinances ;  others  are  in  (lornis,  we  ix^  calms,  when 
thm  eatefi  and  artfully  faith  Mtfes^  Dent.^.  1 0,1 1 .  Oh  forget  not  the  Lord  !  You 
lofc  in  your  cftates,  and  now  you  arc  hungry  after  the  fame  again.  Satan  when 
Chriftwas  hungry,  aflaults  him.  'Tis  a  thoufand  to  cne  if  he  makes  you  not  fair 
offers,  and  overcomes.  Things  chit  coft  us  mucii,  we  prize,  and  keep,  and 
improve,  ifofanyufe.  When  we  go  Twenty  mile  to  a  Sacram.ent,  Oh  then 
its  precious  I  While  under  the  bondage  of  oppreffors,  oh  liberty  of  Confciencc, 
and  Ordinances  are  precious?  But  when  at  liberty,  we  have  liberty  to  have 
them,  hence  take  liberty  to  neglcft  them. 

5.  Our  enemies  will  be  upon  us.  Who  fees  not  (chat  obferves  the  Lords 
dealing  J  that  fomeforrows  are  tow ard^  unleffe  the  Lord  awaken  j  fome  fudden 
blaftingblow.  If  any  wind  be  ftirring,  men  on  the  cops  of  the  m-ountainsvvill 
feel  it.  The  Lord  bath  fet  his  mountain  above  all  others,  and  its  folly  to  think 
to  flee  from  the  Croffe,  unleflewe  flee  fromChrift.  'Tispirc  of  the  portion  he 
doth  owe  us  here,  if  he  loves  us.  Yetfeek  the  Lord,  ncfgleit  no  feafons  to  gain 
him,  and  you  (Kail  he  hid,  Zepk^.'^*  Nay  when  worft  cim.es  come,  2  Chron.i  5. 
3,4,5.     when  there  is  no  peace,  they  that  feek  him  fhall  find  him. 

Idofcarthereisar  thi?  day  as  deep  mifchief  plotting  againft  .?V>^-£;7^/.W  as 
ever  the  Sun  faw.  Enemies  will  firft  deal  fubr  illy  before  cruelly,  but  lubtilly 
that  they  may  deal  cruelly.  VJhenPharaoh  deds  wifely,  he  m.eans  ro  kill.  Yet 
the  Lord  fliall  be  with  us ,  as  of  lace  hath  he  not  been  feen  in  the  m.idft  of  us  for  a 
refuge  ?  Whatever  any  think,  I  believe  never  did  the  Lord  ftir  up  fuch  prayers. 
Faith,  €^f.  amongft  us. 

1.  Oh  therefore  feek  the  Lord  ft  ill  in  private..  If  you  fiiid  no  good,  And  out 
the  fin.  Is  not  meditation  negle6led?  Communion  of  Saints  not  improved? 
Do  not  fay,  we  can  do  nothing,  and  why  are  we  preft  to  it  ?  If  you  cannot,  yet 
'tis  your  duty,  and  you  muft  be  preft;  and  perifhyou  fliall  if  you  feek  not;  or  if 
you  be  called,  there  is  fomefpirit  of  the  Lord  in  you  thdt  is  m.ighty. 

3.  Being  come  hither  for  publick  helps,  and  m.eans,  and  all  Ordininces ;  Oh 
do  not  betray  your  Liberties  /  but  lofe  your  Bloud  before  you  lofe  them.,  and  the 
Lord  in  them.  Bear  the  Arke  flill  on  your  flioulder^,  t/iat  the  Lord  m.ay  dwell 
with  you.    Hence, 

I .  If  you  would  have  the  Walls  of  Magiftracy  be  broken  down '( the  means  w 
preferve  the  Church  and  means  among  you  )  If  they  make  Laws,  deride  them ; 
if  they  execute  Laws,  appeal  from  them.  2.  Would 


tenVirgins opened  and  applied. 


2',  Would  you  have  confuhon  the  mother  of  difcord  among  the  people  ?  let 
every  man  then  once  one  day  in  the  year  turn  Magiftrate,  arid  out-face  Authority, 
and  profcfs  tis  his  liberty.  Would  you  have  rapines,  thefts,. in jurtice  abound  ? 
let  rio  man  know  his  ovvil,,by  removing  the  Land-mark,  and  deftroyingPro|^tfes. 

3..  Would  you  have  Gods  Ordinances  in  the  purity  of  them-f'e!ji6ved'?-keep 
out  the  Io;id  of  Superftition,  buB  yet  for  peace  fake,  fufter  a  Few  fe(tte^t<^  Be  fown 
amongftyou.  ,  ^^^ - 

4.  Would  you  have  all  the  Meffengers  of  the  Gofpel  at  firft  r-evil^f  at'Iaft 
maffacred?  Profefs  they  are  no  better  than  Scribes  and  Pharifees,  petfec-utin?, 
Egyptians,  enemies  to  the  Lord  Jefus,  and  the  more  devout  the  worfe ;  as  cbofe 
that  itirred  up  ftorms  in  Germany  faid,  Chrift  had  four  great  enemies  r  The  Pope, 
Anahaptitts,  Martin  Luther^  but  efpecially  John  Calv'in, 

5i  Would  you  fuine  the  Gofpel  ?  let  not  Popery  dgainft  it,  but  Gofpel  againft 
Gofpel,  prbiiifes  againft  Promifes,  Chrift  againft  Chrift,  Spirit  againft  Spirit , 
grace  agairift  ^race,  and  then  he  is  twice  beaten,  that  falls  by  his  own  wea- 
pons. ':.:,,  '^,  -''-  .  '■    .     ' 

d.WbuIii  you  have ioppreffors  fee  over  you,  to  remove  ordinances,  to  en- 
creafe  your  burdens  ?  lylaintain  this  Principle  then  that  they  will  not  afifauU 
us  firft'B^y  Craft  apd  fubtilry,  but  openly  and  violently. 

7.  Wbnld  yoii'havfe  this  State  in  time  to  degenerate  into  Tyranny  ?  Take 
no  care  then' fof  making  Laws.  When  they  are  made,  would  you  have  all 
Authority  turned  to  ameer  vanity?  Be  gentle  and  open  the  door  to  all  comers 
that  may  cut  our  thre^lSjin  time ;  and  if  being  come  they  do  offend ,  threaten 
themand  fine  therrt,  'biit  ufe  no  Sword  againft  themi  You  Fathers  of  the 
Country  bei.nbt  offended,  this  I  fpeak  not  to  difparage  any,  the  pra6Vife  fpeaks 
othenvii^  i  T  onely  forewarn  :T  hope  the  Lord  hath  prepared  better  days  and 
mercies  for  us,  I  am  fure  he  will,  if  what  means  we  haVe  vve  preferve,  and  what 
we  preferve,  we  through  grace  fliall  improve. 


CHAP.  XVIi. 


T^hat  the  hearts  and  fouls  of  ^elierers  are 
made  as  Veffels^  onely  for  the  reception  of 
Chrift  his  Spirit  J  ana  the  graces  thereof. 


ECT.    L 


T 


He  Inward  Principle,  wherein  liesflie  fecond  Difference  vvhicli  is 

plainly  expreffed. 
We  arc  now  to  inquire  further  concerning  thefe  Velfels  and  the 

Oyl  iri  them.  -  VeiTels  were  the  place  onely  of  receiving  and  pre- 
fervingthe  oylfor  the  continual  burning  and  ftiining  of  the  Lamps  .•  So  that 
though  infome  Scriptures,by  Lamp  is  undcrftood  both  the  VelTel  and  the  Lamp^ 
by  a  Figure,  yet  in  diftinft  Phfafe  ci  Speech,  that  is  properly  the  Lamp  winch 
burns  and  gives  light,  and  that  which  contains  the  oyl  to  nourii'h  this  is  the 
Veffel :  So  that  the  Veflels  were  not  feparate  things  from  the  Lamp,  as  though 
the  Lamp  was  in  one  hand,  and  a  Veffel  in  the  other ;  this  was  neither  the  cu- 
ftom.e,  nor  comlinefs  of  that  age  to  cumber  themfelves  thus ;  but  the  Lamp 
(as  'tis  inpprs)  Was  that  pare  which  was  kindled  and  lighted ,  the  Veflel  that 
'•'"  '"■'■    .  "■  'U. '<i,_r:xu ;:  ■  .,        which! 


4 


i68 


"J  he^^  arable  of  the 


Ohf.  2  s 
Ohf.  4= 


;  which  kept  the  oil  to  fcrvc  this  end:  And  hence  the  folly  of  five  of  then:i  ap- 

;  pc.ired,  that  they  would  carry  burning  Lamps  with  empty  Veflels ;  juft  as  if  a 

man  lliould  draw  the  wiek  through  the  oyl  that  it  may  burn  for  a,  time,  and 

provide  no  oyle  in  the  Veflel  to  maintain  the  Lamp;  however  all  comes  to 

cne(.if 'they  be  feparate)  in  refpe(3:  of  that  that  I  aim  au 

Thus  Literally  vvefee  what  the  Lamp^Veffel,  and  Oyl  is  :  Now  what  is 
Spiritually  meant  thereby. 

1.  For  the  Oyl:  What  is  that?  I  intend  not  here  to  fliew  the  fond  and  va- 
rious apprehenfions  of  Popiili  Writers,  who  underltand  by  oyle,  alms,  good 

('works,  a  good  intention,  &:c.  But  by  Oyl  is  meant  the  Spirit  of  Chrift,andthe 
graces  of  it,  peculiar  to  all  the  Elcdl: ;  and  thus  in  Scripture  phrafe,  i  John  i.-i"]. 
the  Spirit  is  called  the  (moimng  ;  and  the  graces  of  the  Spirit,  Cant.  1.3.  The 
fmellof  Chrifis  o'wtments :  Harlots  love  him  for  the  gifts  he  fends,  but  Virgins  for 
the  grace  he  hath.  That  oyle  which  ran  firft  on  our  Akrons  head,  and  runs 
down  to  his  skifts  is  here  meant.  Now  as  Chrift  himfelf  had  not  the  Spirit 
without  graces,  nor  thefe  without  the  Spirit,  but  both :  So  both  thefe  being  in 
him.  as  in  tne  Fountain ,  they  are  in  "us  as  in  the  Veflei. 

2.  Chrift  being  the  Fountain  of  all  grace,  and  having  the  Spirit  without  mca- 
fure,  and  therefore  hath  enough  to  fpare ;  he  cannot  be  meant  by  thefe  Veflels 
which  had  but  their  mcafure,  and  fuck  a  meafure  as  that  they  had  none  to  fpare 
for  the  other.  Therefore  by  Velfels  are  meant  principally  the  precious  fouls 
of  the  faithful,  into  which  this  golden  Oyle  was  put,  and  therefore,  2  Cor,  4. 7. 
fVe  hat/e  this  treafnre in  earthen  vejfels.  And  Rom,  ^.2'^,  The^  are  vefels  of  glo- 
rjj  prepared  mto  glory ^z^d(o  frequently  ;  fo  that  herein  thcfooliili  fall  fhort, 
for  rhefoolilhboaftedofChriflouE  of  them,  but  wherewas  the  Spirit  and  ver- 
tue  of  Chrift  in  them  ?  And  this  is  conceived  to  be  the  reafon  why  the  main 
differenceisnotmadc,  by  thewancof  the  external  principle ,  r/a.  Chrift,  but 
by  want  of  the  internal  principle  and  work ;  this  they  had  not.  i.  They  had  fo 
much  oyle,/.  e.  lighter  ftrokes  of  the  Spirit, as  kindled  a  profeflion  but  they  had 
not  enough.  2.  They  hadfo  much  oyle  and  light  as  continued  their  profefli- 
on for  a  while,  but  it  continued  not  long : 

Here  therefore  obferve  thefe  four  things : 
That  the  precleas  fouls  of  the  faithful  are  Vejfels  made  only  or  chiefly  ta  zceeivef 

andpreferve  the  prefence  of  the  Spirit  andgrace  ef  Chrift- 
That  within  thefe  Vejfels  there  is  an  inward  principle  of  Grace  and  Life* 
That  there  is  a  certain  meafure^  degree  ^plenitude  or  fulnefs  of  the  Spirit  &f  Grace 
inthe hearts  of  the  Faithful-,  which  the  unfmnd^though  moft  glor'toKs  Profeffors 
of  the  Gofpelfallfhort  of. 
That  the  graces  of  the  Saints  veherewlth  their  hearts  by  the  Spirit  are  filledy  are 

conftanty  and  of  an  everlafting^  and  eternal  nature, 
Thefe  three  laft  anfwer  three  Queftions,'If  any  ask  the  difference  between  the 
Virmns;  thcfooliili  want, and jthe  wife  have  an  inward  principle  of  the  Spirit 
of  Hfe.  If  it  be  faid,  Hypocrites  have  an  inward  work,  yet  this  inward  Prin- 
ciple is  fuch  afulnefs  of  Spirit  which  they  ever  fall  fhorc  of,  and  this  will  make 
them  known  for  the  prefenr.  If  again  it  be  faid.  That  many  flourilh  glorioufly 
for  a  time ;  yet  its  of  an  everlafting  nature :  And  this  will  manifcft  them  one 
from  another  in  time  to  come. 

The  Firft  Point  therefore  Ik  only  touch  on  now» 


sect: 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


169 


SECT.    II. 

T  Hat  tlk  freclopti  fonts  and  hearts  of  all  the  faithful  are.  veff els  mcide  chiefly  and    n.rf  i 
onely  to  receive  afid  preferve  the  Spirit  atjd  Grace  of  Chrlji^Or  the  ffraclom  pre- 
fenceof  the  Spirit  of  Chrlft :  That  as.icis  wich  the  foul^  of  the  wicked,  they  are 
made  onely  to  hold  Satan,  fin  and  wrath,  and  fo  fitted  fordeftmclion;  fo  xhe 
fouls  of  the  Saints  are  made  and  fitted  onely  to  receive  and  nourifh  the  Spirit, 
grace,  and  love  of  Chrifi.     That  as. 'tis  with  Princes,  the  beft  rooms  are  refer- 
ved  onely  for  the.n;  their  Attend|mts  may  come  in  and  out  to  fervethem.,  but 
its  their  room,  their  lodging :  So  here,  the  hearts  of  the  faithful,  and  the  beli 
rooms,  beftaffe^^^ions  of  it,  arj^'onely  to  entertain  the  Lord,  and  his  grace  and 
Spipt]  yet  other  tilings  may  Come  in  and  out  as  Attendants  to  him,  to  ferve 
him, but  the  rooms  themfelves  are  onely  for  his  proper  ufe,  2  Tim.  2^20,21, 
The  Church  is  Gods  Houfe  ;  now  there  are  many  Verfcls  (  many  fouls)  foxc  ba- 
fer  of  wood,  and  eirch,  fome  of  honour;  what  are  thefe  ?    ^nfjv.  Ifaman 
purge  hlmfelf  from  thefe  ;  for  no  man  is  born  with  a  next  difpofitiGn  to  receive 
grace,  as  a  Veifel  full  of  puddle  water  that  m.ull  firft  be  caftour :  NokV  when  this  \ 
is  done,  he  is  a  Veffelmeet  for  his  Marters  ufe,  prepared,  e^r...    The  beft  Vef-f 
fels  abide  in  the  houfe ,  not  for  their  own  or  fervants  ufe,  but  for  the  Mafiers  ufe  | 
onely.    And  though  the  Spirin  may  withdraw  for  fo  me  time,  and. they  be  un- 
able to  do  any  good  work,  yet  they  are  prepared  for  the  Spirit,  and  fo  for  eve- 
ry good  work,  and  here  is  all  the  ufe  of  the  veffel  of  honour.     Hypocrites 
are  veffels  of  Pompe,  and  State,  and  Ornament :  Oh  the  brave  Churcn  of.  Sar- 
dUX  the  profound  judgments,  deep  heads,  eminent  ChrilHans,  but  not  VelTels 
of  honour,  becaufe  not  VeCfels  of  ufe  onely  for  their  Mafter,  onely  to  receive 
theecernal  anointing  of  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  Jefu^.     If  you  would  know  the 
certainty  of  this  more  fully, .  i.  Go  and  ask  themfelves ;  Is  it  fo  or  no  ?.If 
they  be  of  age,  and  know  themfelves  they  will  fay,  I  am  the  Lords  onely,  Ifa.^^. 
4,5.  when  they  fprwg  up  as  willows  by  the  rvater-courfes  :  One  fhall  fay^I  am  the 
Lords.     As  that  eminent  Light  faid,  when  dying,  Oh  Lord,  I  will  be  thine  : 
Ask  the  world  whofe  they  are  ?  and  toAvhat  ufe  and  purpofe  they  ferve?they  will 
anfwer,  they  are  none  of  ours  ;  and  therefore  John  15. 19.  The  World   hates 
them*    Ask  the  Lord  himfelf,  he  will  profefs  thoughmany  wants  and  weaknelTe=; 
iia  them.,  nay,  though  fom.etimes  they  are  weary  and  negledt  him,  fall  and  foil 
themfelves,  yet  7/^/.43.2 1.  This  people  have  I  formed  for  mj  felf:  Veffels  for- 
med a«d  fitted  of  God  onely  for  his  glory. 

I.  Becaufe  all.  the  creatures  in  the  world  are  theirs,  and  fervants  to  them,  and  ^^^r 
therefore  they  arc  for  the  Lord  onely,  i  Cor.  3.21 ,22,2  3 .  If  the  more  we  took 
care  for,  andfet  our  hearts  upon  the  creature,  if  the  more  we  were  converfant 
with  it,  the  more  we  fliould  have,  and  the  better  we  fhould  livej  Or  if  they 
lliould  notferveus,  unlefswedid  firft  bow  down  our  knees  toworfliip  them, 
aiid  our  backs  to  bear  them;  Then  feeing  the  world  lives  by  catching>  we  might 
then  dif-robeand  dif-throne  our  fouls,  and  care  more  for  thefe  things ,  arid  iefs 
for  the  Lord ;  love  thefe  things  more,  and  the  Lord  lelie  ;  butxhe  Lord  Jefus 
having  taken  all  care  for  his  people,  and  bearing  more  love  to  them,  and  ha- 
ving more  care  of  them  than  themfelves,  and  therefore  having  given  all  crea- 
tures in  the  heavens, fea and  dry  land  to  ferve  them,  they  ought  to  be,  and  are 
onely  for  him,  Hi?/. 2 .2  i  ,2  3 .  When  a  m.an  i^  the  feed  of  God,  and  born  for  him. 
Now  all  creature?  ferve  him ;  hence  i  Tim.  6.  17, 18.  Tis  a  prevailing  Motive 
with  all  the  Saints,  we  have  a  living  God  that  gives  us  all  things  ;  all  crea- 
tures being  dead,  and  not  able  of  themfelves  to  help  us,  therefore  truft  not  on 
thefe  things,  but  him  onely,  be  not  high  minded  in  thefe  things ;  but  magnifie 
him  oltely.    We  know  how  angry  God  was  w^BelfhazjzAr  for  profaning  the 

Z  Veflels 


lyo 


T'he  T arable  of  the 


VefTels  of  the  Lords  Houfcin  making  theai  quaffing  bowls,  and  turning  them 
to  common  ufe.  When  a  man  is  brought  to  that  milery  that  he  hath  none,  nor 
knows  of  none  to  be  a  friend  to  take  care  or  thought  for  him,none  that  bves  him, 
then  he  lliifts  for  himfelf  and  becomes  a  fervant.  Butthofe  that  know,  as  wo- 
men th.it  they  have  rich  husbands  to  live  on,  they  take  care  i  Cor.  7.  34.  ho\Y 
to  pleafe  them  :  So  here.  Whats  the  re.ifon  that  mxen  are  m.ad  for  this  world  ? 
Becaufe  they  poor  creatures  have  no  friend,  know  no  friend  ;  bat  Saints  have 
him,  and  know  him,  John  1 7. 2.  The  Saints  arc  given  to  Chrirt,  Chrift  to  liiem., 
and  all  the  world  put  into  Chrifts  hands  for  us,  (for  the  creatures  are  not  given 
to  us  immediatly  to  our  own  difpofc,  and  hence  we  have  not  much  of  this  world) 
to  what  end  ?  That  fo  he  might  give  eternal  life  begun  here.  This  is  the  only 
gift,  and  laft,  and  beR,  and  worthy  of  himfetf,  and  this  cnly  we  receive- 

i:  In  regard  of  that  bleffed  Liberty  all  the  faithful  are  brought  into,  for  what  is 
3  Chnfliaris  Liberty  ?  Is  it  tp. ferve  men  ?  No,  i  Cor. 7.  23.  Therefore  ferve  not 
yourfelves :  Is  if- then  to  ferve  your  ownlufts  ?  No^  Rom,  6.  22.  2>»  are  made 
free  from  fw,  mdfervmtsiinto  G&d.  Is  it  then  to  ferve  any  Creature  out  of  your 
fclves  ?  No,  Go/'  i.  4.  The  world  is  yours  already ,  i  Cor.  3.21,22.  given  to 
you,  bought  for  you,  fpend  not  therefore  one  groat  more  to  purchafeit,  but  keep 
thofe  affe6Hons  and  hearts  for  the  Lord  ;  much  lefs  imprifon  not,  and  im.bond- 
age  not  your  fclves  for  it*  A  Chriftians  liberty  which  God  crowns  him  with 
above  all  the  Princes  of  the  world,  is  to  be  onely  for  the  Lord,  which  liberty  all 
creatures  groan  to  be  in,  Rom.  8.21,  22.  To  be  for  God  and  a  lul-l,  for  Chrift 
and  this  world,  its  a  fliameful  bondage,  and  mod  lamentable,  and  you  are  not  at 
liberty  yet,  if  not  onely  for  the  Lord.  When  the  children  of  Kings  and  Peers, 
of  Princes  fhall  be  hiade  to  com.e  at  the  call  of  their  Grooms  and  Kitchin-boys, 
if  ever  they  flood  before  the  face  of  Princes,  they  will  count  this  a  heavy  thral- 
dbme  and  bondage:  So  if  ever  you  ttood  before  the  God  of  the  whole  earth, 
you  will  account  it  an  heavy  bondage,  to  have  an  heart  fometimefor,  a'ndfome- 
tim.e  not  for  the  Lord.  Is  nor  this  liberty  ?  No,  but  to  have  a  heart  only  deter- 
mined to  the  Lord ;  as  'tis  in  Angels,  and  in  the  man  Chrift  Jefus.  Verily  look 
as  the  Lord  leaves  his  people  for  a  time  to  their  liberty  in  fin,  fo  that  their  hearts 
are  determined  onely  to  fin ,  that  they  are  fit  onely  to  receive  the  fuggeftions 
and  pleafures  of  it ,  but  fit  to  quench  the  Lords  Spirit  :  So  the  Lord  Jefus 
making  liimfclf  and  grace  more  fweet  than  their  lufts,  their  hearts  are  deter- 
mined onely  for  him,  their  Vcflels  are  onely  for  his  Oyle,  Ram.  6.  ip.  The  li- 
berty of  will  that  Armimcms  plead  for  is  nothing  but  the  hypocrifie  of  a  falfe 
heart,  whofe  heart  being  r.oucht  partly  with  God,  and  partly  with  the  cretture  ; 
hence  is  al way  falling  from  one  to  the  other,  J^«?.  i.  Double  minded  men  i  but 
the  Saints  are  determined  unto  one,  and  hence  madeperfedl:  in  one. 

3.  In  regard  of  the  fulnefs  and  all-fufficiency  of  the  Spirit  of  Grace  which  their 
hearts  are  made  fit  vclfels  to  receive,  and  do  receive ;  they  finding  enough  there, 
God  referves  them,  and  they  refervc  themfelvcs  onely  for  the  receiving  of  this, 
Joh.  6.6^,  will  you  depart  ?  Lord^to  whom  (hotddvpe  go  ?  Tho^  hajir  the  words  of  life  ; 
and  fo  the  Spirit  of  life,that  have  quickned  our  hearts  when  dead,that  do  put  frelli 
life  to  us  when  dying*  that  comfort  our  hearts  when  forrowing.  Here  is  the  life, 
glory,  the  life  of  Chrift,  the, life  of  God;  other  things  do  but  dead  our  hearts, 
thou  haft  words  of  life,  John  4.  14.  The  Watrr  that  Iglvefhally  i .  Be  that  which  | 
fhall  quench  all  his  thirft  to  other  things ;  fo  that  though  a  man  wants  them , 
yet  his  ftomack  is  gone,  which  the  damned  fhall  find  otherwife.  2.  A  Wdl  of 
Water  in  him,  ever  near  him ;  men  have  their  accommodations  far  off,  but  this 
is  in  him.  Your  hearts  within  are  troubled,  perplexed,  and  behold  this  k  in 
you.  3.  Springing  up,  continually  incrciifing,  for  to  have  a  good  thing,  and  not 
to  be  fatisfied  in  pur  defires  with  it,  what  is  it  but  a  mifcry  ?  Hence  it  fprings  up 
unto  everlaftinglife,  which  is-  the  Fourth,  r/*.  The  Continuance  of  it,  this  will 

be 


tenVirgins  opened  and  Applied. 


be  here  Eiil  my  morcaiuy  is  iwailovved  up  of  life.    Like  a  leaking  fliip  chat  cakes 
in  water  by  liccle  ancl  licde,  till  at  laft  it  is  AvallovYed  up  ia  the  fea. 


17! 


SECT.   in. 

HEnce  we  may  fee  the  reafon  why  the  Lord  doth  not  abundantly  reveal  and 
communicate  himfelf  to  the  fouls  of  many  men.  What  is  the  matter  ?    Is  it 
becade  they  find  no  want  of  his  fpirir,  and  life,  and  grace,  and  peace,  and  glory? 
Yes  they  doe ,  and  hence  exprefle  their  wants  to  men,  and  complain  of  their 
wants  to  God.    Is  it  for  this,  that  Chrift  hath  not  vvherewithal  ?  Yes,  he  hath  re- 
ceived the  Spirit  without  meafure,  John  3 .  34.     and  fountaines  alway  run,  though 
men  feldom  drink.     What  then  ?  Is  it  becaufe  they  bring  not  their  hearts,  hold 
nnt  their  veffcls  under  the  Lords  horn  of  oyl  ?  Yes  that  they  do,  but  their  veffels 
arc  naught,  they  arc  not  only  for  him ;    they  feel  their  wane  of  grace  and  Chrift  , 
but  not  only  or  chiefly  of  this.    Special  Grace  fliall  never  be  poured  into  a  com- 
mon vei&i,  a  common  heart ,  that  lies  in  common  for  God,  and  lull,  and  world 
too.    The  honour,  peace,  life,  gain,  of  a  God,  are  fweet  and  precious.    Lord  c- 
ver  pve  me  that  -water  te  drlnk^Mi  you  have  five  husbands,  and  fcek  not  this  only: 
Hence,  if  the  Lord  denies  you,  you  can  be  content ,  becaufe  you  have  foraething 
elfe  to  fill  your  veflels ;  if  the  Lord  gives ,  you  undervalue  it  and  grow  worfe :  and 
the  very  rifine  of  that  common  grace  you  have,  is  the  beginning  of  your  apoftacy, 
and  fetting  off  from  God.    And  hence,  «o  wonder  why  you  pray  but  never  have , 
Jam.  1 . 6, 7.  you  want ,  and  crave,  but  never  find ;  your  veflel  is  naught,  though 
the  Lord  is  good.    'Tis  a  black  mark  that  thou  art  in  bondage  to  the  creature, 
and  didft  never  know  what  the  liberty,  even    the  glorious  liberty  of  a  fon 
means.    And  'tis  a  moft  grievous  bondage  to  be  half  unloofed  and  yet  to  be  in 
bonds.  And  I  affure  you,  if  you  knew  th^  gift  of  God,if  ever  you  cafted  how  fwcct 
the  Lord  is  j  this  is  the  ohly  thing-  your  fouls  will  cry  for :  That  wh^h  you  come  co 
ask,  and  the  Lord  faith ,  what  would  you  have  ?  Oh  the  fpirit  of  life  /  Oh  the 
anointing  of  my  bicffed  head  /  And  what  elfe  ?  It  only ;  this  is  it  only  my  velTcl 
is  made  to  hold  ,  I  am  not  made  for  my  luft,  nor  fins ,  nor  world :   I  would  I  had 
a  bi^er  vcifel,  a  larger  heart  t©  receive  thy  Grace  only.  I  confcfs,  a  gracious  heart 
may  for  a  time  be  carried  too  violently  after  other  things  jand  yet  fcek  theLord  too, 
35  Solomon,  Ecd.  2.  But  after  it  knows  Chrift  better,  it's  more  rcfcrvcd  now  for 
him,  as  Gen,  3p.3,4,5,<^.    J^/^j'^-f  niafler  for  a  time  kept  things  in  his  own  hand, 
but  when  he  faw  the  Lord  was  with  Jofevb ,  and  that  he  was  profp^r^us ,  and 
bleCfcd ,  |:hen  he  made  him  overfeer,  and  he  knew  not  *cis  0id,  what  he  had,  fave 
only  the  bread  that  he  did  eat :    So  it  is  in  our  Jofeph,    As  the  poor  woman 
that  knew  the  Meffiah,  {he  leaves  her  vcffel,  her  water-pot  with  him,  and  now 
would  have  all  the  City  to  come  and  fee  and  believe  in  him,  and  depend  on  him 
only,  truft  to  him  onjy.  &c,    Doft  therefore  feek,  and  find  not  ?    Haft  bin  lon^ 
waiting,  and  feeleftnot?    And  thou  wondreft  at  it/   Others  comforted,  and 
i  not !    Search  if  this  be  not  the  caufe  ;  it  may  be  thy  heart  is  not  fet  only  for 
this,  but  on  thy  back,  belly,  lots,  cafe,  what  {hall  I  eat,  drink  ?  &c.    As 
fomc,  women ,  becaufe  God  doth  not  fetd  fo  liberally  their  fweet  tooth ,  their  li- 
corifli  longings ;  build  them  feiled  houfes ,  meafure  their  prefent  condition  ac- 
cording to  their  finful  humour ;  nothing  can  pleafc  them  I  neither  husband,  fer- 
vants,  Minifters,  nor  Gods  Ordinances.     Is  thisaveffcl  for  the  Lord  and  his 
Grace  only  ?    You  muft ,  you  will  have  a  longer  coat  than  you  can  well  vvear  ; 
Hold  nere.   ^  Never  think  to  have  one  prayer  anfwercd :    If  this  night  thy  day  of 
mifery  fhould  come,  cry  thou  mayft,  but  np  God  to  hear  thee  or  help  tncc. 
bh  a  little  oyl,  now  a  little  grace^^  now  a  little  mercy,  Lord  now.    Oh  no,  you  | 
havenoveffel  to  hold  it.    Butohblefs  the  Lord  you  know  it.    Others  ic  may  i 

2  2  be  I 


fe  i< 


,172^ 


T^heT  arable  of  the 


be  are  not  fo  full  of  chefe   fores  of  impadency:    but  you  pjayfor  God  ,   and 
Grace,  and  have  it  not.    Why  fo  ?    Thefe  are  not  the  things  that  you  are  only 
fee  for.    Why?,    Becaufe  you  are  content  without  them.     I  am  not,  you  will 
fay;    But  you  are ;  for  you  doe  not  lament  daily  after  the  Lord  for  thefe-  things 
only  :that  which  only  fatisfies,  that  thy  heart  is'  not  at  reft  till  it  find  :  I  hope  I  m.ay 
have  help  for  all  this :  No  faith  J^w^j,  think  not  fo.  .  Oh  therefore  blefs  the  Lord. 
You  know  what  hurts  you  ;  Saints  have  hurts  thus :  but  they  purge  themfelves  ° 
and  hence  are  blelTed  vcffels  fiill.  When  Mofesw^s  begging  for  I[rael^mlne  Anirel^ 
faith  God,  ^dlgoe  mthjott^  I  will  nor.     No,  thou  only,  el[t  let  m  die  here^  ExoL 
33.  This  prayer  wins  the  field  &  wears  the  garland.  The  evils  of  the  Churches  are 
many,an  hour  of  temptation  is  coming  on;  fcandals  arc  like  to  be  great;  the  fub  til- 
ties  of  enemies  many  .Now  we  pray,and  yec  thefe  have  come,and  we  fear  they  will 
come.Oh  beioved,go  to  the  Lord,and  plead  with  him  only  for  this  ;and  when  thou 
canft    procure  nothing  for  thy  felf,  yet  let  it  farewell  with   Slon:  and  this 
only  I  muft  have.  P/^/.  27. 4.  Om th'wg  have  1  deftred.    You  fhall  have  it  then, 
elfe  not. 

See  the  great  fin  of  thofe  that  lofe  their  life ,  preferve  not  the  Spirit  when  he 
comes  to  them  in  Ordinances;  you  arc  veffels  oncly  m.ade  for  the  Lord,  and  will 
you  lofc  that  which  He  drops  in  ?  There  is  no  others  can  receive  him,  f  tf/:»  1 4. 
17.  and  when  He  comes  to  you,  do  you  thus  requite  Him  ?  &c. 


CHAP.XVIIL 


That  the  Holy  Spirit  is  in  beleivers  as  the 
Principle  of  their  Spiritual  LifeandHoli- 
neffe. 


SECT.   L 

TJJat  mth'in  thefe  fejfels^  is  An  inxvard  Prnlcifle  of  Life  md  Grace.  Qty  The 
burning  fining  profej^on  of  all  the  faithful, '  it  froceedeth  from  an  inward 
Principle  of  the  Spirit  of  Grace  ,  ^^  the  means  of  whichy  their  Lamp  burns , 
and  their  Prof eJfionfhines>  ■ 

For  this  I  underftand  byoyl  in  the  veffel,the  Spirit  of  Jcfus,notoutof  usjbut  re- 
ceived in  us;  not  coming  only  upon  us ,  for  fo  he  may  on  foolifli  virgins,by  Aalaa- 
mtljhtm(hmQntSy  and  hypocritical  pangs,  and  land-flood,  affedlions  ;  but  abi- 
ding in  us,  and  that  not  as  it  doth  in  hypocrites  ,but  as  it  is  in  Chrift  Jefus ,  vvithout 
meafure,  both  Spirit  and  Graces  ,  fo  it  abides  in  us  in  m.eafure :  in  Him  as  the 
foimtain,in  us  as  the  veffels ,  from  whofe  fulnefs,  we  receive  the  fam.e.  -  So  that 
byoyl  is  not  meant  the  external  Principle  of  all  Life,  the  Lord  Jefus  liaving 
Spirit  and  Grace  enough ,  but  keeping  our  hearts  empty  of  it :  but  the  Lord  Jefus 
in  us ,  who  is  not  in  us, but  by  his  Spirit  ,even  the  Spirit  of  Life,  from  whence  all 
our  actions  fpring,  and  from  which  oyl  our  lamp  burns.  This  therefore  I  fay,  the 
Prbfeflion  of  the  faithful,  fprings  not  from  outward  motives,  or  principles  of  mo- 
tion, as  the  a£lions  of  hypocrites ;  fometim-es  fudden  praife,fometimesgain,  fome- 
times  fears,  fometimes  flefhly  hopes,  fometimcs  fudden  conceipt  and  fancy,  fome 
times  irruption  andrufhingsof  the  Spirit  upon  them;  but  there  is  a  fpring  within, 
there  is  a  life  vvithin ;  there  is  oylcin  the  Veffel  to^ll  the  lamp ,  and  fo'hence  it 

burns. 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


burns.  E^h*  2,.  i .    Tou  hath  he  qulcl^ed^  vpho  were  dead  inflns^   i  .e.    you  were  held 
as  faftunder^e  power  of  your  iins,.  as  a  dead  man  is  under  the  bonds  of  death  : 
but  now  in  the  room  of  that  death,  there  is  the  Spirit  of  life,  and  the  life  of  x.\\q 
Spirir.    Now  life  is  an  inward  principle  of  motion,  of  any  thing  in  its  own  place; 
as  the  fun,  and  trees,  and  graiTe,  and  cartel.   You  may  take  a  ftone,  or,  miilione' 
or  wheel,  and  move  it,  yet  they  have  no  life,  becaufc  this  is  nor  from  an  inward' 
Principle  fo :  hypocrites  may  be  adied,  and  moved  by  the  great  power  of  the  Spi- 
rit in  an  Ordinance,  yec  not  living  but  dead  ftil.  'John  4.  14.  the  water  (which  is 
the  Spirit )  is  affr'mg  of  living  mter  In  him.     Cilterns  may  have  water  in  them, 
bucnofpring  that  is  running  winter  and  fum.mer.    1  John  ^.9,     This  is  called 
the  feed  remaining  in  him :   which  is.  that  new  creation ,  new  birth ,   which  the 
verfc  it  felf  expounds ,  fo  that  he  cannot  (in  ;  it  is  againft  his  nature ,  now  he 
cannot  be  a  fmmaker.     "Balaam  could  not  curfe  the  people  of  God  ;   and  many 
cannot  do  as  others  do.    Why,  is  it,  becaufe  they  are  born  of  God  ?    No,  but 
from  fome  other  refce6ls :  and  hence,  Mat.  1 3 . 2 1 .  the  Ibny  groundfell  away,  be- 
caufe they  had  not  the  root  within.     This  is  called  the  inner  man ;  trie  good  tre.i- 
fure  of  the  heart,   oppofite  to  the  evil  treafure  of  the  heart  of  a  wicked  man. 
Now  ,  as  an  evil  man  a61:s  not  only  from  Satan,  the  evil  fpirit ;  but  the  inward 
power  of  luft;  fothe  Saints,  Mat.  is.  35.     And  here  I  intend  not  to  fhew 
what  this  inward  Principle  is  particularly ,  for  that  I  referve  to  the  two  h[\ 
points.    Yet,leaft  any  fhould  ftumble,  lee  me  fpeik  to  two  fores. 

1.  Know  fome  of  you,  thatthefe  is  not  only  external  adlings  of  the  Spirit 
from  whence  we  a£t,  but  a  new  nature  in  the  Saints. 

2.  Let  others  know,  i.  That  as  before  the  Lord  cals  we  are  dead,  fo  after 
we  are  alive  this  inward  principle  is  not  perfect  here  :  Hence  a6lions  fomedm.es 
ceafe,  and  when  they  do  not,  yet  are  corrupted,  as  Ufaprlnclplazd:^  but  ever 
erre  in  their  a6t,  hence  have  need  of  pardon  from  and  acceptance  in  the  Lord 
Jefus.  2.  That  this  is  not  in  us  as  in  Adam^  who  did  ^ot  need  to  borrow  life 
of  another,  but  it  ftands  in  daily  need  of  the  Lord  Jefus,  and  hence  this  inward 
principle  a61:s,  but'cis  by  faith,  the  operations  of  which  are  the  wagons  to  vi- 
dua! the  camp  continually,  efpecially  in  time  of  need,  and  which' is  part  of  this 
inward  principle;  and  hence  i  Pet,i.$.  Ton  are  J^pt  by  pwer  and  faith,  i.  your 
fouls,  graces,  lives  are  kept  by  the  Spirit,  but  through  faith  in  us  to  fahatlon., 

Let  me  therefore  prove  thcfe  three  things  to  you  for  opening  of  this  point. 

1 .  That  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  Jefus  is  in  the  fouls  of  the  faithful!, 

2.  That  there  is  a  principle  of  created  graces,  or  the  life  of  the  Spirit  in 
them. 

3.  That  from,  this  principle  of  the  Spirir  difpenling  himfelf  by  his  graces,  our 
lamp  burns,  our  j^6ls  of  profefiTion  fpring  and  fhine  forth. 

Firfl,  That  the  Spirit  of  Jefus  is  in  the  foulesof  the  faithful),  i  John  2.  ^j. 
The  anointing  teacheth  you  all  things.  Rom,.  8.1 1.  The  Spirit  that  ralfed  up  Jefm 
from  the  dead  dmls  In  m.  The  m^anner  of  his  being  in  us  I  intend  not  to  meddle 
with,  uniefle  I  faw  more  caufe  .•  I  do  beleeve  the  manner  of  his  abiding  in  us^ 
and  his  nearneffe  to  all  the  Saints,  when  feen  of  us,  may  al^onilTn  our  o\vn  fpirits, 
and  fhall  one  day  confound  all  the  world  ;  Only  know,  as  the  Martyr  faid,  ffe  is 
come  J  he  is  come.  The  fpirit  of  the  world  and  Satan  is  caft.out,  i  Cor.2. 12.  and 
in  room  of  them  enters  the  Spirit  of  God. 

-"  Secondly,  That  the  Spirit  fo  is  in  the  faithfull,  as  that  there  is  a  principle  of 
created  graces  in  them,  or  an  inward  principle  of  life  and  gra<;e.  Not  that  thefe 
^one  make  this  inward  principle,  but  the  Spirit  in  us  working  of  ,them,  working 
by  them.  And  truly 'tis  a  fad  thing  if  the  proving  of  fuch  aprmciple  iliallbean 
.attributing  too  much  to  grace  in  us. 

I.  Therefore  to  deny  this  is  to  deny  Chrift  to  be  our  fan£tifieation :  For  be- 
lide  the  paflive  obedience  of  Chrift,  we  are  jnftified  by  his  active  obedience  alfo, 

Z   3  ie. 


173 


174 


The  T arable  of  the 


i.e.  his  inward  conformity  to  the  Law, -and  his  external  obedience  to  the  Law. 
So  that  graces  as  they  are  in  Chrift  become  our  juftification  j  and  hence  he  is 
faid  to  be  onr  rlghteoufnefe.  No  man  can  ftand  before  God  but  by  perfcft  holi- 
nefl'e,  but  by  doing  whatever  the  Law  requires,  and  continuing  fo  to  do ;  this  is 
not  in  us,  this  is  in  Chrill :  This  as 'tis  in  Chrift  is  properly  our  righteoufnefle 
or  juiiification.  Now  what  is  our  fanftification  ?  if  not  graces  in  Chrift,  then 
graces  received  from  Chrift  jefus,  which  is  this  inward  principle  now  I  foeak  of ; 
and  therefore  to  deny  this  is  nhleffe  than  to  fay  Chrift  is  not  our  fanclihcation  : 
But  faith  Paul,  The  Lord [anUl fie  yon  in  foul  and  body  and  fpirit,  i  Theff.  5,23. 
And  if  it  were  fo,  a  riian  may  have  a  heart  unfan£tified  and  Chrift  too. 

2.  If  there  ftiould  not  be  thofc  graces,  then  a  ChriHian  was  not  bound  to  adde 
one  grace  to  another,  but  then  the  Apoftles  precept  fhould  be  broken,  2  Pet.i . 
7,8.  and  fo  a  Chriftian  could  not  grow  in  grace,  for  graces  are  perfed  in  Chrift ; 
and  the  Spirit  doth  not  grow  in  grace,  and  the  immediate  operations  of  the  Spi- 
rit increiftng  in  m,  are  not  properly  graces,  no  more  than  the  a6l  of  feeing  is  the 
eye,  no  more  then  giving  goods  to  be  burned  is  love. 

3.  Then  we  are  not  to  pray  for  graces,  if  there  be  no  fuch  things  to  be  found 
in  the  heart:;  of  Saints,  but  Pfal.  5 1 .1  o.  David  praies,  Create  in  me  a  cUan  heart ; 
now  if  it  be  a  thing  created  in  me,  'tis  not  the  Spirit  only  in  me,  for  that  cannot 
be  created.    I  doubt  not  but  Dtwid  had  a  clean  heart,  but  befell  in  part  y  and 

1  therefore  look  as  there  needs  a  creating  power  to  make,fo  there  is  a  creating  pow- 
er to  reftore  us  again  to  what  is  loft. 

j  4.Then  the  Saints  have  none  of  their  fins  mortified ;  for  'tis  as  with  the  eye,  be- 
ing made  to  fee;  if  fight  goes  out,  darknefs  comes  in,  and  if  that  be  fubdued,  fight : 
j  is  renewed:  So  the  Soul  being  made  only  for  God,  and  to  bear  his  image ; 
blot  out  that  darknefs  and  fin  comes  in :  caft  out  fin,  the  Lord  and  his  Image  and 
Graces  come  in.  If  therefore  there  be  no  Graces  in  the  Saints,  then  no  fin 
mortified:  truly  if  fo  ,  thcnthcendofChrifts  coming,  and  dying  is  quite  aboli- 
flied,  1  Toh»  3.8.  &  Rom.  6. 2,  3.  \ 

5.  Tnen  the  Lord  ihould  be  falfe  in  his  Covenant,  and  break  Oath,  and  be  far- 
fvvorn  :  for  ,  Jer.  31.  32.  J' k  write  mj  Law  in  their  hearts  .  Luhe  i.  73,  74. 
So  that  if  you  will  not  believe  man,  yet  belicveGod:  and  if  you  will  not  believe 
bis  Word,  yet  his  Oath.  Oh,  but  many  good  Chriftians  find  no.  fuch  thing. 
But  is  it  fo,  as  they  find  it  indeed  ?  Either  then  they  are  no  Chriftians ,  or  elfe 
the  Lord  is  forfWorn. 

Thirdly,  That  by  the  inward  principle  of  Spirit,and  Graces,our  l3mpburns,and  | 

fhines,our  adlions  iffue.The  Spirit  enables  a  man  to  know,  &  hence  the  a6l  flows, 

he  doth  know  the  Lord.     The  Spirit  enables  inwardly  forto  love  the  Lard,  and 

I  hence  it  dorh  love  him.     That  as  Chrift  faith ,  a  good  tree  brings  forth  good  fruit, 

j  from  an  inward  fap  received  from  the  root,   and  by  abiding  on  the  root ;    So 

,  here. 

I,  Thofe  that  are  renewed  to  ^^/?»;/ image  in  their  mcafure,  have  according 
to  that  m.cafure,  power  to  a6l ;  or  in  thofe  Graces  there  is  power  to  ail,  for  he 
had  power  fo  to  cfo.  Every  creature  in  the  world  had  a  Law  of  Nature  to  carry 
them  to  their  end ;  and  fo  were  carried  to  it.  But  ^dam  had  a  Law  of  Divinity, 
whereby  he  beingacaufebyCounfel ,  was  enabled  by  God  to  carry  himfelf  to- 
vvard  hiscnd.Now'we  are  renewed  to  that  image  in  part,Eph.4.24.I  know  there  is 
difference  between  ^dams  powe:  to  a6l,  which  had  no  Faith,  ours  that  hath.And 
do  not  think  chat  this  doth  advance  narure,&the  power  of  man,  no  more  than  the 
executienofthePromifcofthe  Covenant  of  Grace ,  dah  dertroy  Grace  and  ad- 
vance nature.  For  the  writing  again  the  Law  in  our  hearts ,  is  that  which  this 
Covenant  promifech  ;  nay,  this  doth  honour  the  riches  of  Grace :  that  a  man  be- 
ing under  the  power  of  fin,  and  cannot  get  deliverance  ,  the  Lord  ftiould  now 
give  an  humble  conquering  Spirit;  never  a  precious  heart  but  will  be  thankful 
for  it.  2.  Becaufe 


ten  Virpns  Opened  and  Applied. 


I?-) 


2.  Becaufe  the  Grace>  in  us ,  arc  received  from  the  Lord  Jefus  kis  fulneft, 
John  I.  T-6.  Now  the  Graces  in  Chrift  are  not  dead,  buc  living,are  not  weak ,  but 
powerful ;  the  Spirit  of  Grace  'tis  now  triumphing  in  him  ,  'tis  fo  in  us  only: 
'tis  in  him  in  the  highert  degree,  in  us  in  a  lower.  And  therein  confifts  our  like- 
nefs  to  Chrill  ,  2  Cor.  3.18.  And  to  deny  this ,  is  to  deface  the  Image  of  the 
Lord  Jefus;  and  this  is  part  of  the  Beauty  and  Glory  of  Chrilbhence  todeny  this,is 
to  obfcure  the  glory  of  the  Lord  Jefus.Without  Chrift  a  Chriftian  can  do  nothing: 
but  how  doih  Chrift  do  all,  by  the  Spirit  without  Graces  ?  ( I  fpeak  not  of  Con- 
verfion  where  *'tis  without  Graces  as  caufesj  Notruly,ashea6ts,  foweacHn 
part.  Unlefs  any  will  fay ,  we  have  not  received  grace  for  grace ;  or  are  in  no 
mcafure  like  the  image  of  Chrift. 

3.  If  rhefirft  Adam  hath  conveyed  to  all  his  members  a  power  of  corruption  , 
then  the  fecond  ^<^<«»*airo  a  power  of  Godlinefs,  contrary  to  that,  ^,Tlm.1.  5. 
yet  in  meafure  ftill ,  fo  as  tLe  Apoftle  faith  ,  we  cm  do  nothing  aga'wfi  the  Truth, 
but  for  the  Truth,  2  Cor.  13.8. 

Bat  what  meafmre  of  power  is  it  ? 

I  know  no  man  that  can  from  any  ground  limit  the  micafure  of  it.  For  it  may 
be  in  fome  men  in  greater  power,  in  fome  men  in  lefs ,  in  the  fame  man  at  one 
time  in  a  greater  meafure,  at  another  tim.e  lefs.  If  one  ask  of  trees,  \Vhat  meafure 
of  fruit  they  can  bring  forth;  we  cannot  tell , becaufe  fometime  m.ore,  fometime 
lefs :  and  the  fame  tree  more  one  year  than  another ,  and  more  at  one  time  of 
the  year  then  another  ;  for  they  have  their  winter  feafon.  Only  this,  whereas  be- 
fore converfion  hcisftarkdead  toa6l:,  now  he  is  alive  and  is  not  dead.  Andif(' 
amanfhould  after  converfion  be  but  in  the  nest  difpofition  to  receive  Grace, 
then  how  could  one  Chrifti^m  be  more  grown  and  ftronger  in  Grace  in  his  inner 
man  than  another  ?  I  know  not  any  to  queftion  this,  only  I  fpeak  it  to  cut  oft 
their  carnal  hopes,  that  think  Chrift  is  theirs ,  when  they  have  nothing,  can  do 
nothing,  and  fleightly  fay  hemuft  do  all;  I  cannot,  I  tell  you  the  Saints  can, 
they  cannot  but  love  the  Lord^  and  choofe  tl=ie  Lord.  &c. 

Buc  muft  not  a  Chriftian  deny  himfelf,  ,^^nd  alway  go  to  Chrift  for  power  to  do, 
and  fo  be  humble,  and  em.pty  ? 

1 .  You  muft,becaufe  this  is  the  meanes  to  live  to  Chrift ;  buc  this  doth  nor  argue 
you  have  no  power  at  all.  A  man  muft  pray  for  his  dally  bread ,  m.uch  more  for 
daily  grace ;  but  doth  tlus  argue  a  man  hath  no  bread  in  his  houfe  ?  No,  this 
is  the  means  to  have  it  continued  and  bleft.  Eafily  can  the  Lord  take  away 
bread,  or  die  ftaff  of  bread.    Graces  extinguifh  not  Faith,  buE  help  it. 

2.  A  Chriftian  can  do  no  duty  pcrfedly ,  hence  muft  repair  to  Chrift  to  help 
'him  to  do  every  duty  better;  hence  though  hemuft  ufe  that  power  he  hath,  and 
do  what  he  can,  yet  he  muft  not  content  himfelf  with  what  he  hath,  but  feek 
for  more,  and  what  a  fwecc  life  is  this  ?  What  honour  vvould  here  come  in? 
God  lets  in  a  new  light  into  my  minde,  now  I  m.ay  and  muft  fee  his  truth,  I  fiw 
it  yefterday,but  I  may  and  m.uft  go  to  Chrift  to  do  it  better;!  muft  not  quench  the 
Spirit  of  prayer,but  carry  the  key  with  me,and  next  day  pf  ay  better.  And  thus  the 
foul  is  thankful  for  what  it  hath,  and  emptying  it  felf  notwithftanding  that,  and 
daily  then  receiving  from  Chrift.  And  I  beleeve  many  Chriftians  fail  here  : 
Aa  in  the  body ,  meat  feeds  and'  ftrengthens  life ,  fo  I  cannot  live  without 
Chrift. 

But  doth  not  this  make  a  man  rruft  to  graces  ? 

Ik)  ^Qi  from  them  is  not  to  truft  to  them,  no  more  then  for  a  diligent  hand 
to  truft  to  his  diligence,  when  he  adis  diligently  that  fo  he  may  be  rich. 

But  doth  Dot  this  difhonour  grace  to  do  all  by  the  power  of  it  ? 

Then  the  Saints  in  heaven  that  are  m.ade  perfeiftly  like  Chrift ,  and  that 
love  the  Lord  perfectly,  fhould  not  honour  grace  by  this  means,  when  as  this 
is  it  that  makes  them  honour  it  moft  of  all.  As  David,  Lord  what  am  I, 
__^_  and 


QueJ^. 
Anfw. 


ObjeSi.'l, 
uinfw* 


O'bieci,  2. 
An[w. 

Objeci.  3. 
Anfw, 


ij6 


T'he  Tarableofthe 


and   my  people ,   thac  vve  ihould  offer  willingly  :   So  here. 


SECT,    11. 

SEE  hence  \7 hat  caufe  of  thankfulnefs  to  all  the  people  of  God,*th'at  the  Lord 
{hould  make  their  fouls  the  Ve{fels(  which  he  might  eaiily  and  jurtly  have 
dalhed  in  peece^)  to  receive  and  preferve  this  eternal  anointing  ;  I  do  beleeve 
there  is  no  man  that  knows  the  bitternefs  of  hn,  the  plague  of  his  own  heart ,' 
but  when  he  fees  Chrift-is  his,  yet  it  makes  him  mourn  that  there  fhould  be  fo 
little  fuitablenefs  between  the  Lord  and  him,  fo  little  likenefs  betvvecn  his  life 
and  ChriBs ;  whtt  thoi'gh  the  Lord  love  me,,  and  yet  m.y  heart  weary  of  him  ? 
what  though  the  Lord  blefs  n:e,^  and  my  heart  abufehim?  and  hence  this  makes 
it  thankful,  i?c>»?. 7.  24,  25.  This  is  fo  far  from  diftionouring  grace,  as  that 
theApoille  m^kes  this  the  m.atter  of  admiration  of  Gods  grace,  £p/;.  2.5,4. 
God  vpho  iir'tch  In  mercy  .ywhen  dead  in  fns  kath  qmckMedus  :  Not  only  quickned 
our  head,  for  hence  is  caufc  of  erernal  praife,  but  us ;  and  hence  he  hath  fct  us 
up  m  heavenlj places  Ix  him  :  Thisis  the  ftate  of  all  men,  they  cannot  do  one 
fpiritual  a 61 ;  now  that  the  Lord  fhould  help  when  all  creatures  left  us,  is  won-. 
derful,butthatit  fhould  be  with  fuch  a  life,  even  the  life  of  Chffft  Jefus  him- 
felf,  for  the  fame  Spirit  that  raifed  him  from  the  dead  dwells  in  us,  and  the  fam.e 
Spirit  that  is  now  in  glory  with  him, is  in  us,  i  Pet.^.  i.  This  is  mercy  indeed  ; 
that  he  fliouid  not  only  die  for  us,  and  live  in  heaven  for  us,  but  thac  he  fhoiiM 
love  fo  dearly  as  to  come  and  live  in  us,  that  when  our  fins  had  flain  him,  he 
fiiould  not  onely  come  and  dwell  in  our  houfes,  nor  onely  lay  his  head  in  our  bo- 
fome,  but  live  in  our  hearts,  where  he  finds  fuch  poor  welcome,  and  ill  entertain- 
ment at  our  hands ,  I  tell  you  this  is  wonderful,  to  make  his  habitation  in  us , 
that  before  vve  go  to  live  with  him ,  he  fliiould  live  in  us :  Let  them  that  never 
knew  what  this  meant  refufe  to  be  thankful,  but  if  you  find  itfo,  forget  not  this 
love,  John  14. 17.  lie  fend  the  Spirit  whom  the  World  cannot  receive^  hecaufe  it  knojvA 
him  not.  The  Lord  fends  the  Spirit  in  com.mon  grace?,  and  the  World  doth  re- 
ceive that  alfo  in  prophetical  and  miraculous  gifts,  and  it  doth  receive  that ;  but 
this  Spirit  which  God  pours  on  the  thirfty,  this  Spirit  with  which  God  filk  the 
empty,  they  cannot  receive  this. .  Oh  that  you  lliould  have  it,  vvhen  as  they 
know 4t  not.  .  .     - .  - 

1 .  Hence  therefore  take  heed  of  not  owning  the  Spirit  in  this  his  prefence. 
Do  you  thu^  requite  the  Lord,  oh  unthankful  world  /  not  fo  much  as  to  own  the 
prefence  of  fuch  a  friend,  neither  in  your  felves,  nor  yet  in  others.   How  like  the 

,  world  is  it  to  think  that  there  is  no  fuch  thing  ? 

2.  Take  heed  therefore  of  nor  efteeming  highly  of  it.  If  ever  God  broke- 
thy  hearr,thou  wiltefleem  this  life,  this  principle  as  the  greateft  piece  of  love; 
and  fay.  Lord  I  flial'  account  this  as  the  greateit  part  of  love  in  the  world, 
P[al.  1 1  p.  68.  Thou  art  good^  oh  teach  me  thy  Statutes:  Now  to  undervalue  this, 
and  to  account  ir  common,  and  hence  as  no  fign  of  love, 'ds  a  part  of  unthank- 
fulnefs.  - 

5.  Take  heed  of  im.prifoning  the'Spirit of  grace,  common  truth,  i^«?/».i.  18. 
Ic  was  fearful  to  imprifon  and  hlence  that,  much  more  this.  It  was.  the  com- 
plaint of  the  Church  in  thofe days ,  None  [lirs  up  himfelf^\in.6A(.^,  What 
firength  the  Lord  gives,  let  meufe ;  what  I  want,  the  Lord  hath  enough  to  help 
m.e  withal ;  put  it  to  exercile,  or  elfe  affli6lion  will. 

4.  Take  heed  of  enfeebling  this  Principle,  weakning  of  it :  The  Church  of 
^^r^/j- things  were  ready  to  die  in  it,  you  fhould  ftrengthen  this  inner  man,  not 
w^ken  ir,  either  by  not  feeding  it  with  Chrift,  or  wounding  it  with  known  fins 
againft  Chrift.     Therefore  let  all  the  Churches  know  this,  arid  take  heed  that 

.  ycu 


ten  Vtr^^ins  Opened  and  Applied. 

you  do  HOC  refuie  no  own  this  :  where  elfe  will  you  make  the  dirference  between 
men,  ch.in  either  Churches  m.iy  dii"cern  them,  or  you  may  difcern,  and  fo  have 
peace  your  feives. 

Hence^fei  the  re.^fon  of  that  inwArdhypocrifie  chat  is  in  many  mens  hearts,  fo 
chattr.e  beftprofelFionof  m.anyam.ariis  Sue  z  Scheme^  an  Image,  a  very  craft," 
a  very  artificial  form ;  all-the  duties  are  fair  without,  but  (aplefs,  livelefs,  within  : 
Here  is  the  reafon  they  have  no  inward  principle  of  life,  or  if  they  do  go,  to  Chrift, 
they  h.we  no  fuch  principle  within  them,  to  carry  them  to  him,  fo  as  to  receive 
lifefrom him;  and  hence  confefsfm  without  forrow  or  fhame,  petition  without 
thirliing,  live  without  love,  do  without  life,  becaufe  there  is  no  fpring,  but  a  dry 
heart  within  ;  and  hence  they  mu(l:  do  duty  ,  but  they  muft  make  dead  work  of 
it,  and  hence  all  is  but  an  appearance,  and  at  bell  but  a  would  be :  This  is  in  a  great 
m.e.Uurein  Saints  when  the  Spirit  within  is  quenched,  but  it  is  in  full  age  and 
l^rengrhin  hypocritical  hearts,  J^r .4.14.  when  the  profefllon  of  Judah  was  great, 
and  the  Prophets  had  fcarce  any  thing  to  fay  againil  them  for  outfide,  Oh  Je- 
rHJalem:,rr>ji]hthy  henrtfrom  wlcl^di^efs y  ih^rQ  thy  wo  lie^;,  it  enters  to  the  very 
heart;  ^o  i^hni\  How  can  ke  that  uevU-,  bring  forth  gdod  fimt.  And  this  is  that 
which  may  make  men  m.ourn,if  I  forfake  all  profellion,  I  iliam.e  my  felf  before 
mien,if  nor,  I  muft  blafpheme  the  Lords  Name,  and  play  the  Hypocrite  before 
the  Lord,  Mmh.  i  - .  ?  3 , 3  4,  5  5 • 


\U[e 


el. 


SECT.    III.  f 

TO  take  heed  of  denying  the  grace  of  God,  or  this  inward  principle,  in 
whole,  or  in  part,  for  this  inward  principle,  being  the  life  of  Chriil  'in'  us, 
to  deny  this  is  to  deny  Chrift,  and  to  take  away  his  life  ;  and  fuch  the  Lord  will 
deny  before  his  Angels  another  day  :  •  When  they  fhall  fay.  Have  we  not  eat  and 
drank^  in  thy  frefeme^  he  (hall  anfwer^  1  never  l^evpyou  :  I  fhall  therefore  here  dire6l 
my  fpeech  to  four  forts. 

Firrt,To  thofe  that  deny  created  graces  in  the  Saints  peculiar  unto  them  onIy,its 
faid  there  are  none  fuch  in  the  Country,  if  there  are  not,  it  may  be  there  have 
been,and  it  may  be  will  be,  and  therfore  ile  fpeak.-For  I  beleevc  'tis  a  deluiion  dig- 
ged and  hatcht  out  of  the  ftcim  of  the  lovTeft  fink  in  Hell ;  And  therefore  that 
all  may  take  heed  of  the  evillof  ir,  I  will  firft  ihew  theevill  of  it,  then  the 
caufes  that  do  beget  ir.  ' 

I.    The  evils  of  this  delufion  are  thcfe. 

1.  It  fettles  andfaftens  a  man  under  the  power  of  all  his  (in,  and  yet  with  a 
quier  Confcience,  and  yet  to  keep  his  Chrift  too.  It  tranfcends  my  capacity  from 
wh.uevcr  I  h.ive  read,  or  have  heard,  or  have  felt,  or  can  imagine  how  the  power 
of  hn  can  be  taken  away,  but  where  the  Spirit  infufeth  the  contrary  grace ;  an 
empty  boufefwept  and  garnillaed  with  common  gifts,  is  but  a  fitting  houfe  for 
Satan  to  return  into :  Say  therefore  a  man  may  have  no  fuch  graces,  and  yet  have 
Chrifl,and  them  in  Chrift,  you  ftakethis  man  down  under  his  fin,  and  make  this 
member  of  Satan,  a  member  of  Chrift  Jefus.  And  upon  this  ground  all  Chur- 
ches in  the  Land  may  be  forced  in  Confcience  to  take  in  all  prophane  m.embers, 
if  they  plead  Chrift,  and  their  allnefs  in  him. 

2.  This  blurs  all  the  glory  of  a  Chriftian,  or  at  le.ift  the  greateft  part  of  it  : 
For  what  is  the  glory  of  a  Saint  ?  'Tis  to  be  like  Jefus  Chrift  the  Lord  of  glo- 
ry, to  bear  hi^  Image  before  God  and  men :  As  to  fee  a  man  with  a  Swines  face 
would  be  the  iliame  of  a  man ;  to  fee  a  Chriftian  with  Satans  Image,  is  the  llaam.e 
of  a  Chriftian  ;  but  to  be  like  our  Head,  this  is  our  glory,  though  it  be  in  fuffer- 

j  ings,  2  Cor,  5.  18.  heavenly,  humble,  com.paffionate,  holy,  as  he  was ;  and  hence 
i  when  God  hath  a  mind  to  make  Churches  or  Chriftians  bafe  in  the  eyes  of  the 
i  A  a  world 


Ufe  3. 

Of  Camion^ 
t^ndfad  Ad.' 
vice. 


I 


178 


TbeT  arable  of  the 


:  world,  he  will  withdraw  here,  and  when  he  intends  to  draw  the  world  after  him, 
I  i.c  willglorifie  it  with  his  glory,  Jfal.  60.  6,7. 

j  5.  It  cuts  off  a  Chrilxian  from  all  hope  of  glory,  how  many  be  there  that 
I  icrambleandcatchatChrift,  and  everyone  faith  he  is  mine.  The  proud  man 
;  iaith,  he  is  mine,  and  hopes  now  verily  to  be  faved,  but  that  hope  is  vain ;  they 
■  have  Chrifl  out  of  them,  but  where  is  Chrift  in  them  ?  The  life  of  Chriii-,  and  the 
•Spirit  of  Chrift  ? Col.  i.  27.  Chrlfi  inyou^ the hoje of  gl»ry. 

4.  Give  me  but  one  place  in  all  the  Book  of  God,  where  blelTednefs  is  be- 
ftowed.Kpon,  or  conveyed  unio  any,  or  promifed  but  to  fuch  as  have  thefe  gra- 
ces .     Biejfed  is  he  thatfeareth  the  Lord^  a^d  great Ij  delighteth-i& c,Vh\ ,112,1,2.   If 
there  be  no  fuch  thing,  let  any  man  exped  it  if  he  can. 
II,  TheCaufes. 

1.  A  magnifying  Chrift,  and  making  him  our  San^ificacion,  when  as  you 
heard  the  laft  day,  this  is  to  deny  him  to  be  our  Sanclification :  He  becomes  our 
rightcoufnefs  by  imputation  of  his  holinefs,and  our  San6liftcation  by  infufing 
of  it,  Nay,hencea  man  deprives  himfelf,  of  all  good  in  the  Lord  Jefus,  when 
a  maa  denies  all  grace  in  himfelf,  and  then  Hies-  for  Sanctuary  unto  Jefus 
Chrift,  t  lohn  i .  6,  7.  Jfwefay  we  have  fellowjhip  wkhhlm^  and  v^dhjn  darknefs^ 
rot  lie  ^^z.  And  hence  it  feems  they  denied  men  to  have  finj-z/^-r/.  8.boafting 
of  fellowlliip  with  Chrift,  verf.6. 

2.  Becaufe  there  are  (fay  men)  onely  imm.ediate  actings  of  the  Spirit.  If 
this  be  fo,  then  there  is  feeing  in  a  Chriftian  without  an  eye,  and  bearing  withouc 
an  ear,  and  knowing  Chrift  without  an  underftanding,  and  loving  without  love , 
and  living  without  life,  and  feeding  and  eating  without  a  mouth  ;  and  then  when 
thefe  actings  are  over,  a  Chriliian  is  like  another  man,  there  is  no  Law  remains 
written  on  his  heart,  and  fo  Chrift  fhould  enter  into  his  Saints,  like  Satan  in- 
to the  Serpent,  who  only  a(5ls  the  Serpent,  and  when  that  is  done,  he  remains, 
a  Serpent  again.  Know  it,  the  Lord  Jefus  his  greateft  work  is  not  onely  co 
change  the  a<^s,but  to  change  the  frame  of  the  heart,  not  only  to  put  new  acti- 
ons, but  a  new  nature  into  men. 

3.  Becaufe  men  kno^v  not  the  Spidt,  never  felt  the  prefencc,  nor  power,  nop 
comfort  of  it  themfclves ;  and  hence  men  do  as  fome  Countries,  becaufe  thcm- 
felves  are  black,  they  paint  the  Devil  white,  hhn  14.  17.  The  World  earmotre- 
eewe^kcafifeitkr^wshimfiot.    Give  me  any  Chriftian  living  that  ever  found^s, 

|thefweetnelsofit,but  his  longings  were  to  have  more  of  that  grace,  toferget 
I  things  beh'inde^  and  reach  ts  things  before-,  even  to  the  refurreciion  of  the  dead^  whom  I 
I  believe  none  will  fay  want  all  habits  of  grace  1 1  look  upon  the  Opinion  as  com- 
ling  with  a  curfe  from  God ;  A  m-an  hath  been  a  dry  Profeftbr  long,  Confcience 
:  faith,  There  is  no  grace  in  the  heart,  and  hence  is  troubled  ;  True,  faith  he, 
\  there  is  none  in  Saints,  it  is  in  Chrift,  and  there  he  carcheth  and  deceives  himfelf. 
\    Secondly,  Thofe  that  do  acknowledge  them,  but  any  po\ver  or  ?.6livity  in  Jihern 
i  they  deny;  they  fiy  there  is  oyl  indeed  in  tlie  Veffel^butit:  helps  iior/cis  no  means 
i  to  make  the  Lamp  to  burn  or  fhine ;  there  is  the  life  of  Chrift ,  bur  it  ig .  j.  ^je;^  -^' 
Uife,  they  call  them  the  graces  of  Chrift,  but  they  are  but  fEuitlefs  graces.  I  con- 
Ifefs  it,  if  you  confte'er  them  withouc  the  Spirit  of  Chrift,  they  arc  no  tcue  ;^r2ces, 
I  miuch  lefs  active  or  living  ones ;  but  confider  them  thus ,  they  have  a  po\v:  • 
j  take  the  leaft  grain  of  corn,there  is  a  growing  power  in  it,  &  frudifying  too  n\  ;l  's-^ 
'  dying  firft,  though  it  a61ually  doth  not  fru^lifieprefently,  and  though  there  muft 
be  rain,  and  Sun  muft  ftune  alfo,  and  a  providence  accompanying  of  it ,  fo  it  is 
in  the  graces  of  Saints :  And  hence  its  called  a  Lm  of  the  mind.,  there  is  a  pow- 
er of  a  Law,  as  of  fir^  and  hence  as  Chrift  grew  in  wifdomc  and  ftatuf  e,  fo  all  the 
mem.bers  qf  Chrift  are  like  untQ  him. 
I.  The  evill  of  this. 

I.  This  abates  of  the  excellency  of  grace,  as  from  a  Jewel  to  take  avVay  the 
;,  Operative 


operative  vercue  of  ic.  bo:  it's  noc  like  Chrilts  now,  which  is  (Irong  rhcough 
God,  not  weak  ;  which  is  living,  noc  dead.  This  is  not  like  the  glorious  Graces 
of  Saints  triumphing.  This  makes  the  Graces  of  Saints  of  lefs  excellency  then 
common  Graces  :  common  Grace  will  make  a  man  ride  over  many  a  Cm,  and  run 
exceeding  faft,  though  he  fdll  at  lall.  A  man  that  hath  bin  angry,  it  will  make  him 
very  quiet  and  ftill,  and  is  there  no  more  power  in  this  ? 

2 .  This  will  make  a  m.an  content  himfelf  with  a  bare  form,with  a  f alfe  confidence 
if  this  be  true.  For  take  a  man  that  hath  bin  long  feeking  to  get  ftrength  againft 
a  vile  heart,  and  he  finds  none  ;  there  is  no  power  of  heavenlinefs,  he  is  eirthy  ; 
no  meeknefs,  he  i>  proud  ;  I  would  fay  to  him^  do  you  ever  think  to  get  any  power 
of  meeknefs,  love,  faitb,  &c.  You  (hall  never  do  it,  never  have  it  here  ;all  your 
ttrengrhisim.mediatlyfromChriR,  look  for  it  there;  in  confcience  amanmuft 
ceafe  there.  And  'tis  certain  all  our  llrength  is  in,  and  from  the  Lord;  but  'tis  dif- 
penfed  mediatly ,  Eph.  3.16.  Paul  prays  he  may  beftrengthned  with  might  In  the 
inner  mdn.  Or  thus ,  a  man  may  not  pray  for  ftrength  of  Grace,  which  Paul  re- 
fufednot. 

5.  Then  the  Saints  If  they  be  asked  whether  they  believe,  or  can  love  the  Lord 
Jefus ;  their  anfwermuftbe,no  I  have  no  power  to  love,  nor  beleeve ,  and  then 
Peter  did  ill  to  anfwer  fo,  Lord  thoH^o^ep  that  I  love  thee.  Then  Paitl  to  fay, 
fVe  can  do  nothing  hmfor^  the  Trmh,  Then  that  Martyr  that  to  them  that  faid,  the 
Lordflrengthen  joh  :  yes  faith  he,  t  he  Lord  doth.  I  know  if  the  Lord  withdraw  his 
Spirit,  we  are  gone,  as  Adam  ;  but  is  there  non  the  immutable  afliftance  of  it  ?  Is 
there  not  the  Promife ,  1  mil  never  leave  f/?^^,  though  fomecimes  weaker,  fone- 
times  ftronger  ? 

4.This  will  make  aChriftian  hide  and  not  improve  his  Talen:s;  he  hath  Grace, 
but  no  power  to  put  ic  forth.     Then  fuppofe  God  gives  power  to  fee  Truth   one 
day,  I  muftnonfeeitwiththise/erhenext;  but  look  up  to  Chrift ,  and  fay,  I 
cannot  fee  at  all. 
IL  Caufes  of  this  * 

I.  In  oppoling the  outward  principle  of  life,  or  firfl:  principle ,  and  this  fe- 
cond,  I  muftlive  onCirift;  hence  Imuft  not,  Ihaveno  power  to  ad  my  felf 
in  anym.eifure,  becaufeall  my  ftrength  isinbim.  Whei  if  this  w^re  true,  a 
man  migk  argue ,  becaufe-all  Grace  is  origin.iUy  in  Chrift ,  hence  no  Grace  in 
me,  becmfe  all  Glory  is  in  Chrift  originally;  hence  no  Glory  llhiUbe  con- 
veyed to  m.e.  No,  this  Scripture  reconcile,-  thefe  :  'Becaufe  Hive ,  therefore 
jopc (hall live  alfo,  John  14. 19.  Becaufe  Chrift  is  ftrong,  hence  he  will  make  us 
ftrongin  the  inner  man,  and  not  in  the  Spirit  only:  becaufe  Chrift  is  glorious, 
hence  we  are  predeftinated  f^  be  made  like  mto  him.  Becaufe  all  fap  lies  in  the 
root,to  fay  thereFore  there  is  no  fap  or  power  in  the  branch  to  fru6lifie;  this  is  falfe. 
2. The  hypocriticil  a6l:ivicy  of  falfe  Profeffors,who  having  no  fpring  to  feed  their 
wells,no  Chrift,nor  bucket  to  draw  fro  n  him;hence  are  their  own  men,aHd  fee  up 
for  themfelves,  till  the  /  turn  bankrupts.  And  now  becaufe  a  Pharifee  is  fo  a6live 
as  td  go  through  fea  and  land  to  make  a  Profelyte ;  therefore  Fanl  hath  no  a6livi- 
t\;  of  Grace  of  Chrift  in  him  to  go  from  land  to  fea  to  make  Chriftians. 

? .  Sloth,  A  man  fets  upon  a  duty ,  and  now  becaufe  he  cannot  do  it  cafily,  nor 
quickly ,he  cannot  do  it  at  all.  A  man  would  have  Grace  active  without  means  ; 
and  God  will  not  help  in  that  way  t  and  hence  many  Chriftians  cannot  cleave  to 
Chrift  by  love,  or  defire ;  no,  fo  long  as  they  pore  upon  their  vvants ,  no  encou- 
ragement ,  but  turn  the  mind,  and  conftder  well  of  the  love  and  glory  of  Chrift  j 
then  with  P^/,  z  Cor.  5.14.  Chrifis  love  conflrmns. 

4.  Judging  that  to  be  the  power  of  Grace  at  all  times,  which  is  at  fomcdmes; 
A  man  hath  given  fpecial  occafion  for  the  Lord  to  leave  him,  as  the  Camp  in 
Jofhffahs  rinie,  Jo(h,  7.  and  he  thinks  there  is  no  more  power  at  ariy  time  in  a- 
nym.an.    For  then  a  man  fecisallthe  world  cannot  help,  when  if  Achah  were 

Aa  2  rcmo- 


mtmmtmmmmm 


o 


"the  T arable  of  the 


removed ,   the  Spirit  of  the  Lord   would  return   again. 

5.  That  hereby  a  man  may  have  his  fins  without  trouble,  for  a  man  hath"  bin 
troubled,  and  cannot  get  power,  now  he  hears  there  is  no  fuch  power  to  be  ex- 
pected ,  he  looks  to  Chrift,  and  if  power  come,  well,  if  n-ot,  faith  he, 'tis  not  my 
fault. 

III.  Thofe  that  deny  the  evidence  of  it,  the  evil  of  which  apprehenfion,  I 
conceive  to  be  no  lefs  then  taking  away  that  which  is  the  fhief,  if  not  only  diffe- 
rence between  hypocrites  and  Samts  in  virgin  Churches,  for  fo  'tis  m.ade  here. 
A  man  faith  I  have  Chrift,  and  fo  have  not  they  :  I  ask,  where  is  the  Spirit  ?  You 
have  the  Deed  ,  where  is  the  Seal  ?  You  have  theTeftaror,  where  is  the  Execu- 
tor, the  Spirit  in  you  ?  Yes,  I  have  it,  it  hath  witneffed  Chrift  is  mine.  ^«/b». 
It  hath  witnefTed,  but  what  hath  it  wrought  ?  Where  is  the  power  of  his  death, 
killing  thy  lufts ;  Where  is  the  life  of  the  Spirit  of  Jefus  in  you  ?  Where  is  the 
Oyle  in  your  vefTel  ?  Truly  1  look  for  the  Bridegroom  ,  but  I  regard  not  that, 
neither  are  others  to  regard  it  in  way  of  evidence.  Then  I  fay  the  chief  evidence 
is  deftroyed  in  the  Churches.  I  ^have  known  many  that  have  had  alTurance? ;  yet 
never  faw  them  prove  right,  till  it  wicneffed  this  was  here.  What  fhould  be  the 
caufes  of  this  and  that  men  fhould  make  blufters  in  the  Churches,  becaufe  of  this, 
as  though  it  was  building  on  works  ?    In  feveral  m.en  they  are  feveral. 

I.  An  aptncfs  in  mens  hearts  to  outrun  the  Truth,  and  to  fall  from  one ex- 
tream  to  another.  Many  men  there  be  that  fall  fhorc  of  Chrift,  and  the  Grace  of 
5  God  in  ai^dfrom  him :  and  from  their  loofe  prophane  life,  fall  to  duties ,  and  imi- 
I  tare  Gods  people ,  and  then  when  they  have  got  credit  with  good  people, 
they  judge  well  of  them:  and  having  made  their  peace  hereby,  with"  con- 
fcience  ,  and  not  with  God  the  judge  j  never  look  after  the  faving  know- 
ledge of,  and  fellowfhip  with,  and  life  from  the  Lord  Jefus.  Now,  becaufe  m.en 
reft  on  this ^  thefe  duties  are  no  evidence ;  hence  none  are  at  all .  The  Corimhians 
firft  mourned  not  for  theinceftuous  petfon;  and  when  caft  out,wanred  pity  towards 
him.  Cdv'in  preached  againft  Holidaies,  hence  intrenched  upon  the  Lords 
day.  Some  of  the  fep^ration  fee  many  Churches  where  they  have  come  corrupt, 
hence  make  them  all  no  Churches.  A  man  is  apt  to  think,  becaufe  I  have  refled 
on  my  felf ,  and  found  thofe  iignes  which  now  are  not  found,  hence  all  others  do 
fo  too.  And  I  beleeve  divers  Books  have  occaftoned  it,  which  give  fignes  that 
will  not  hold  without  a  fuller  explication  of  them. 

2.  The  apoftacy  of  eminent  Profelfors,  who  have  bin  deceived  in  their  evi- 
dencing thus :  And  truly  it  would  make  one  think  the  honefty  of  the  World  is 
but  a  fafhion,  and  no  evidence  of  any  good  eftate  ;  hence  m.en  fay  you  have 
joy ,  fo  had  the  ftony  ground ;  you  are  blamielefs  and  ftritSl: ,  fo  vvas  Vaul  a 
Pharifee;  and  Satan  hereby  fhakes  many  a  foul-  hence  the  Apoftle comes  in, 
Heb,  6.  9.  and  fpeaks  of  better  things,  and  things  that  accom.pany  Salvation,  and 
thefe  flioiild  you/oUow.  Hjmemm  and  P^//ff^j  fell  both,  2  T/w.  2. 18,  ip,  20, 
2 1 .  Yet  purge  your  felves,andyou  ftiall  be  velfels  of  honour  for  the  Mafters  ufe. 

3 .  Corrupt  experience,  it.may  be  a  man  walks  fo  loofly  without  fear,  or  life,  or 
love,  that  the  Lord  leaves  him,  and  he  can  fee  no  clear  through-work,  fometimes 
hath  pangs,  and  then  hopes,  fomctime  dead,  then  doubts ;  hence  being  vext  here, 
and  fisding  no  peace ;  if  he  find  it  any  other  way  than  this ,  there  he  refts .  As 
'cis  obferved  vvith  man ,  cloaths  hide  their  fhame  :  but  when  dead,  their  face 
is.  alio  covered,  ^,11  their  glory  being  then  gone:  fo  fom.e  Glo^yof  God  ap- 
peares  here,  bur  when  Chriftians  are  dead,  th^  cover  this,I'Ielook  no  more  to  it, 

j  all  the  glory  of  it  is  now  gone,arid  here  lies  a  deceit  to  love  Chrift  for  freeing  me 

j  from  this  way  of  evidencing. 

,-4,  A  heart  that  never  felt  the  bitternefs  and  bondage  of  fin  as  the  greateft  evil . 
Take  a  man  full  of  fears  of  wrath; oh  now  affurance  is  his  chiefeft  good,and  he  will 
account  ic  fo^xbtyiif  ever  God  did  load  the  Soul  with  fin,  r  contrA-,  you  will  account 

j;.     .  *  of 


ten  Vtr^ins  Opened  and  Applied. 

of  deliverance  from  this  highlyjtiiiy  a  promife  he  will  do  it  is  fvveetfbuc  to  be  fee!inf» 
chofe  finevvs  of  fin  crack ;  oh  ics  the  joy  of  Heaven  that  now  fils  that  heart  /  The 
greareit  evil  in  Gods  eyes  is  fin;  the  g;eate(]:  good  we  have  is  redemption  from 
it  by  a  mighty  hand  :novv  notfo  itiuch  as  to  account  of  this  highly,rhis  is  hard.Thus 
I  have  left  thefe  things  to  be  thought  of,  I  cannot  avoid  it,  it  lies  in  my  text ;  and 
the  rather,  becaufe  of  that  Scripture  abufed,  If  any  [ay  ^  he  here  Is  Chrifi,  or  there 
believe  it  7iot.\.Q,  by  fignes :  orina  wilderneffe,  I.e.  in  aforrowfuleihre,orin 
the  privy  chambers  in  frames  of  heart,  believe  it  not  neither.  Take  heed  you  do 
not  wreft  Scriptures  thus  ;  I'ts  faid,  Efan  hated  Jacob  for  the  blejfing^  Gen.  2  y.  41 . 
This  Spirit  of  Grace  is  the  blefling  which  Saints  account  as  the  evidence  of 
the  dcarcrt  love ;  to  feparate  from  Churches,  from  Meflfengers  of  God ,  for  thi^ 
will  yield  you  forrovv  enough  one  day.  I  tell  you,  you  fhall  not  be  iovixx^  fighters 
agamfi  men^  but  agtuinfi  God^  and  the  Spirit  of  his  Grace,  and  the  Life  of  him  who 
lives  in  Heaven  for  us.     Take  heed  you  forget  not  oyl  in  your  VefTels. 

IV.  Thofe  that  acknowledge  in  their  judgements  all  thefc  things,  but  deny  it  in 
their  lives ,  regard  not  the  having  this  principle  of  Life,  and  have  peace  in  this, 
from  a  double  ground.  ^ 

1,  By  a  fruitlefs  Faith  which  hangs  on  Chrifl; ;  but  never  receives  nor  briners  in 
this  principle,  as  thofe,  J<?/j;;  2.24,25.  and  hence  though  they  receive  none, 
yet  they  hang  on  him.  And  fo  their  Faith  like  a  bucket  without  a  boi:tom,draws 
up  nothing. 

2 .  A  form  ofgodlinefs  before  men.  If  a  man  fhould  neither  fpeak  wel',  nor  pray, 
&c.  He  would  have  no  love,no  refp2<^5  no  receiving  into  Church;  but  he  cannot, 
do  it  with  life,  and  hence  a  form  contents  him,  and  there  refts.  So  that  now  if 
Confcience  troubles,  and  fays ,  thofe  duties  are  done  with  no  life  of  Chrift,  and 
Spirit ;  he  anfwers,  yet  I  goe  to  Chrift  :  If  this  be  all,  why  do  you  not  ci9i.  off 
your  form  ?  Oh  theni  jQiould  have  no  love  from  men :  oh  this  life  of  Chrift  is 
not  prized,  till  with  thefe  Virginsthey  feel  the  want  of  ir,  and  'tis  too  late,  know 
this  will. be  your  woe  at  laft.Look  upon  thy  dead  Soul, all  thy  glory  is  gone,and  wait 
upon  the  Word  that  the  Lord  may  make  thee  live.  Could  you  know  this  Well  of 
water  and  ask  he  would  give  it  you.  Oh  beg  for  it  then  as  for  your  life.  Only  fir,ft 
feek  it  in  Chrift,  and  fo  from  Chrift. 


18 


SECT.  IIII. 

\  7T  TE  live  in  a  Country  which  hath  goodly  trappings,,  rich  hangings,  glori- 
V  V  ous  Profeflion ,  burning  Lamps  :  and  hence  many  think  themlelves 
rich,  when  indeed  poor  J  many  look  to  meet  the  Bridegroom,  when  indeed  they 
fhall  be  lliut  out  from  the  fellowfhip  of  the  Bridegroomo  Hovy  lliall  I  know 
chat  ?  That  all  m.y  forrovvs,  prayers,  reformation,  profeflion,  is  but  a  paint,  an 
appearance,  a  faftiion  ,  a  Church-craft,  which  will.ftand  me  in  no  ftead  when  the 
Lord  {hail  appear,  who  fhall  judge  the  fecrecs  of  all  hearts,  by  the  Word  you  hear 
this  day.  Try  it  therefore  by  this  Rulc,doth  it  come  from  a  principle  of  life  or  no? 
Your  Lamp  burns,  but  look  what  is  in  your  veffel  that  feeds  this  flam.e.That  as  our 
Divines  fpeak,  how  the  Difciples  could  do  greater  works  than  Chrift:,  and  others 
wrought  Miracles  beftdes  Chrift  :  how  then  do  they  prove  that  he  is  Chrift  ?  'Tis 
anfwered,  inallhis  miraculous  works  we  are  to  conftdcr  not  only  ^«/W/mV,  i.e. 
v;?hathedid,  but  cjmvinme  fecit  y  from  what  power  he  did  it.  'The  Apoftlesand 
others  wrought  Miracles,  but  it  was  aliens,  vlrtute :  Chrift  did  them,  but  it  was 
propria  vlrtme.  So  many  an  unfound  heart  he  may  do  greater works  then  Saints, 
and  his  lamp  bum  brighter.  Therefore  in  this  cafe  we  are  not  to  look  fo  much 
to  what  is  done,  as  from  what  power  and  principle  it  is  done .-  for  therein  the  beft 
hypocrite  ever  faile?.  We  ftiall  ever  obferve  in'fome  beafts  __there  are  umbns  m- 
^ Aa3  tlank 


Ufe  4. 
\OfrrjA:L 


i8z 


The  'F arable  of  the 


tionis,  yen  there  is  no  raiional  foul,  nor  any  wife  man  will  helecvc  rhAC  their 
c?6l.s  proceed  from  fuch.i  Principle  :  So  there  are  iliddovvs  of  the  power  of  grace 
in  a  Cirnal  h<;Art,  and  ye:  no  judicious  ChrilUan  will  fay  they  come  from  an  in- 
ward foul,  or  principle  of  lile.  Confider  therefore  whether  there  is  this  princi- 
ple or  no ;  you  fee  there  is  profeirion^you  have  a  name  to  live  in  the  judgement 
of  all  the  Church,  but  fearch  your  hearts,  and  fee  from  what  principle  it  proceeds, 
for  if  this  be  wanting,  all  is  mught :  As  he  that  had  Beer  given  him,  when  Milk 
and  Wine,  and  Sugar  was  put  into  it  to  mend  it,faid.  The  Wine  is  good,  and 
the  Milk  is  good,  but  the  Beerismught:  So  Profelfion,  atfcdlionis  good,  but 
the  heart,  the  man  is  naught,  J^r.  2.22.  Though  thoa  wajh  thee  with  Nitre  ,  thy 
fin  is  marked  before  the  Lord.  And  that  the  Trial  may  be  full  and  fair,  I  iJiall 
fliew  Negatively,  the  feveral  forts  of  men  that  aft  not  from  an  inward  Prin- 
ciple, yet  carry  it  out  as  though  the  bitternefs  of  death  was  paft,  and  the  Bride- 
groom, theirs. 

1 .  When  a  mans  Principle  is  noihing  but  the  power  of  created  nature  ex- 
prelfing  it  felf,andfetting  the  beft  face  forward,  in  the-gilded  rottennefs  of  fom.e 
moral  performances,  wherein  a  man  faith,  he  doth  what  he  can  ;for  there  is  this 
principle  in  moft  men,  a  defire  to  be  faved,  nature  faith  fo,  and  according  to  the 
intention  of  this  delire,  fo  accordingly  will  m.cn  do  more  or  lefs  ;  and  hereupon 
footh  up  themfelves,  when  they  fee  they  cannot  do  as  others  do  ,  or  as  the  Lord 
commands ;  I  do  as  well  as  I  can.  Nay,  when  csoidcmned  by  the  Word  which 
meets  them,  I  do  as  vvellas  I  can,  I  beleeve,  I  repent,  I  pray,  I  rem.ember  the 
Word,  I  do  as  well  as  I  can,  and  fo  they  hope  God  accepts  of  chat ;  and  though 
I  beleeve  no  man  but  may  be  hired  todo  more  than  he  doth,  yet  nature  may  do 
much ;  hence  I  heard  an  Arminian  once  fay.  If  faith  will  not  work  it,  then  fet 
reafon  a  work,  and  we  know  how  men  have  been  Kings  and  Lords  over  their  own 
pafTions  by  improving  reafon,  and  from,  fomc  experience  of  the  power  of  nature, 
men  have  come  to  write  large  Volumes  in  defence  of  it ;  and  its  known  the  Ar- 

\minmm  though  they  afcribefomewhac  to  grace,  and  in  words  all  to  grace,  yet  in- 
deed they  lay  the  main  ftrefs  of  the  work  upon  a  mans  own  will,  and  the  royal- 
jty  and  foveraignty  oftheliberty  of  that:  But  to  leave chem  and  come  to  our 
felves.  Is  it  not  a  common  thing  for  men  to  mfike  lies  their  refuge^  and  to  fay ,  I 
was  in  a  woful  condition  once,  and  never  looked  after  God,  but  now  I  blcffe  the 
Lord  'tis  otherwife  with  me.  How?  Now  I  beleeve,repent,  &c.  And  fo  I  confefs 
all  I  do  is  full  of  weaknefTes,  yet  I  do  what  I  can ;  and  thus  they  are  like  to  men 
that  have  oldgarments  new  drc{fed,they  hive  made  them  as  good  as  they  can;and 
like  the  young  man,  Luke  18.21.  All  thefe  things  have  I  done  from  my  yonth^  yet  one 
thing  was  wanting,  which  was  to  forfake  all,  and  fo  bimfelf,  that  the  Difciples  faid, 
who  then  can  he  faved  *  With  man  'tis  ImpoJ/ihle,  but  mth  God  all  things  are  pfflble. 
You  fay  you  do  as  much  as  you  can;  I  fay  do  fo,buc  'tis  impoflible  with  man,  from 
any  ftrength  of  man,  and  you  have  no  more  yet,  John  1 .  13.  ^orn  again,  not  of  the 
will  of  man,  but  of  God.  There  is  in  fome  men  a  bir th,like  to  the  new  birth  ,which 
is  of  the  will  and  power  of  man,  but  oh  this  is  not  this  inward  principle  which  the 
Almighty  power  of  God  creates ;  and  therefore  know  it,  if  you  get  no  other  oyle 
in  your  Lamps,  you  lliaU  never  meet  the  Bridegroom. 

2.  When  a  mans  principle  is  the  power  of  holy  example,  whereby  many  a  one 
is  drawn  to  do  more  than  otherwife  he  would.  Many  men  think  for  a  while  as  that 
man  fpake;  Men  talk  of  being  worth  thoufands,!  would  fain  fee  the  men.  Minifters 
preach  and  others  fpeak  wcll,we  muft  do  this  &  that,  but  I  would  fain  fee  the  men 
that  do  it.  Now  it  fomctime  falls  out  that  the  Lord  fets  before  mens  eyes  fome 
pattern-Chtirtians,  hereupon  they  think  thus ;  here  are  two  concrary  ways,  they 
cannot  both  lead  to  hsavcn,  their  way  is  better  than  mine,  and  doubtlefs  leads  to 
life,  mine  doth  not,and  therefore  let  me  live  like  them.  And  hence  there  fhall  not 
be  .myFaftjbut  they  will  be  at  itjnot  a  Sermon  near,but  they  will  go  wee  and  dry  to 

hear 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


183 


hear  it;  nor  any  duty  in  Family,  but  they  will  imitate  ic,  and  hence  read  and 
learn,  rhac  they  may  be  likcrheai.     No  Chriiiians  in  rhp  Country  hated,  but  chcy 
will  love  them,  nor  Cercaionie  3  caft  oif,  but  they  will  abhor  them;  and  hence 
they  reflect  upon  their  patterns,  and  think  their  clhre  fafe,  b<!caufe  they  are  as 
good  as  a  Chriitians  outfide :  And  hence  like  Tome  dead  Catiel,  there  is  nothing? 
good  but  their  skin  ;fo  there  is  nothing  good  in  thcfe,  but  their  imitating  out- 
lide.    Thus  ir  was  with  y^/^J^  while  f^/joW^^  lived,  iChron.i^.  Hence  he  fell 
like  Ivy  with  the  Oak,vVhen  God  cut  him  dovvn  ;  Thus  it  \Vas  with  thele  five  fool- 
illi  Virgins,  a  m. 3 n  may  follow  good  examples,  but  not  reft  in  bare  im.ication  of 
them:  And  hence  a  bleffed  rnan  is  defcribed,  Pfal.  i.     Negatively,  from  no: 
imitating  the  wicked,  not  from  imitating  the  good  ;  bccaufc  good  men  miay  be 
in  many  things  ill  example>,   and  it  ever  proves  fo  in  thele  men  that  have  no 
more  then  this  Principle ;  hence  if  they  be  loofe  in  their  tongues,  or  oh  the  Sab- 
bath, their  plea  is,  they  are  like  unto  them.     And  hence  come  all  your  acquired 
excellencies^ ;  a  man  is  an  imitating  creature,  led  by  example,  arid  a  carnal  man 
out  cf  the  heart  of  hypocrite  in  himfclf,  will  i'riirate  the  divine  nature  which 
is  in  another;   and  hence  men  not  only  take  up  fuch  pradtifes,  but  fuch  opinious 
Oniyjbecaufefiich  and  fuch  areofthnt  mind  :  And  hence  m.en  change  prad'lifcs 
and  opinions  as  Exam.ples  do  change  ;  In  Jofhrn's  time  great  Reformation,  he  no 
fooner  dead,  but  all  fell  oflc  agciin  :  then  they  were  for  purity  of  Ordinances  and 
Gods  Worlliip,  now  they  ferve  Baalim:  Ohconhder,  here  is  an  outward,  bur 
no  inward  princip'e  I 

3.  Thofe  whofe  pi-rnciptc  is  nothing  but  extern  j1  applaufe  and  praife  of  men, 
and  this  will  carry  a  man  beyond  all  the  beli  Examples:  Nay,  fometim.e  to  be 
Angular,  and  a  man  alone ;  a  Pharifces  Trum.pec  fliall  be  heard  10  the  Townes- 
cnd,  while fimplicity  walks  thorow  theTownunfeen  :  Hence  a  man  vvill  fome- 
times  covertly  commend  himfelf,  and  my  felf  ever  comes  in,  and  tells  you  a  long 
Storie  of  Converfion,  and  an  hundred  to  one,  if  fome  lie  or  other  flip  not  out  with 
it.  Why,  the  fecret  meaning  is,  I  pray  admire  me,  hence  complain  of  wants 
aiidwcaknelfes ;  pray  think  what  a  broken-hearted  Chriftian  I  am  ;  and  hence 
if  comforted  they  com.plain,  if  not,  they  will  comfort  rhemifelves;  hence  many 
lift  up  eyes  and  hands,  and  fetch  deep  fighs  in  prayer,  remember  and  note  Ser- 
mons, look  now  what  a  gift  I  have :  Hence  if  you  com.e  to  their  companie,  they 
will  have  fo  many  good  words  as  may  make  you  think  well  of  them,and  then  the 
Market  i>  aim.ofl:  done  with  them :  Hence  men  forfake  their  friends,  and  trami- 
ple  underfoot  the  fcorns  of  the  world,  they  have  credit  elfewhcre :  TTo  maintain 
their  intereft  in  the  love  of  godly  m.en  they  will  fuffer  much :  Hence  men  in  the 
Miniftry  pray  for  grace  tobeautineand  perfect  their  parts,  that  fo  they  m.ay  preach 
and  convert  and  have  credit :  Hence  m.en  meditate  new  Light,  and  profefs  dtep 
things  that  few  know,  that  men  may  worfhip  the  riling  Sun :  Hence  the  Lord  is 
negle(B:cd  fecretly,yet  honoured  openly,  becaufe  there  is  no  winde  in  their  cham- 
bers to  blow  their  Sails ,  and  therefore  there  they  ftand  ftill ;  Hence  m.any  m.en 
keep  their  profeffion,  when  they  lofe  their  affe6lion,  they  have  by  the  one  a  na'rae 
to  livc,and  that  is  cnough,though  their  hearts  be  dead :  And  hence  fo  long  as  you 
love  or  commend  them.,  fo  long  they  love  you,  but  if  not,  they  will  forfnke  you ; 
they  were  warm  onely  by  anothers  fire ;  and  hence  havitjg  no  principle  of  life 
within,  foon  grow  dead:  This  is  the  water  thac  turns  a  Pharifees  Mill,  and  the 
Lord  pafCech  a  heavy  doom.  Ton  have  your  rerpard.  I  have  wondred  that  the  opi- 
nion of  men,  nay,  dream  of  m.ens  tlpughts  fhould  a6l  men  ;  onely  'tis  a  curfe  of 
God,  thac  when  m^en  defpife  his  honour  the  grcateft  good,  they  fl-iall  be  fed  with 
the  bafcft  good. 

4.  Thofe  whofe  Principle  is  ndthing  elfe  but  their  own  gain  of  outw-ard  blef- 
fiiigs.  Many  there  be  that  make  not  tKeir  honour,fo  much  as  their  bellies  their 
gods,  and  thy  rule  them,  Phil.  3.19.  hence  the  Shop-keeper  will  give  good  words 

when 


1^4 


T'he  ''V arable  of  the 


when  he  feils  his  coinmodic)',  he  iliould  lofe  much  of  his  cuilome  elfe  ;  ;ind  hence 
ibit  Mniller  pre^chech  conmonably  that  his  gaine  may  come  in,  i.  Thf.  2. 4,  5. 
Hence  people  would  be  as  good  as  the  beft,  they  cannot  gee  a  lot  in  all  the  Coun- 
try elle.  Hence  a  man  i>  ibmdme  content  to  forlake  all  for  Chrilr,  th.K  he  may 
make  a  booty  of  Chriil,  as  Judas  did.  Hence  when  Chr  if  Heeds  them  with 
Loaves,  then  the  people  will  make  him.  a  King,  Joh;  6.  though  afterward  they  cry 
CracifJe  him.  So  m.en  denlwith  Chrirtas  the  Souldiers  did ,  that  caught  him., 
that  Lhey  might  ftrip  him.  of  his  i;arm.ents.  And  hence  m^any  m.en  if  they  fee  for- 
rows  and  w^nts  attending  them.,  if  they  attend  on  Chrift,  forfAe  him..  Look 
upon  our  own  Lind,  m.any  fo  long  as  they  could  enpy  Chrift  with  fair  weather, 
cry  out  of  Cerem.onies,  and  pro^^  hanlng  of  Sabbath  :  yec  this  not  being  to  be  had, 
creep  to  them,  and  read  the  Book  for  proph.ming  thereof.  Many  rtiadows 
have  been  feen  hncc  our  Sun  hath  rifen  here  ,  and  this  vvay  they  looked  :  but 
viewing  o:ber  miCns  wants,  and  fearing  their  own  lofi'es,  and  conceiving  rhey 
m?.y  m^eet  with  Mnifahm  this  Wildernel^;,  refufe  to  follow.  And  ICvUr  this 
/}-!0uld  feem  to  be  the  caufe,  cry  out  we  are  Sepnratifts,  or  ftrongly  polfefs  thein- 
felves  againft  all  relations,  there  is  no  living  at  all  here.  , 

Look  but  at  hom.e,how  manvDove^  fthat  prove  but  Ravens,and  live  on  the  prey) 
come  hither  to  our  windows,  and  have  foUowed  Chrifl.  to  this  Worlds  end  ;when 
he  fed  them^  with  loaves,  rhey  made  him^  their  King :  bun  now  he  hath  taken  away 
what  once  they  delired ;  becanfe  there  is  better  Bread  to  be  hboured  for  ;  now 
they  forfake  him.,  and  live  on  the  fpoyl .  This  is  no  inward  Principle.  And  hence 
when  m.ens  Expences  forCnrift,  exceed  the'r  Receipts  from  Chrift,  they  ceafe 
fpendir^,  and  fall  in  the  high  vvay  to  be£;sing  at  the  door  of  the  World. 

5.  Thofewhofe  Principle  is  notliing  eUe6ut  :he  ftrength  of  natural  Confcience, 
which  will  fe:  .m.en  a  doing,  when  they  hive  neither  praife  fro.mmien,  nor  gain 
from  Chrift  for  their  labour.  For  the  Lord  deals  with  fom.e  m.en,  ^as  the  Remofis 
did  with  fom^e  of  their  Prifoners ;  they  would  chain  a  Prifoner  and  his  keeper  to- 
gether, and  let  t.hem  go  up  and  down :  fo  God  chains  many  a  poor  Prifoner  of 
hell  and  his  confcience  together,  and  lets  them  go  together.  And  hence  many  a 
man  keeps  pace  with  his  confcience,  and  cannot  give  it  the  (lip  for  all  the  world 
heaped  up  with  gold,  as  Balaarft  faid. 

Now  there  are  two  things  in  a  natural  confcience,  Rom.  2.15. 
I .  To  accufe,  Hence  a  "man  dares  not  omit  pr.iyer,  dares  not  commit  a  fin 
he  hath  a  mind  to;  confcience  would  then  roar.  Hence  many  keep  conftantly 
{qi  duties  in  private,  and  tremble  at  fmall  hn? :  not  becsufe  they  take  any  delight 
in  the  one,  or  arc  weary  of  the  other ;  but  becaufe  they  are  ever  under  the  eye  of 
this  J«dge. 

■2 .  To  Excufe ,  and  zo  give  much  fweetnefs  when  a  man  follows  'the  dictates 
thereof ,  hence  a  man  though  carnal,  will  die  for  his  Religion,  and  that  with  fom.e 
ch-^i.tfulnefs,  becanfe  confcience  cheats  within,  and  fings  him  aileep  in  trouble. 
'.  And  hence  a  man  vvill  cry  out  of  all  xhz  glorious  hypocrii.es  of  mien,  becaufe  ro 
walk  according  to  Confc-ence  is  fweeter  to  himi.  And  hence  a  m^an  com.forts 
hi  m.fe'f,  tis  m.y  Confcience,  Mark^ii.^T,.  To  love  God  is  better  than  burnt 
Cferings.  Hence  a  m.an  will  profit  exceedingly  in  what  he  holds,  Gd.  1. 14. 
':"ecaure  zealous  for  i^  for  Confcience :  and  yet  this  is  but  a  Principle  of  Nature,' 
not  an  inward  Principle  of  life,  whofe  property  is  to  feek  the  fubverfion  of  cor- 
rupt Nature,  as  natural  Confcience  feeks  the  garnifhings  of  it  and  the  adlions 
thereof.  ^ 

6.  Thofewhofe  Principle  is  the  fear  of  death,  and  hell;  raifednotfo  m.uchby 
the  power  of  Confcience,  as  by  the  power  of  thie  W^ord.  And  hence  com.e  com.- 
plaihts  about  a  m.ans  Eftate  ;  that  a  m.an  can  have  no  refl  by  all  duties  that  he. 
hath  done,  or  dpth.  Hence  following  of  the  n:eans,  running  to  the  beft  Mini- 
ilry,  mourning,  and  lam.cnting,  andconfefTmg  fin,  Aiat.'^.'].  Oh  generation  of  vi- 
pers 


ten  Virz^ins  Opened  and  Applied. 


fers  &c.  And  hence  prizing  of  favour  and  ComforCjP/^/.yS.  34,  35.  Henccj 
many  do  cake  this  for  r heir  Converfion,  and  lay,  I  heard  fuch  a  Miniiier  at  fucha 
tin:e,  and  then  I  cryed  out  I  was  da^T.ned,  and  thought:  I  fiw  the  Devil,  yea, 
and  to  Hell  you  may  for  all  this,  if  no  other  Principle.  Indeed,  there  is  this  ifear 
in  the  elect,  but  drives  them  to  the  Ark,  as  Noah :  Butthofe,  when- their  fear  is 
over,  they  fall  to  fight  againft  the  Lord. 

7.  Th'ole  whofe  Principle  is  nothing  clfe  but  the  im.xediate  actings  of  the 
Spirit  of  God  upon  them.  For  fomerLme  the  Spin:  of  God  comes  upon  men,  as 
Light  ll-iineson  the  mud  wall,  yet  dwels  not  there  as  in  the  Sun.  And  hence 
manyfpeak^  pray,  prophecy  admarably,  as  Bdaam^  Numb.^\.  3,  4.  Many  men 
like  Carriers  bring  others  goods,  thit  are  not  poileflors  of  them.  No.v  thefe  are' 

1 .  Exremal  enlargements,  and  hence  a  man  do:h  m.iny  things  which  he  hath  no 
inward  power  to  perform,  the  Spirit  is  there  allilHng;  hence  he  cannot  do  fo  at 
another  tim.c,  but  'tis  the  Spirit  only  afliBing.  And  hence  a  mian  m.ay  hive  abun- 
dance of  knowledge,  and  he  not  aftecled  with  it ;  he  may  live,  and  pray  with  ap- 
plaufe  ofmen;othcrs  wifh  the/  were  like  him,yet  live  without  lo\'e,&ipea'k  without 
feeling,  and  do  without  life ,  hence  men  leave  themielves  here.  2.  Internal 
pangs,  the  Spirit  of  God  begets  lom.e  inward  grief,  efpeciallywhenour,\arde- 
vils  prefs,  then  inward  tlalhcs  and  deiires,  but  tney  are  I'oon  done.  There  irno 
Sj^ing,  no  Prnicipie  wi:hin.  Whit  the  difference  is  berwecn  Saints  unevencfs, 
and  this  uncon'tancy,  you  ihali  hear  hercafcer :  yet  thefe  are  wreitling^  of  Spirit 
not  )er  conquering,  and  hence  it  poflelleth  not  the  Soul. 

8.  When  menrPrinciplc  is  nothing  ehe  but  common  gifts,  which  areinw^ard, 
and  abiding  longm  the  Soul.  That  a  man  now  thinks  lie  hath  Grace,  and  fure 
fignes  of  r-e  Lords  love,  and  here  is  faftncd ;  when  there  be  two  things  wherein 
it  appears  here  is  no  inward  Principle.  1  Thefe  gifts  ev'cr  puff  up,and  m^ake  a  man 
fom.ething  in  his  own  eyes,  as  the  CeriffthUn  knowledge  did.  And  many  a  pri- 
vate man  thinks  himielt  fit  to  be  a  Minilter,  many  a  Minifter  better  than  all  the 
Parilli  befides ;  when  Pattlwtis  the  lesft  of  all  the  Saints.  And  h^ence  comm.only 
they  degenerate  to  pride  &  form.  2.Thcfe  keep  m.en  Grangers  to  Chril^,&  the  life 
ofFjithjthey  have  thefe  aiTetlions,yet  ignorant  of  Chrift,rake  thefe  as  hgnes  of  his 
love,&  live  without  him.  And  this  is  indeed  the  innerPrinciple  which  all  the  wick- 
ed in  the  world  wantjthere  is  in  trueGrace  an  infinite  circle:a  man  by  thirftin^  re- 
ceives, &  receiving  thirfts  for  miCre.  But  hence  the  Spirit  is  not  poured  out  abun- 
dantly on  Churches,  bccaufc  miCn  fhut  it  out  by  fhntting  in,  and  contenting  them- 
felves  with  their  comm.on  graces  and  gifts,  Mat.j.2g.t.ximmQ  if  it  be  thus.  If  fo, 

1 .  You  cannot  come  to  the  Lord,  John,  5 .  44.  h^vf  cm  ye  bdeeve  ? 

2.  Nor  to  receive  any  thing  from  the  Lord  if  you  do,  Jim.  4.  3.  whcKyouAs}^ 
t0  fpe»d  tt  onyow  lujis^  when  that  carries  you. 

3 ;  This  puis  down  the  Kingdoms  of  the  Lord  Jefus,  when  ether  things  rule  us, 
and  not  himielf  alone. 

4.  Satan  will  have  this  againrt  you,as  againft  Joh^T§Hferve  -^t  the  Lord  for  nought. 
To  what  purpofe  are  j/onr  new  Moenu  Church-reformations,  if  it  be  thus  ?  Now, 
becaufe  it  hath  been  reolyed  to  what  was  form^crly  raid,that  Chrift  vvas  the  vcflel, 
not  ourSouls.I  iliall  therefore  confirm  the  latter  tobctherntt:h,by  thefe  reafons. 

1.  Myltical  places  of  Scripture  are  robe  interpreted  by  pLun.  Now  though 
Chrift  may  be  the  Antitype  of  thefe  Veflels  of  the  Temple,  yet  he  is  not  pliinly 
faid  to  be  a  Vefiel ;  but  Souls  are  called  fo,  Kom>  9.23.2  C»r.  4.  7.  ABs  9. 1 5 . 
FoHlis  a  chsfen  y'ejfel.   i  Thef.4.  4.  wV  ere  tofoffefs  ewr  J^efels  inhi>llne[s.  2  TLm. 

2.  20.  Veffels  efhonimr, 

2.  The  Spirit  is  no:  in  Chrift  as  in  a  VciTcl,  but  as  in  a  fountain  ;  hence  f  */?. 
5.34.  Chrift  hath  received  the  Sfrrlt  wlthoHt  rwafure. 

3 .  The  fooliih  Virgins  had  Veffels ;  becaufe  its  fayd ,  they  tocJ^their  Lamp; 
ht  no  Oyle  with  them.  Their  folly  was  not  in  not  providing  Veffels.  Hence  the  foo- 

Eb  liili 


8 


8i 


flfs   K. 

\OfExh 


The  V arable  of  the 


lidi  Virgin?  did  not  afnerward  beg  their  Velfels,  buc  their  Oyle, 

4.  The  wifdome  of  the  Wife  did  appear,  in  thac  they  did  provide  Oylefor 
their  VeiTels.  If  therefore  the  Veffel  be  Chrill,  therein  lyes  the  wifdoni  of  the 
Wife,  that  they  got  the  Spirit  for  to  put  into  Chriil,  and  the  folly  of  -the  fooIiOi, 
they  got  not  the  Spirit  to  put  into  him.  Or  the  one  go:  Chrilijefus  fill  ofthe 
Spirit;  the  other,  Chrift  jefus  void  of  it.  When  whoever  iiathChriit,  mult 
have  in  him.  die  fulnefs  of  the  Spirit  alfo. 

5.  The  other  interpretation  croireth  the  main  fcopeof  this  part  of  the  para- 
ble 3  which  is  to  fhew  the  difference  bee  ween  the  Virgins ;  ai!  profeiled  Chrift, 
tvent  to  m^cet  the  Bridegroom. ;  but  here  was  the  diflerence,  they  never  looked  for 
to  gee  the  Spirit  in  them  :  and  this  is  m.oft  fuitable  to  m.en  raifed  out  of  the  dregs 
of  Popery,  where  Works  being  aboliilied,  ChriiHs  owned,and  therein  do  weh, 
but  herein  fail. 

Thus  you  iiave  heard  the  ufeof  Tryall  negatively.  What  this  inward  Prin- 
ciple is  affirmatively,  you  have  generally  heard ;  and  jTiall  m.ore  particularly  in  the 
other  two  Doilrines.     Only  this  I  will  add ,  it  confifts  of  two  parts. 

1.  Our  life  in  Chrilf  by  Faith. 

2.  Chrifts  life  in  us  by  his  Spirit.  Faith  em.pties  the  Soul,  and  looks  upon  it 
as  de<5dj  and  fees  its  life  laid  up  in  Chrift;  and  hence  forfakes  it  felf,  and  em- 
braceth  the  Lord  of  Glory.  Secondly,  the  Spirit  comes  and  poflefieth  a  for- 
faken  empty  Houfe,  and  there  live'>  and  dwels.  Both  thefe  the  Apoftle  men- 
tions,GW.2. 20.  Eph.S.ij,  Job.  15.4.  As  two  married  together,  their  Souls 
live  not  where  they  are,  but  in  each  other :  The  one  cares  not  how  to  pleafe  her 
felf,  buther  husband;  md.e  contra.  So  that  ledft  any  weak  Sou!  fliould  bedif- 
couraged,'that  thinks  there  is  no  Principle  of  Life,  becaufefuch  a  blind,  empty 
dead  heart,wandringfromGod,^c.  Nay,  wlien  the  Lord  quickens  it.  Oh  its  loft 
again  !  Nay,  when  quickned,  oh  then  when  it  comes  to,it  is  feeble .'  I  tell  ypu 
it  m.uft  be  fo.  This  makes  you  lay  up  your  life  in  him  :  ,this  death  is  your  life. 
And  leaft  any  falfe  heart  (liouldbe  here  deceived,  that  faith  he  hath  Chrift  ;  If  yon 
have  not  the  Sprit  of  Chrifl^  jou  are  none  of  his.  The  Saints  [have)  thisfom.e- 
tim.e,  their  Temple  is  filled  with  Glory  ;  and  for  their  general  courfe,  they  are 
Admirers  of  the  Lord  Jefus ;  and  account  his  Life ,  to  be  Life ,  and  all  their 
life  bendc  to  be  a  continual  death.  There  is  not  any  Grace  but  they  fay,  oh 
that  I  Iv.d  it/    - 


SECT.    V. 

'■•■•-.■  :        ■  ■  '  '  * 

TO  every  mail, as  ever  you  look  to  be  with  Chrift  Jefus  another  day,  get  this 
oyle  in  your  Veflels.  The  Lord  doth  m  this  Parable  fet  before  your  eyes 
the  eftate  of  the  pureft  Virgi'^-Churclies  and  Profelfbrs  in  the  world,  and  it  is 
\  his  infinite  love  to  teU  us  before-hand^  before  the  time  be  paft  ;  to  tell  us,  that 
m.any  of  thefe  iliall  be  fnut  out  from  the  prefence  ;of  the  Lord  Jefus,  whom, 
themfelve?  and  others  think  lliatl  not,  and  yet  this  love  Would  be  but  little,  un- 
lefs  the  Lord  had  made  known  the  caufe  or  defect  in  not  getting  oyle  to  their 
Veflels.  Ohconridertherefore,hereyouare  like  to  fail  ;  you  that  hiive  Lamps 
before  .he  cry  and  Bridegroom,  com.es,  acknowledge  Chrifts  love,  and  ^  be  over- 
■co me  by  it  to  ge:oy!e  into  your  VelCels ;  when  i?^^^^ knew  that, the  Lord  would 
deftroy  all  JerzV/jo  ,  now  ^fi-c  lays  about  her  to  preferve  her  life.  What's' tjlle 
means  ?  To  tie  the  Scarlet  thread  at  the  window;  Oh  fhe  would  be  fure  to.  get 
and  keep  that  there.  You  know  the  Lord  Jefus  will  com^e  anddifcover  the.  im-,' 
found  profelTion,  and  deftroy  the  glory  of  the  World,  and  Churches  too :  It  m.ay ' 
be  you  hive  had  (om.e  fears,  what  if  he' iliou  Id  cut  me  oflF,  andcaft  meoutaspof- 
i  ,biy  be  may  ?'  and  I  may  as  well  as  eminent  Profefibrs.     I  tell  ydu,  noneever 

'  Veri^Vied 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


187 


periihca  but  bccauie  of  this.    How  juft  had  Rahds  judgment  been,  if  (he  had 
rcfufcd  to  get  her  fcarlet  thread  there,  and  yours  if  now  you  gee  not  your  Oyle  in 
your  Veflel  ?  How  many  are  there  that  have  lived  fairly  and  died  quietly,  and 
when  they  are  dead  andknock,the  door  is  fliut  i  Th^c  then  wring.their  hands,Oh 
had  I  but  known  of  this/  I  would  have  fpcntmycare  and  ftrength,  and  teirs, 
and  thoughts  how  ro  have  filled  my  Veffel,  but  I  knew  it  not.    This  time 
will  fhortly  come,  and   if  you  know  it   now,   and  do   not   fct    upon 
it,  what  a  cut  will  this  be  ?  As  therefore  the  Apoftle  exhorts,  Heh.  4.  i .  Ha^ 
vlng  a  fromife  ef  emring  Into  reflyfear  lefi  jm  fallfhort  ef  It,     I  fay  fo  much 
more  here,  knowing  how  only  you  fhall  enter  into  Chrirts  reft,  fear  leaft  you  1 
fall  Ihort  of  this ;  I  hope  I  flnall  not,  I  thank  God  my  courfe  is  blam.eIcfs,fpotlefs, 
I  haveforfaken  the  fins  of  places,  and  pollutions  of  Ordinances ;  fo  thefe  were 
Vir^^ins  alfo.     Oh  but  my  Lamp  burns  as  bright  as  any  mans  I  know :  So  did  the 
fool?l"h  Virgins,  oh  but  they  all  think  well  of  me,  fo  were  thefe"  thought  of,  till 
the  Lordfaid, /%ojy^ff«»oft    OhbutllooktoChrift,  to  meet  with  him,  and 
falvation  from  h»m ;  So  did  thefe,  and  yet  were  fliut  out  from  Chrift.  Jf  the  Lord 
fhould  have  faid  it  was  becaufe  they  had  not  wealth  enough,  nor  world  enough, 
every  man  would  not  have  been  wanting  here,  but  would  have  ftriven  to  have  got 
enough  of  that,  though  it  were  not  to  be  had  j  but  there  is  enough  in  Chrift  to  in- 
rich  you,\vho  hath  the  Spirit  without  meafure  to  do  it;The  Spirit  may  breath  now. 
Labour  to  feel  and  mourn  under  thy  whole  corrupt  principles,  that  have  a£led 
thee  hitherto  :  For  many  men  are  fenfible  fomecimes  of  fome  particular  a61:s, 
and  jarrings  of  their  hearts  and  life  with  the  rule  -,  and  then  they  feck  forgive- 
ncfs  of,  and  grace  againft  them,  and  then  they  hope  all  is  well,  then  they  do  ma- 
lijy  things,  aod  hear  John  gladly,  and  in  plainnefs  and  integrity  of  their  hearts 
think  that  all  is  well.    But  ftill  they  fall  ftiort  of  a  Principle  of  life,  becaufe  they 
never  felt  a  whole  corrupt  Principle,  and  how  in  every  thing  it  crolfeth  God,  not 
only  in  the  corrupt,  but  moft  glorious  actions.    For  all  men  living  naturally  turn 
from  being  open,  to  fecret  enemies ;  and  from  being  fecret,  to  be  fubtil  enemies, 
and  to  undermine  the  Lord  in  all  they  do.   Now  many  fee  it  but  not  the  evil  of  it, 
nor  mourn  under  it.    Hence  the  Lord  never  fends  another  Spirit,  becaufe  they 
have  not  the  Spirit  of  heavinefs  for  wane  of  it.    But  when  a  man  fees  that  in 
every  thing  he  is  carried  and  a6tcd  by  a  principle  of  bitternefs  againft  the  Lord, 
and  lives  without  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  to  aii  him ;  the  Lord  is  not  far  from 
that  foul  when  he  feels  this,  and  mourns  before  the  Lord,  becaufe  of  this,  and  the 
want  of  that,  i  Kings  8.  38.     So  Chrift  faid,  Becaufe  I  faid  I  go  aro  ay  ^f arrow  hath 
filled  your  heart  Sy  John  16. 6  ^-j.       This  is  the  very  reafon  why  Saints  have  the 
Connforter,  his  abfence  fills  their  hearts  with  forrow ;  becaufe  when  he  is  gone, 
oh  the  flraitncfs,  vilenefs  of  a  corrupt  heart  /  you  fay  it  may  be.    If  this  be  not  a 
right  Principle, what  is  ?    Jinfw>  To  undermine  all  falfe  works;  oh  therefore, 
feel  this  plague  /    If  ever  God  works  this  grace,  feel  you  muft  the  want  of  it,  and 
if  you  do  mourn  then  you  arc  under  it :  And  oh  mourn,    i .  By  confidering  the 
evil  of  it,  you  can  mourn  after  a  dead  father,  and  fliall  you  not  over  a  dead  heart. 
^,  To  think  there  fhould  be  fo  much  Spirit  in  Chrift,  and  not  a  drop  for  me. 
Is  he  fo  angry  with  me  ?  See  therefore  I  pray  yo<i  that  you  are  led  by  ill  principles, 
or  falfe  principles.   1  pray,  but  felf-lovc  fets  mc  a  work ;  I  profefs,  but  praife  of 
men  a<51:s  me;  I  obfervc  duties  in  fecret,  but  natural  Confcience  only  carries  me. 
No  furer  fign  of  ruinc  then  for  the  Lord  c6  hide  thefe  things  from  you ;  nor  of 
love  then  when  he  fhews  this,  and  gives  you  not  only  fenfe  of  fome  one  adl:,  but 
afpirit  of  heavinefs  under  this.    This  empties  the  Veffel,  and  fo  makes  us  Vcf- 
fels  of  honour ;  do  not  therefore  fet  thy  felf  fo  much  to  do,  as  to  fee  where  thy 
evil  principle  is,  in  all  thou  doeft. 

Repair  now  to  the  fountain  of  life,  for  a  principle  of  life  from  him,  and  fetch 
it  from  him, 

B  b  a  what 


Means  It 


Means  2. 


i88 


T'heT  arable  of  the 


what;  is  th^  ?  W  howjhaU  I  fetch  it  from  hm,  ? 

1.  Tis  not  a  mans  own  Briving,  a  man  may  imicate  nature,  but  cannot  make 
nature  :  All  the  world  cannot  make  one  popr  flie.  And  as 'tis  arns  celntre  /nr- 
tenh  fo  when  he  hath  done  he  may  deceive  himfelf  and  others,  but  nothing  clfe. 
Born  mt  of  the  mil  of  mm :  A  man  is  in  great  diftrefs  of  Confcience  for  fi^  paft, 
fear  ^f  death  for  time  to  come,  and  now  becomes  >uft  as  far  as  a  Devil  j  then 
prays  Lord  fave  me,  and  how  comes  as  far  as  nature  can  carry  him,  and  therefore 
is  eared,andnow  he  hath  Satans  black  fcal  upon  him,  and  felf-flattery  hath  car- 
ried him  on.  Thefountainof  life  is  not  here. 

2.  'Tis  not  thcLaWjitconvinceth  one,  and  he  complains,  it  condemns  ano- 
ther, and  he  cries  out,  it  irritates  another,  and  he  falls  to  do  v\'hathc  caa ;  but  the 
Law  cannot  give  life,  Gd,  3.21. 

3 .  'Tis  not  bare  Ordinances,  which  arc  of  themfelves  but  husks  and  fliels,  and 
eqipty  pipes  ;  witnefs  the  cries  of  many  a  man  Sabbath  after  Sabbath,  no  life,  and 
that  for  a  long  time :  Nay,  he  grows  worfe. 

4.  'Tis  not  God  fimply  conhdered,  He  is  indeed  the  fountain  of  life,  but  fin 
hath  fealed  that  fountain  •  hence  many  a  one  goes  to  him,  and  departs  from  him 
with  frowns. 

5.  Where  is  life  then?  In  Chrift:  I  kHow  he  is  Lord  and  Prince  of  Life. 
Yet  confidcr,as  God-man  no  life  is  in  him  for  you,  as  to  be  communicated  to 
you.  Where  then  ?  'Tis  in  the  blood  and  death  of  the  Lord  of  life :  You  are  rea- 
dy to  undervalue  this  life.  Oh  confider,  what  it  m.uft  coft  the  Son  of  God  ?  and 
where  it  muft  lie,  Hebr^g-  ^4*  If  ^*ils  ^d  Goats  hlood  Tvafhed  the  flefh,  much 
more  this  bloody  &c*  Many  a  man  feels  a  blind  dead  heart,  and  all  duties  dead : 
And  hence  ufeth  many  pcrfwafions  to  himfelf,  yet  they  continue  fo  ftill,  bccaufe 
he  never  looks  to  this  blood.  There  is  this  excellency  in  Chrifts  blood,  not  only 
to  cle^nfe  from  guilt,  and  power  of  fin,  but  from  dead  works,  and  none  elfi?  can. 
Now  therefore  repair  hither  for  it ;  knowvvhat  your  lives  will  and  muft  coft. 
Nowhowfhall  this  be  done? 

Anfw,  I.  Prize  this  blood,  and  fatisfic  thy  Soul  with  it,  choofe  it,  and  reft  in 
it,  in  the  Lord  himfelf  as  fufficient,  Joh,6.$}.  Except  yon  eat  mddrwk^^  &c. 
many  account  it  a  common  thing ;  you  receive  it  not  then,  but  trample  it  under 
their  feet,  many  efteemcf  it,  but  they  feed  not  themfelves  with  it,  nor  quiet 
their  hearts  with  life  there  firft :  and  hence  it  falls  out  thus, 

2.  Keep  this  Rule,  content  not  thy  fclf  with  that  meafure  which  thou  haft 
f romChriftjbut  he  thankful  for  ir,and  falling  ftiort,  call  ever  for  more  i  but  fatiate 
thy  fclf  with  that  which  is  in  Chrift. 

If  thou  canft  not  do  this,  and  it  is  beyond  thy  ftrength,  then  confider  Chrift 

i  hath  words  of  life,  John  6,    Oh  beg  for  that,  and  for  thofe  words  I     Hear  ivhat 

the  Lord  mU  fay  y  7/^/.  5 1.8.    You  cannot  fee  nor  come  to  Chrift:  Ihtnhear^ 

and  your  fouls  fhall  live.    Who  knows  what  the  Lord  may  do.    'Tis  notpoifiblc 

for  man  to  do  it,  but  the  Lord  Jefus  may  and  can. 

Oh  then  you  that  have  this  Principle,  Let  all  your  a<^ions  iffuc  and  fpring  froni 
hence  /  As  Paul  exhorted  Timothy ,  Stir  up  that  gift  that  is  in  tkee.  Up  Deborah, 
up  Awake  Harf  and  Lute^idir^  David.  Do  not  fay,  I  can  do  nothing,  and  fothe 
Lord  mult  do  all.  Do  not  fay,I  have  a  dead  heart,and  can  do  nothing,but  ftir  it  up. 
It  was  the  Lords  complaint,  Ifa.54.7.  Nom  tookJioldoftheLom  mrfiirredup 
/?zw/<?//to  that  end.  It  may  befome  of  you  have  fomc  ftrength.  Oh  put  it 
forth  ?  I  know  all  ftrength  is  from  Chrift,  but  there  is  a  pertnanent  ftrength  in 
you.  You  are  not  dead  to  a6i^,  you  wrong  the  Lord  and  his  Grace  if  you  think 
fo.  As 'tis  a  heavy  fin  to  ftiut  up  and  imprifon  natural  truth,  i^^w.nS.  So 
much  more  the  power  of  Grace.  Others  have  loft  it,  oh  recover  ito'  And  hence 
P^«/praies  for  this  carneftly,Eph.3ti  5.    The  hord lengthen ym mthmighti»  the 

inner 


ten  Vtrpns  Opened  and  Applied. 


ttmr  man.     And  therefore  put  this  forth  to  ^S(i  an4  be  Cure  y©u  adt  only  from 
this  Spirit  of  Grace. 

ffi^yp  fhall  J  do  this  ? 
^  I .  Set  the  Lord  Jefus  in  all  his  Glory  before  yoi^.  there  k  that  excellency  of 
the  knowledge  of  Chrifts  Perfon,  thatic  makes  us  be  and  live  like  him,  and  ac- 
cording to  the  propinquity  of  our  fouls  and  eyes  tq  Chrift,  fo  vve  are  like  him.  As 
\h  with  the  Sun,  when  it  is  gone  from  the  earth,  there  are  not  fo  much  ^s  leaves 
on  the  Trees,  yet  when  it  retiu^ns,  the  Trees  brin^  forth  fruit.  Or  as  'tis  in 
Heaven,  i  Joh»  3''^'  ^  i"  this  life, when  we  fee  himin  a  Glaffe,  1  Gr.3.18. 
Tk^tlook  as 'tis  with  an  am.bitious  man,  when  he  is  in  the  prefenceofmenhe 
vyill  manifeft  all  his  excellency,  nothing  fliall  be  done  to  pin  difcredip.  So  if 
the  Lord  and  his  life  be  your  excellency,  when  you  feeChrilt,  you  wiU  approve 
^yourfelves  to  him.  Sec  him  therefore  beholding  and  accepting ;  and  that  Grace 
you  would  put  forth,  fee  it  in  him:  'tis  ftrange  to  fcewhar  aftreamoffpirit 
comes  fomtimes  this  way. 

2.  Keep  the  remembrance  of  the  exceeding  greatneffe  of  his  love  frefli  in  your 
minds,  in  that  he  hath  qmckned  yau^  Eph.2.^,'^,    and  that  this  life  was  by  his 
death.    AU  the  Flowers  of  the  field  calt  their  favour  but  for  a  time,  and  then 
away  with  them ;  but  Chrifts  love  and  Chrifts  death  do  ufually  alwaies  breath  a 
favour  of  life  to  a  fincere  heart  that  ever  knew  what  the  fting  of  death  meant,2  Cor. 
^,14,15.    Chrifts  love  conftrains,  becaufe  he  dies  that  we  fhould  live.  But 
how?    Bccauie  we  thus  judged.    God  hath  made  man  an  Agent  by  counfel. 
Now  fome  Chriftians  go  to  the  Lord  to  help  them,  but  fet  not  prayer  of  Faith  a- 
work,  and  hence^kave  no  water  of  life :    Some  do,  but  ufe  not  other  means  to  I 
fet  the  underftanding  ( the  mind  of  Faith)"  on  work ,  to  quicken  it  up  to  a6t,aHd 
fo  would  have  life  brought  in,  but  not  b|  thc^righ|:door :  An  empty  Veflel  will 
not  be  full  of  this  water  till  now,  that  the  mouth  of  the  underftanding  is  open. 
Now  many  things  are  to  be  conftdered  to  acSb  every  Grace,  as  Gods  Command 
and.  Promife,  &c.  But  this  is  that  which  in  the  general  quickens,  oh  Chriits  love 
which  conftrains  the  Soul  to  live  to  him  /     According  as  a  man  thus  re:eives  from 
Chrift,  fo  he  returns  to  him.    As  'tis  obferved,onc  lign  that  when  a  people  viftt 
not  their  Minifter,  they  receive  no  good ;  fa  here :  Th^t  is  fign  of  a  decaying  Chri- 
ftian,  for  ufually  they  that  gee  good  by  Chrift,  cannot  by  their  good  will  ftay  a- 
way  from  Chrift.    So  then  the  foul  will  return  in    all  fruitful  obedience  to 
the  Lord,  when  he  receives  the  fweet  of  the  Love  of  the  Lord.    The  Lord  doth 
m.egood  merhinks,  and  hence  he  follows  the  Lord.  Satan  hence  prevails  with  the 
heart,  becaufeofhis  external  objedis,  and  a  party  within;  fo  here  Chrift  pre- 
vails, becaufe  there  is  a  party  within,  when  external  Objei^s  are  propounded. 
Let  a  m.an  have  life,  if  he  have  no  food  he  will  never  live.    If  bread  be  before 
him  j  and  he  feed  not  on  it,  and  that  abundantly,  he  will  never  have  ftrength, 
fo  this  love  of  Chrift  in  us ,  is  life  in  us,  and  food  for  us.- 

3.  Famifti  the  contrary  principle,  the  ftrength  whereof  is  by  fucking  in  the 
fweet ,  and  receiving  in  carnal  content  from  the  creature,  Rom.i  3.14.  Put  on 
the  Lord  Jejm,  his  Spirit,  his  Righteoufneflfe,  his  Life,  his  Graces,  Make  m 
fnvJfimfortheFlefh,  Many  Chriftians  look  up  to  Chrift  in  all  means,  but  can 
do  nothing,  becaufe  they  have  fome  delight  either  in  lawful  or  unlawful  things, 
that  lies  between  him  and  Chrift,  Hence  that  erows  ftrong,  the  other  fee- 
ble. ^ 

4.  Die  to  all  felf-confidence  in  Gracereceived,  or  felf-cohtentment  with  any 
meafureofic ;  for  thereby  youftop  the  Spirit :  For  we  of  our  felves  cannot  think 
a  good  thought.  Therefore  be  ftrong  in  Chrift,  and  hence  Eph.6. lOyi  1,12.  A 
manisapttofalltoadoubleextream,  to  be  ftrong  in  the  Lord  without  putting 
on  Graces  j  and  to  truft  to  them  without  being  ftrong  in  him.  Corn  muft  die 
-l3eforeitlives,fo  muft  you:  and  reft  not  content  with  the  meafurereceived,but  look 

Bb  3  for 


ip 


o 


The  Parable  of  the 


for  more,  and  hence  be  thankful,  and  fay,  'cis  not  I  but  Chrift  j  yec  iook  for 
more. 

5.  If  no  means  come  to  give  ftrength,  confider  fadlyif  you  have  not  broken 
covenant  with  God,  as  in  Samfom  cafe,  God  was  in  covenant  with  him,  but  he 
had  broken  it  on  his  part,  hence  his  ftrength  was  gone.    I  know  no  place  that 
breeds  men  of  larger  Covenants  than  this  place,  by  Sea  and  Land,  pcrfonall , 
and  efpecially  Church-Covenants.    Now  thy  ftrength  is  gone.    Dbtt  not  live 
in  breach  of  Covenant?    Not  only  it  is  broken,  but  you  live  in  it.    You  cove- 
nant to  cleave  to  the  Lord,  or  if  ybu  depart,  to  return  foon  again,  butyouliein 
your  falls.     Nay  your  Covenant  and  returning  heals  your  horrair  only,  not  your 
fin.     You  covenant  to  love  Brethren  dearly,  but  a  little  offence  one  gives  i  or 
hopes  ofa  bigger  Lot,  will  tempt  thy  heart  to  leave  them  to  their  ownftiifts. 
You  covenant  to  fubmit  to  Officers  in  the  Lord,  but  fome  take  liberty  to  fpeak 
what  they  will,  and  others  do  what  they  lift.    To  watch  over  your  brethren  to 
put  life  in  them,  but  you  grow  a  ftranger,  and  it  may  be  fee  them  not  once  in  a 
quarter,  unlefTe  at  Church :     But  can  it  be  faid  they  arc  any  better  for  thee  ?  Oh 
your  fins  are  double,  and  hence  your  plagues  of  heart  are  worfenow»  more  hard 
to  be  wrought  upon,  and  hence  fin  and  Satan  lead  you,  P/k/.yS.  57,^0,^1.     Oh 
confidcr  this  fin,    the  ftrength  of  God  is  taken  as  Captain  of  the  Camp,  that 
when  you  cry,  Lord  help,  there  'tis.    But  alas  'tis  gone  from  you,  and  'tis  in 
Satanshand,  not  only  your  ftrength,  but  Gods  ftrength,  and  tbefoul  is  taken 
captive.    Oh  therefore  mourn  for  this,  left  you  mourn  at  laft. 


WoU.^. 


CHAP.  XIX. 


SheWeth  that  there  ts  [uch  afulneffe  or  mea- 
fureof  Qrace  in  the  hearts  of^elieyers 
yphich  the  most  ^efned  Hypocrites  neyer 
art fe  unto. 


SECT.    I. 

THat  there  is  a  certain  plemtudcy  fulmjfe-,  er  full  nteafarc  tf  the  Sflrit  of 
Grace  In  the  hearts  sf  the  Fauhfniy  vphich  the  in9ft  ChrloHS ,  jet  unfoHfti 
Profefors  of  l^irgltt-Churches  wanty  and  have  H9t  in  their  yeffels,  bttt  fall 
fhort  ef, 
Juft  as  thefe  Foolifh  Virgins,  they  had  their  Lamps,  a  burning  and  ftuning 
ProfeflTion.  And  had  they  no  raore  ?  Yes  furely,  for  their  Lamp  how  could  it 
burn, but  by  means  of  fome  Oyl  ?  They  had  their  wiek  toucht  and  dipt  in  Oyl, 
fome  lighter  ftroaks  and  fuperficial  imprefTions  of  the  Spirit.  They  had  not  their 
Veffels  filled  with  Oyl,  they  had  not  this  degree  and  full  meafure  of  the  Spirit. 
This  they  fell  iTiort  of,  and  herein  appeared  the  difference.  There  are  certain 
inward  touches,  an  inward  lighter  Dye  of  Gods  Spirit,  which  fcrvcstobe^cta 
moft  eminent  Profelfion  before  i»en,  but  never  to  maVethc  Soul  fincere  indeed 
before  the  eyes  of  God.  That  look  as  fome  Naturalirts  make  three  or  four  kinds 
of  life  ,  differing  only  as  higher  or  lower  degrees  of  life,  though  not  of  t  he  fame 
life;  as  Plants  have  a  Vegetative  life  only  to  grow,  but  no  feniitive  to  fee;  be- 

caufc 


''  ( 


ten  Vtr^msVpened  and  Applied. 


lot 


caule  their  forLn<^  are  more  drovvned  in  their  itiacter;  fenfitive  in  beifts,  vernot 
rational ;  rational  in  men,  but  Hot  x\ngelical,  &c.     So  here  ;  a  greater  depree  , 
of  the  Spirits  working,  makes  a  difference  in  kind  between  Chriliian  and  Chridi-  i 
an.     'Tis  the  Spirit  that  makes  a  man  live  a  civil  moml  lite,  'lis  the  flime  Spirit! 
by  a  greater  iiroke,  aiakes  a  m.an  live  the  life  of  God,  Efh./\,\'^.     Yet  here  arc*' 
two  kinds  of  lives  as  far  different  as  lenhtive  and  vegetative;    and  though  the 
rational  h.ith  both,  yec  'tis  neither  of  both.     So  though  a  Saint  lives  the  liie  of 
reafon  and  morality,  yet  there  is  ano:her'life  he  hath,  which  doih  diifer  from 
thefe  of  a  higher  degree,  and  of  another  kind.     I  do  not  (liy  therefore  that  a  fiR- 
cere  foul  only  hath  a  greater  degree  of  thefam.e  Grace,  but  th.it  he  is  diliincuiili- 
ed  by  a  greaier  degree  of  Grace  and  working  of  the  Spiiit  of  Grace  from  an  un- 
found  heart.     As  a  man  m.ay  love  another,  but  not  with  a  conjugal  love,  here 
is  now  a  degree  of  love,  but  not  of  the  fam.e  love,  for  'tis  not  a  whit  conjugal ; 
it  m.ight  then  befinful  in  fom.e  m.en  ,  fo  'tis  here.     A  man  that  hath  filled  his 
ftomack  wich  meat  m.ay  have  fom.e  deiire  after  it,but  not  an  hungry  defire,  nor  in 
thit  degree ;  hence  not  hungry  at  all.     So  the flnggard  deftres and  hath  not^  a  c.ir- 
nalheartdehre--,and  another  delires  theLord Jefus  ;  a, carnal  flus'gil'h heart  de- 
iires  and  kith  nor,  but  another  hungers  and  is  filled;  he  hath  nor  any  decree  of 
the  fame  hunger.     '  fis  therefore  granted  there  are  defires,  and  joyes,  and  light, 
and  growth  in  flilfe  hearts,  but  there  is  not  that  fulnefle  of  joy,  that  fulnefleof 
light,  that  fuineiTe  of  the  Spirit  which  is  in  the  Faithful ,  and  here  they  ever  fall 
lliort.     Yet  note, 

.  I.- There-is  notaperfe61:m.ea{ure;  nor  the  fulnefie  that  iliall  b£  when  our 
fouls  fliall  be  gathered  to  them  that  are  m.ade  perfedl:. 

2.  Nor  yet  that  there  is-that  fulnefle  the'Saincs  aim  at ;  for  'tis  the  refurre6ti- 
on  they  aimat,  P/j//.3.i2,i3,i4» 

3-  Nor  yet  a  glutting  ftilneffe,  that  men  have  Manna  enough,  and  fay,  the 
main  work  is  wrought,  and  that  is  enoiigh  :  Notfuchafulnefs  as  fa  tis  fies  their 
appetite  from  longing  for  more.  But  which  fatisfies  aiKl  quiets  the-ir  Confcience 
^ in  regard  of  tjhe  uprightneffe  of  their  fouls  tefore  thp  Lord. 


SECT.    II. 


U  T  for  the  more  full  and  clear  explication  of  this  point,  Irtiall  fliew  you ' 
thefe  three  things.  ■**..' 

1.  That  Hypocrites  m.ay  have  foa:ic  inward  touches  of  Gods  Spirit. 

2.  Thittheveryreafon  of  their  falfeneffe  is  becaufe  they  have  no  morethan 
fuch  torches  or  Oroaks. 

3.  Th.ic  there  is  a  fulnefle  the  Saints  come  to,  which  others  want. 

Ci.  Pofitively. 
To  be  iliewed  <  ' 

(f  2.Negldvely. 
I.  That  Hypocrites  may  have  not  only/outward  fhews,  but  foqie  inward  lighter 
iiroaks  of  Gods  Spirit.  ,      As  '  ,        ; 

;      I.  Of  the  Spirit  refiraining  and  confining,  nay  benumming  of  corruption,  as, 
.  Tml  w;as  blamelefs,  nay  he  had  no  mind  nor  will  to  many  fins,  •  nay  did  not  think  j 
he  had  any  living  conrempt  and  enmity  of  God  in  his  heart.     Hence  K'Q7n.-].9.\ 
'tx^'i^^^  Vyhen  the  Command  came  (in  revived.    "Was  it  not  living  before?     Yes,[ 
I  buc  it  was  aflccp,  itwasbenum.med,  like  cold  Snakes,  but  not  killed. 
I      2,  Of  the  Spirit  preventing  and  exciting  unto  many,  nay,  to  any  duty  of  the 
i  Law  in  general,,  and  that  fom.etim-e  by  fears  of  mifery  and  rerroufs  of  the  Law, 
\T>eutr<^,^^.     And  fomtimie  by  love  and  mercy,  m.orally  afFe61:ing  the  heart, 
!  Exod. 1 9.-4^,i5;     Tqu have  heard,  what  the  Lord  hath  d&: e^  Will  you  miv  sv:er]M^  \ 

Covenant  ? ! 


ipi 


The  Parable  of  the 


CovenAMt  ?     Yes,  yec  vvhic  is  laid  of  cheii  ?  Pfal 78.37.     T/?f;  iverefalfc  i»  Gods 
Covenant. 

3 .  There  may  be  fome  operative  and  quiekning  Grace  oF  the  Gofpel,  Heb.^.4. 
The^  were  enlightefted^  &c. 

4.  There  may  belbme  edifying  and  cooperating  gifts  of  Law  and  Gofpel, 
whereSy  a  man  may  not  only  be  ufeful  and  helpful  to  (om^^  but  to  the  Church 
of  God^  as  thofe  that  did  prophecy  in  Chriits  Name.  And  thefe  may  be  fo in- 
ward,  that  they  think  themtelves  clean  and  fincerc  ;  as  Ab'imekch. 

IL  That  the  reafon  of  their  unfcfundnefs  isbecaufe  they  have  no  morerfaan 
lighter  ftroaks  of  Gods  Spirit. 

As  I  might  lliG.vin  all  thefe,  PWishlameleffc,  yet  far  enough  from  having 
fin  mortified  by  Chrill:,  and  hence  profefleth  ,We did ferve  divers  Lufis^  Tit.S.S* 
The  JfrjelitesCTy  out,  they  mil  do  what  God  will  have  th§m  :  Yet  Oh  that  there 
were  fnch  an  heart  1  Deut.$,2^.  They  in  HeS.6.  were  enllghteTjed  a^dtajiedy 
yec  fell.  He  therefore  add  s,  fVe  are  per/waded  (  v.9.  )  better  things  of  yon.  They 
Qidfrophejic  inChrifis  JVame,  Mat.7.  Yet  depart  from  me  ydtt  workers  ofimqnlty. 
Bur  fee  it  mere  particularly,  yWiirij^  12.33,'  Saith  the  Scribe  to  him.  To  love  the 
Lord^  o\\'tis  better  than  all  bnrMt  Offerings.  Some  Jews  did  reft  there,  bur  neg- 
lected the  inward  work ;  but  this  man,  the  irivylrd.  work  was  prized  in  his  judg- 
ment^ he  had  both  profelTion  and  fome  affecjlion :  And  was  he  nowentred  into 
the  Kingdome  of  God  ?  No.  Here  was  his  wound,  he  fell  fhorc  oficfome 
degree'?.  Hence  its  faid,  than  art  not  far  from  the  Kingdom  of  God,  So  the  Jfrae- 
:  lites ,  Why  did  not  they  enter  ?  Was  not  the  Land  good  ?  Oh  yes  /  That 
j  report  the  vvoril  of  the  Spies  brought :  But  their  hearts  were  not  taken  with  the 
goodnefs  of  it,  as  Calebs  and  Jofhuahs  were.  And  hence  they  were  iliut  out, 
Namb.iS.'i'/.  &  14.7,8,34.  So  it  is  here.  So  anunfound  heart  may  be  en^ 
lightened,  as 'tis  there,  Kf ^.^.4^5 •  But  there  is  a  marvellous  light  which  they 
never  have,  they  have  not  fuch  a  degree,  i  Pet.i.^,  And  hence,  i5cut.29.2,3,4. 
The  Lord  hath  not  given  you  eyes  to  fee  to  thu  day.  Did  the  Lord  give  them  no  eyes 
to  fee,  no  hearts  to  be  affe6ted  with  what  they  did  fee  ?  Why  cam.e  they  then 
outof£^^;!f?  Why  did  they  fing  when  ftieyfaw  Pharaoh  drownad?  Why 
they  had  not  fuch  eyes  and  fuch  hearts  as  Mofes  had,  nor  unto  that  day. 

Sofor  turning  to  the  Lord,  Do  not  many  unfound  hearts  turn  over  anew 
leaf  ?  Do  they  not ,  not  only  outwardly,  but  inwardly  too  ?  Where  is  the  flaw 
then?  In  the  degree,  ]er.  3. 10.  Judah  hath  not  turned  mth  her  whole  heart-,  but 
treacheroHJly.  So  there  may  be  fome  growth  and  life  in  falfe  unfound  hearts, 
that  may  afrcr  fall  away  :  But  where  is  the  wound  ?  Look  in  the  Parable  of  the 
Seed;  Somegr«\vnotat  all;  fome  did  grow,  but  not  having  depth  of  earth,  fell 
jgain  :  Ochei's  fell  not  in  perfecution,  bui  there  were  the  roots  of  Thorns  that 
choikt  the  Seed;  the  good  grounds  feed  came  to  ripeneffeand  fulnefs  of  fruit, 
though  fome  in  a  gre.iter  degree  than  others ;  yet  none  at  all  (no  ripe  fruit  j  in 
the  red.  Hence  the  Lord  is  faii  to  weigh  the  hearty  Prov-^6.i,  Men  think  they 
arehmnbied,  and  do  belies'e,  but  God  finds  tbem  too  light,  ^s  Beljhazx^ar  was 
weighed  andfmnd  too  light.  And  thus  it  will  be  feen  at  the  lart  day,  when  Chrift 
Jcuis  lli.ili  appear,  that  all  the  moft  glorious  Profeilionof  many  a  man  is  there- 
fore rejected ,  becaufe  found  too  lighc. 

in.  That  there  is  afulnefle  which  the  Saints  have,  and  which  others. fall  fliorc 
of.     Whichliliall  fhew, 

L  Pofitively  and  affirmatively  from  what  hath  been  faid,  Prov.ia.2<f.  The 
righteopis  is  w-ore  excellent.  John  14. 1 7.  kFhomthe  world  cannot  receive  :,  becastfeit 
knows  him  not.  There  is  that  Spirit  in  Saints  which  no  unregenerate  man  knows, 
hence  defires  not.  Recaufe  he  dwells  in  you,  he  doth  not  only  fend  fome  gifts, 
or  work  fomwhat  there,  but  he  dwells  there,  he  fils  the  heart.  Hence  theend 
ofChrifts  death  is,  to  pnrchafe  to  himfelf  a  pecdiar  people-,  Tit.2.1^.     Of  fuch  a 

fpirit. 


ten  Vir2^tns  Opened  and  Applied. 


fpirk",  fuch  hoUiieis  that  only  rhemielves  .know.  So  'cis  that  which  all  the  Pro- 
phets prcfs  to,  to  a  higher  pitch  ;  and  hence  that  charge  of  Jo/^.ii.  5.  And 'tis 
a  peculiar  frui!:  of  Eiettion,  Efh.i.^.  i.  To  be  holy,  2.  'Before  him.  3.  ]» 
lov  f • 

il.  Negatively.     If  there  fhould  not  be  fuch  a  diflinguifhing  fulnefs, 

1.  Then  the  whole  Miniftry  ofChriltisinvain;  and  fo  defiroyed,  for  vvhat 
is  the  end  of  that,  that  God  raiicth  up  any  Minilters  in  the  Church,  but  this,  A^s 
25. 18.  To  turn  men  from  darkneffe  to  light.  If  this  light  VTas  only  that  in  Hel>.6.^. 
then  the  end  of  the  Minillry  was  to  work  hypocrihe.  And  from  the  power  of  Satan 
to  Gody  there  the  Lord  leaves  them  not,  hwzthat  thej  may  receive  remljfionof  fins^ 
&c.  '. 

2.  If  there  fliould  not  be  this  fulnefs,  moft  of  the  Promifes  iViould  be  deftroy- 
ed,  andGodsFaithfuinefsfail,  and  the  Saints  be  deceived.  For  Pronaifc^  are 
made  to  them  that  mourn,  to  them  that  hunger,  to  them  that  believe,  &c.  Now 
many  Hypocrites  mourn,  and  defire,  and  the  iiony  ground  •believed.  Then  it 
feems  the  promife  is  not  true.  Yes,  and  therefore  there  muft  be  another  kind 
of  mourning,  another  and  higher  degree  of  the  Spirit  of  Faith,  &c.  I.  e.  not  of 
the  fame  Faith,  but  of  another  kind  of  Faith. 

5.  If  not,  theiTall  Chriftian  endeavour  after  a  higher  meafure  of  Graee  fliould 
bedettroyed.  For  if  any  man  only  hach  Chrift  in  his  eye,  that  he  may  have 
him,  I  fay  that  is  fweet ;  but  I  fay  you  fhall  never  have  him,  unlefs  you  receive 
him.  Oh  but  many  receive  him/  ^sjohm.^3^  yetChrilf  commlted  nothlm- 
f elf  to  them^  for  he  faiv  what  they  were.  Now  therefore  if  you  regard  not  the  mea- 
fure ,  /.  e,  fuch  a  kind  of  receiving  of  him,  you  will  never  feek  for  it,  pray  for  it, 
nor  learn  to  knowit.  And  hence  *tis  faid,Prov.i  5.24.  Thereay  of  life  Is  above 
to  the  righteous^  If  it  were  not  above,  of  that  height,  he  would  never  come  over 
difficulties  to  ir. 

4.  If  not,  there  is  no  true -hope  that  any  man  can  have :  But  'tis  uttterly  de- 
ftroyed,  i  John  3.3.  He  that  hath  this  hope  purgeth  hlmfelf.  I  am  as  good  as 
fuch  a  one  :  Bur,  a^  Chrlfl  Ispnre.    That  is  his  Copy  and  his  Pattern. 

5.  The  very  people  of 'God  ^re  deftroyed  from  having  a  being  in  the  world,  if 
this  m.eifurc  makes  not  the  difference.  If  it  be  replied,  the  Lord  Jefus  makes  the 
difference.  'Tis  very  true,  thofe  that  are  in  Covenant,  they  have  God  to 
be  their  God,  that  makes  one  difference ;  but  if  there  be  not  fom€  peculiar  work- 
manfliip  of  the  Spirit  in  them.,  then  though  they  have  God  their  God,  yet  the 
fecond  part  of  the  Covenant  is  deftroyed.  I.e.  i  hey  are  not  the  Lords  peculiar 
people  that  have  more  than  common  waih-work.  For  we  are  nor  only  the  Lords 
people  by  choyce  and  purchafe,  but  by  new  Creation  alfo,  7/^.54.7,8, 9. 


SECT.   in. 


H 


Ence  we  fee  the  fight  of  no  Grace  is  no  part  of  a  Chriflians  Grace  and  Ho- 
linefs.     The  five  Fool ilhVi-oins  were  not  fhut  out  becauf 


^,  becauCe  they  did  not 

fee  they  had  no  Oyl,  but  becaufe  when  they  did  fee  it,  (  as  the  Lord  will  make 
youXee  it  firll:  or  laft  )  they  did  not  get  fuch  a  m^eafure  and  quantity  of  it  as  might 
fill  their  Veffel.  You  m.ay  go  down  to  Hell  with  complaints  I  have  nothing,  an- 
lefle  the  eternal  Spirit  work  fomthing  at  laft  in  you. 

Hence  take  heed  of  quenching  and  limiting  the  Spirit  of  God,  'when  it's  work- 
ing upon  and  breathing  in  your  hearts  at  any  time,  in  any  means.  Becaufe  you 
rnay  then  fall  iTnort  of  this  meafure  of  it,  and  fo  be  fbut  out  at  lafl.  Look  as  it 
was  with  the  IfrdellteSj  'tis  faid  of  them,  that  they  could  not  drive  out  the  CmaA- 
mtesj  I.e.  they  would  not  by  reafoH  of  their  floach  ;  and  hence  they  were  pricks, 
nay  Hiares  eo  them.    So  the  Lord  begins  to  work  ftrangely  upon  fome  men,  but 

C  c  they 


9} 


Ufcu 


Ufe-^i 


IM 


ue . 


Anfw. 


'The^  arable  of  the 


they  are  prefeiuly  humble  enough,  and  have  comfort  enough,  and  Grace  enough, 
and,  cannot  bebecter,  and  hence  God  makes  their  hnsfnares  and  thorns  ro  their 
forrow  andruine  afterward.  Nay  Beloved ,  many  a  one  will  quench  the  Spirit.' 
Oh  rake  heed  of  ic .'    Tiius, 

1.  The  Spirit  not  only  convinceth ,  but  humbles  his  he.irr,  and  fbake^  his 
fpirit  with  fears  of  iin.  Now  what  fhouid  he  do  ?  He  {hoald  ivelcom  it,  and 
fay,  oh  blelled  Spirit,  dott  begin  lo  caft  me  down  to  the  duft  for  m.y  fm,  before 
I  am  caft  to  Heil  formy  fin  /  ■  What  wilt  have  me  to  do  ?  Oh  humble  mc  more. 
Give  m,c  not  only  an  ail  of  heavinefs,  but  a  ipiric  of  heavinefs .'  As  Hie  faid  of 
aitli<Stion,  Ifraj  God  this  Pldfier  mAj  never  ceafe  clea,vlng^  till  healed.  Now  what 
do  many  m.ea  ?  Why  either  gam.e  ir,  or  work  it ,  or  deep  it  away.  The  young' 
m.an  will  riot  fo  foon  lofe  all  his  m.irch:  The  m.an  that  hath  thought  his  eftate 
goodfolongj  will  not  believe 'tis  fo  with  him  now;  Or  as  Solomon['^<t^kso'i 
Gods  hand,  he  gro  vs  weary  of  his  chaMifem.enc,  |md  fo  calls  it  off,  and  catcheih 

I  hold  on  Chrift  and  comfort,  asd  there  (laies,  before  the  Spirit'  hath  done  it. 

2.  If  they  dare  not  lliake  it  off  thus  till  the  Spirit  eafeth  ,  then  they  fati's- 
fie  therafclves  with  fome  hopes  the  Lord  gives,  and  fome  taftofhis  fweetnefs', 
before  they  are  fatisfied  with  it,  as  thofe  did,  Hck6.^^ 5 .  And  hence  PfaLpci  4. 
Ohfattsfieus  with  thj  mercy  ,  [0  [hall  we  be  gUd  all  the  dales  of  our  lives !     So  fatis- 

'  Hed,  as  to  live  upon  ic  alone.  As  many  fay,  they  could  be  contented  it  lliould  be 
I  fo,  but  they  do  ;.oc  live  upon  it.  As  if  you  ihould  ask  a  iiian,  couid  you  be  con- 
'  tent  to  be  made  King,  and  come  from  Beggery  ?'  Yes;  but  he  is  lefc  there, 
j'tis  notfo  ;  and  hence  lives  a  Beggar  ftill.  '  Men  cannot  live  without  their  lufts. 
[Yet  fairh  Ghrift,  Mj  flejh  i^  meat  Indeed^ and  drinkjndeed^  i.e.  This  gives  real  con- 
{folation,  Tatisfa<ftion  indeed.  And  here  l^any  a  Chriftian  links,  asdgoesup 
and  down  fhort  of  faving  good. 

3.  H"ence  m.any  walk  in' fome  defires  which  the  Spirit  hath  wrought,^  but  ro 
break  through  all  difficulties,  and  follow  the  Lord  indeed,  and  come  to  that  they 
know  they  mutt  indeed,  this  they  will  not  do,  but  depart  from.  Chrift  forrowful, 
and  hope  the  Lord  will  accept  of  them  ;  and  hence  the  Lord  complains,  Mal.i.%. 
of  this  generation  that  had  deiiresin  their  flocks,  bue  lame  ones,  w'lllthj  Kiisg 
accept  this?  And  fo  all  their  work  is  overly  and  fuperficial  by  ftinting  the  Spi- 
rit. Thus  far  you  fliall  go  but  no  farther.  Oh  Beloved,  this  is  the  fram.e  of  a 
fincQre  heirc,  the  Lord  empties  him,  but  he  is  never  content  till  the  Lord  fills ; 
and  when  he  finds  it,  be  hts  not  down  content  that  the  work  is  done,  but  as  his 
want  m.ade  him  beg  before,  fo  his  taft  m?.kes  him  long  more  now  ,  as  Mofes^\o 
feemore  of  the  Lords  Glory  :  Ks'Paul^  P/jz'/.^.ia,!^.  Oh  therefore  when  the 
Spirit  comes,,  intreat  it  to  go  on  and  finilli..    And  hence  David  begs,  Pfal.iig, 

Ti  2  2 .     Ob  the  mere  J  that  thou  njefi:  to  (hew  to  them  that  love  thj  Name !     Why  fo  ? 
OhD.wld  faw  m.ercy  to  others,  that  fets  God  awork  to  do  fomwhar  for  them,work 
lom.what  in  theiTi,  but  *qs  not  fuch  mercy.    Oh  beg  for  that  mercy  that  hum.bled 
others,  quickned  others^,  that  are  now  in  Glory;  that,  or  no  mercy  Lord .' 
How  (hall  I  k^ow  whether  the  work^  is  overly  ? 

1.  If  fudd'en  and  violent,  'ds  ufually  overly.  A  Pi6lure  long  a  drawing  is 
exacl,  another  f^on  done  ifr  lightly  dohe.'  A  man  hath  Leopard-fpots,  which  in 
our  garments  cannot  be  vvafhed  out  caiily.  Gods  throtigh-work  is  foaking  and 
fearching.  .  Hence  violent  fudden  forrows  andjoyes  and  reformation  which  all 
were  in  the  ftony  ground  ,  proved  unfound,  y^/4f .  1 3 . 5 . 

^2.' God'haththy  timeof  trying  thee,  A^fat.i^.  Tfhe  feed  was  fown.  Which 
now  is  good  ground  ?  :  Where  is  there  fruit  to  be  Teen  and  ripenefs  of  Grace? 
Lookuji'Onperfecution,if  that  doth  not  drive  thee  from  Chrift.  If  that  doth,  nor, 
fee  if  the  world  doth  not,  -which  by  a  certain  deceit  and  cozenage  will, befool  you. 
lamperfwaded,  as  C<J2/'&'z;?is,  that  all  the  feveral  trials  of  men  arc  to  ftiew  them 
to  themfelves  and  the  world,  that  they  be  but  councerfeits,  and  to  make  Saints 

known 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 

known  to  thenfelves  the  better*  As  Sauly  he  hath  a  temptation  only  of  a  com- 
mand, when  he  had  nothing  to  caufe  him  to  (teop  but  it,  yet  he  fell  there.  So 
'tis  with  many  others  that  God  doth  much  for,  he  tries  them,  •Rom.5.5.  Trlhu- 
Utlon  yoor\s  trial^  and  that  hope:  Prov.T^J-^*  If  you  would  know  whether  it 
will  hold  weight,  the  trial  will  tell  you.  Look  yon  there,  and  in  fpcciaj,  if  it 
drives  to  Prayer^  fear  nor. 


^91 


CHAP.  XX- 


JFherein  is  ^mi  more  Larz^e  and  TF uU  ac- 
count of  that  Fulne^[X)f  X/race  that  is  in 
'Belteyers^  as  to  the  Several  "^arts  thereof], 
and  how  the  mosi  Qhriom  Hwoc rites  come 
fhortinall.  ^^^ 


SECT.    I. 

MAke  therefore  a  narrow  fearch  whenher  you  have  this  Fulnefs  of  the  Spi- 
licorno.  '     ,    '    '  .     . 

ivhatisthis Fulhejfe  ?  13; v/:ioo3|«pi.t;i  i  r^ 

Whenxhe  Spirit  comes  iii  the  room' of '  thofe  thing's  which  a  man  is  full 
of  now-    For  fuj  ncfe  or  filling  implies  empciriefs,  and  the  removal  of  that. 
Now  there  areiix  things  every  man  is  full  of. 

I,  Sin  3.  Unbdief.  5;  Self. 

s.  DarkneTs.  4.  Satan.  6,  World. 

.  So  there  is  aHfvvcrably  in  every  Saint, 

1.  A  Fulnefs  ofhumiliation  for  fin.  - 

2.  A  Fulnefs  of  illumination  and  revelation jin  the  rooni  of  darknefs, 
]  ■  7,,  A  Fulnefs  of  Faichyin  the  room  of  unbelief.  /    •  • '  '  '"^ ; 

4.,  A  Fulneis  of  the  Spirit  it  felf,  in  the  room  of  Sataftv' "^  ^''  " 

I     5^  A  Fulnefs  of  Sandlification  in  ailing  for  God  as  their  laft  end  ,  iin  the 

;  room  of  fe'f-feeking. 

j     6.  A  Fulnefs  cf  Glory  and ConfoIation,"inftead  of  thevvorld. 

I     I.  Fulnefs  cf  humiliation  under  (in,oppofitc  to  fulnefs  of  iin. 

I  For  every  hypocritical  heart  hath  commonly  fomc  humiUation  and  cafting 
down,  which  is  the  firit  Principle  of  all  his  Profeilion,  and  hence  can  tell  you  of 
his  miferable  cftate  that  once  he  lived  in,  and  for  which  he  was  troubled ,  but 
ic  was  never  deep  enough.  For  as  there  was  before«his  tcrri^ing,  a  full  power, 
a  fulnefs  of  the  dominion  of  firt,,  his  humiliation  for  ^n,  never  reached,  never 
came  to  that  fulnefs  or  meafure,  fo  as  to  deliver  the  foul  froni  that.  For  I  dp  not 
account  that  true  humiliation  whereby  a  mansiieii't  is  rent,  troubled  and  torment- 
ed with  fin,  but  whereby 'tis  rent  from  fin;  notfromthe  being,  but  from 
the  power,  not  from  the  bondage  of  fome,  but  yet  from  the  power  of  all .  For  if 
rending  widi  fin  fhould  be  humiliation,  then  the  Devils  fhould  be  more  humbled 
then  any.*Thcn  alfo  a  man  may  havfetoo  nnich  of  humiliation,,  and  of  Gods  ^pi- 
i;it....iftendingfromthebeingof  allfin  ihouldbe  humiliation,  then  no  man  li- 
■  Y  Cc  2,         "  vina 


UfcS. 


Qnejf. 
An[w* 


1^6 


T^he  ^^arable  of  the 


ving  (hould  be  fmcerely  humbled ;  unieis  we  dream  of  an  elbre  of  perfe<Slion  j 

rending! 


before  iccomes,  and  of  the  day  of  triumph  in  the  rime  of  warfare.  ]f 
from  the  bondage  of -fome  fins  iKould  be  humiliation,  rhena  man  might  bej 
truly  humbled  for,rin,;and  yet  under  the  power  of  it.  And  therefore  look  as 
in  every  one  the  Lord  humbles,  there  was  once  a  fulnefs  of  tic  reign  and  pow- 
er of  hn  in  the  full  i^rengih  of  it  ;~fo  that  full  rr.cafure  of  Humiliation  which 
the  Lord  works  in  his,  it  ever  comes  to  that  height,  as  to  break  that  power  down, 
£  W-like,  it  not  only  wounds  the  fielTi,  but  leaves  the  dagger  in  the  heart  of  this : 

Tyrant; zCor^io-'^.-Theweawns  of  mr  vForfare  are  mighty  to cafi  down  everj 

thingthat  exalts  It  [elf. 

If  I  fhould  leave  this  Point  ,thuSj  I,fho'uld:but  leave  you  as  doubtful  as  you 
came,  and  lb  in  the  dark  ;  therefore  for  the  better  clearing  of  this  Point,  Ice  m.e 
explain  five  things  to  you :  The  Scope  of  which  is  to  iliew  you,  what  I  mean  by 
firii  and  the  powcrof  it , and  that-- Humiliation  that  rem.oves ir. 

L  That  befides  the  outward  ads  of  fin,  and  imyard  Jufts  and  breathings  of 

j  fin,  and  the  fpiriiuat  plagues  with  which  God  firikes  men  for  fin,  as  blindnefs, 

j  hardnefs  of  heart,  there  is  in  every  man  living  another  fin,  cornmonly  called  the 

fin  of 'nature:  (as  in  the  Serpents,  befidcs  the  fpitting  of  poyfon,  their  nature  is 

poifonous )  which  fin  is  generally  beleeved  and  confeifed,  but  felt  by  few.    This 

IS  called  in  Scripture  by  the  name  of  Fle(h^  Joh.  3.  3. 77?^  Law  of  the  memhers , 

The  old  man.    For  as  in  men,  there  are  actions,  breathings,  and  the  man  himfelf ; 

So  here :  Wiiich  fin  of  nature  is  the  deordination  of  the  whole  man,  or  a  corrupt 

bent  and  fet  of  the  whole  man  againft  God:  And  it  exprefTcth  it  felf  in  two 

i  particulars ;     i,  Ina  conftant  departing  from  God  in  every  a6lIon,  Civil  and 

I  Moral :  Like  a  man  fet  out  of  his  way,  every  ficp  he  goes  is  ouc  \  or  like  a  Clock 

out  of  frame,  every  ftroke  is  hli^e^j^faL  58. 3.  The  wicked  go  aftrayfromthe  -uery 

\fvomhe.     2.  In  a  fierce,  invincible,  refilling  and  contradi^ling  of  God,  when  he 

I  hath  overtaken  the  foul  to  draw  it  home,  and  turn  it  back.  Ram .  8.7.  We  account 

':-it  a  doleful  thing  forChrift  to  bid  the  foul  depart  at  the  laft  day,  that  wo  is  part 

;  upon  all  the  fons  of  tnen  by  this  fin  now ;  only  vvith  this  difference ,     i.  They 

■are  forced  todepartthen,  men  willingly  depart  now,  andhaften  away  in  every 

j  thing  from  God  as  f^fi  as  they  can.     2.  They  depart  into  fire,  thefe  to  broken 

Cirterns  of  creatures.    I  do  3 .  Believe  they  would  not  refift  the  Lord,  if  he  (hould 

come  ro  fave  them  from  their  feparation  then  from  him,  this  makes  nature  refift 

him  now, 

I  IL  That  this  finof  nature  is  m.oft  properly  only  the  reigning  fin.  The  text  is 
■  evident  for  it,  Rom.  6.12,  Let  imjin  reign^  to  obey  It  in  the  lufls  thereof.  There  is 
j  I. Obedience,  /.  e,  the  outward  a<5ls.  a.  Lufts,  the  inward  breathings,  3. Sin  it  felf 
i  where-  thofe  lufts  are  feared.  It  hath  beea  a  Queftion,  What  a  mans  raigning 
[  mafter  fin  is,  and  many  difcoveries  have  been  made  of  particular  fins ,  as  that 
Uvhichrifeth  and  a wakeneth  firft  in  the  morning  with  us,  that  which  rides  and 
\  labours  a  man  upon  the  Sabbath  day,  when  the  Lord  or  fin  muft  ride  in  triumph : 
yet  that  is  the  mifery  of  a  carnal  heart,  that  when  he  gives  his  beafts  reft,  yet  fuch 
I  is  fins  tyranny  ,  he  being  finsbeaft ,  that  he  fhall  then  have  no  reft.  Now  if 
their  meaning  be,  tljat  fome  particular  fin  may  be  a  raigning  fin,  or  a  mans  per- 
fonal  reigning  fin ;  then  *tis  true,  Ja!^/fef  loves  his  bag  bett,  and  u4  chhof  he  I  ^nd 
HamflH  his  honour  moft ,  and  Herod  his  whore  moft.  But  if  they  mean  a  mans 
natural  reigning  fin  ;  the  reigning  fin  then,  'tis  not  any  particular  fin  fomuch  as 
this :  For  no  fin  is  able  to  reign  over  any  man  but  by  commiflion  and  power  from 
this.  As  the  Weeds  can  never  grow  tall,  but  by  vertue  of  their  foil  where  they 
grow.  Mat.  1 5;.  19.  All  the  boughs  flourifh  by  vertue  of  the  root  whence  they 
grow.  And  hence  weftiall  fee,  let  Satan  fow  his  feeds  of  pride  or  luft  orpaf- 
fion  in  a  man  whofe  nature  is  changed ,  its  impoffible  they  fhould  come  to  any 
perfe6lion  there,  but  they  will  die  away  within  a  time,  becaufe  the  heart  of  the 

foil 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


^91 


toil  IS  gone,  and  power  ot  nnrcT.ovcd;  and  henee  alfo  k  coir^e-:  to  pafs,  that  a 
mans  mailer  ftn  may  be  changed  :  Thofe  fins  that  arc  his  mader-^is  in  hi?  youth  , 
arcnotin  hisoldagc,  thofe  thatare  at  onetime,  in  one  place, arenot  in  another. 
Now  there  could  never  be  iuch  change  of  Govemours  and  Vice-foys,  unlefs  there 
were  fome  great  King,  that  fees  up  one,  and  pulls  down  another,//^f/>  ^ro  imterlo ; 
This  is  therefore  theraig'iing  (in,  which  hath  taken  poCelFion  of  every  part,  which 
hath  its  hand  in  every  act,  which  pulls  down  one  fin  and  fetsup  another  under 
it,  which  gives  ftrength  to  every  lin  that  hath  any,  which  fights  it  out  till  the  lafl:  : 
This  is  I  lay  the  reigning  (in ;  hence  think  not  that  then  the  reigning  fin  is,  down  , 
when  your  ferfonal  fins  arc  dertroyed,  though  it  be  with  amoft  fudden  and  fear- 
ful deliru6tion. 

i  III.  That  when  the  Spirit  of  God  humbles  the  foul  indeed,  he  ftrike?  the  he.id, 
[and  wounds  the  heart  of  this  (in;,  he.  doth  not  only  cut  oflf  fome  limbs  of  it, 
I  nor  only  binde  it^  bun  flay  it  of  its  life  and  power.  That  as:  'cis  with  fome  men, 
[  they  may  have  many  pains,  gripes,  difeal'es,  yet  live  and  recover  again ,  but  the 
pangs  are  notfo  (trang  as  to  feparare  foul  and  body,  for  then  the  man  is  gone  ; 
So  a  carnal  heart  he  may  be  troubled,  and  have  many  gripes  of  Cpnfcience,  and 
apply  the  promife.  Come  to  m?  you  that  be  wearj^  and  fo  he  may  finde  re'^-,  and.  as 
he  recovers  his  peace,  his  iin  recover?  itsrtrcngth  ;  but  when  the  pangs  are  fo 
ilrong  as  to  feparate  body  and  foul,  fin  of  nature  which  hath  lived  there ;  now  the 
man  dies,  now  the  foul  falls  down  indeed.  Now  this  eflfe6lual  humiliation  car- 
ries-the  foul  unto  Chrirt,  and  hence  u^^s  26,18.  turmd  from  the -power  of  Satan 
to  God.,  Col.  1 .1 3 .  He  hath  delivered  mfrom  the  power  0/  darknefs.  And  hence 
Gal.  5.24.  They  th/tt beinChrlJi have cruclffd<he fie(h^as  well 06 the  i^etllem and 
Iffjls:  For  if  the  Lord  diould  only  humble  a.  man  for  the  fins  of  a  wicked  life, 
andfomewants  in  the  heart,  the  Lord  fliGuld  only  bruifc  Satans  heel,  but  never 
firike  his  head ;  the  Lord  lliould  flay  the  u4malekitef.)mt  fpare  the  ^gag;  'tis  true, 
the  Lord  ufually  at  firit  converfionfets  one  Cm  upon  the  foul  that  brings  to  minde 
many  other,  and  the  "Lord  humbles  for  thetn^.  and  here  the  foul  is  apt  to  reft  as 
many  do,  but  when  the  Lord  comes  indeed  to  work,  he  cuts  thus  d^Qp  as  now  1 
fpeak.  I  Cor.  i  5.  *Tis  fald,  The  Lordmuji  reign  till  all  his  enemies  are  pfC-  under  his 
:  feet.  Look  therefore  as  this  fin  is  the  greatelt  enemy  Chrift  hath,  fo  if  he  reigns 
in  heaven,  he  will  be  fure  above  all  other  fins,  toftrike  the  head  of  this,  and  dif- 
thronc  this;  and  we  fhall  find  that  there  may  be  deep  terrors  upon  the  falfe 
hearted  Virgins,  but  they  only  affault  the  foul ;  Soon  Saints,but  Chrift  then  flrikes 
at  the  fin  andfaves  the  foul,  7/<«/.57.i6, 17,     And  this  I  add,  there  may  be  a 

■  greitpowerof  Chrift  put  forth  to  humble  the  foul,  but  mens  hearts  refift  this; 
and  even  Pharaoh  vj as  humbled ,  but  its  never  faving ,  unlefs  it  ftrike  the  very 
power  and  throne  of  fin,  and  fo  this  fin ;  and  now  the  foul  is  humbled  in- 
deed. 

IV.  Thatnounregencrate  man  ever  had  fucha  meafure  of  humiliation,  as 
I  afccndcd  to,  and  ended  in  this,  though  he  may  have  all  that  Humiliation  which 
is  precedent  unto  this.    As,  j 

■  '  I.  The  Lordm^ay  arm  firft  fome  few,  and  then  many  of  the  fins  of  their 
i  lives  upon  them,  fo  as  they  may  feel  the  moft  intollcrable  burthen  of  them ;  not 
oicrly  to  Hand  convinced  they  arc  moft  grievous  finncrs,  but  to  fhed  many  teats  ; 

i  nay,  to  be  fore  troubled  and  diftrcfifed ,  oh  the  heavy  wrath  that  lies  upon  my 
ifoul  /  Thus  Saul,  1  Sam.  28.  1 5.    And  hence  many  make  heavy  compiaints , 
^  oh  the  Lord  hears  me  not  /  Send  fsr  Mofes,  faith  Pharaoh,    My  /»  ugremer  than 
;  i  caif  bear.,  f  nth  Cain.    Nay,  not  only  fo,  but  they  may  feel  more  terrors  than  ma- 
( Ry  of  the  Saints,  as  the  damned  now  ;  for  the  Lord  lays  this  burthen  upon  his  peo- 
ples backs  in  meafure,  but  the  Lord  empties  out  the  whole  fack  upon  them,  and 
the  ground  of  this  is  but  the  fting  of  fin,  or  the  gnavvings  of  particular  fins  in  the 
Confcicnce,  not  the  burthen  of  thcfin  of  nature  as  yet, 

•     C  c  5  %»  You| 


^9 


8 


"The  Parable  of  the 


2.  You  will  fay,  theCe  fell  from  God,  never  looked  to  Chiift,  nor  left  their 
fin  ;  but  1  have  done  fo.  Ihavefeen  the  mercy  ofGodintheGofpel,  the  Lord 
jefus  hath  been  revealed  there,  and  1  have  feen  fin, I  mutt  part  with  my  fin,  if  ever 
1  have  him,  andfo  I  have.  And  this  you  may  have,  you  may  fee  an  excellency 
in  Chriii,  and  befo  affci^ed  with  hope  of  his  mercy,  and  melt  at  the  thoughts  of 
hi^Love,  as  tocaft  off  all  outward  evils  thatthou  hall:,  or  the  world  lives  in,  2  Per. 
^.io.  So  chat  thoumaiil  efcape  thefe,  by  coming  to  him  to  remove  them,  and 
by  feeing  that  elfe  thou  tlialt  have  none  of  him  ;  asid  hence  hated  thou  maift  b^ 
G>f  the  world.  Thereafonis,  Chrltl  harh  only  waQicd  thy  skin,  bur  ne\'er  chan- 
ged thy  nature  as  yet,  fo  that  you  may  thank  God  my  Confcience  is  clear. 

3.  You  may  have  not  only  oucward  a6ls,  but  for  a  time  inward  liilts  quenched, 
that  a  man  hath  no  mind  nor  heart  to  any  dnful  way,  nor  to  the  deareft  fins  he 
hath  lived  iri,  whillll'iorrour  lies  upon  him.    As  in  JW^f,  when  God  did  heat 
his  Confcience,  his  lui^,  after  his  Bag  was  gone,  he  had  more  m.ind  to  an  halter ; 
And  hence  flings  away  his  pieces  ctf  iiWer,  and  innocent  blood  lies  heavy.     Oh 
themercyof  a  Gtirill:  that  1  have  fleigh ted  /     He  thought  he  might  have  had  his 
money  and  Chrift  efcaped  with  his  life,  and  his  fm  pardoned  afterward.    And 
hence  its  laid.  Mat.  27,3.     whenhefaiv  he  wot  cifnderrwed,  i:e  refemed^  and  as  a 
mm  not  worthy  to  live  in  his  ovvn  thoughts,  he  g'ses  and  he,ngs  himfelf,     'Tis  with 
the  foul  as  with  water,  all  the  cold  may  be  gone,  but  the  native  Principle  of  cold 
remains  tHU.    Y  on  may  remove  the  burning  of  lufts ,  not  the  blacknefs  of  nature, 
from  a  carnal  l^eart,^  and  the  ground  holds,  nature  is  not  changed.    This  I  fay 
anianregeneratc  man  may  have,  biit  y^etn^ver  find  this  change  of  nature,  where 
tli<e  power  of  fin  lies :  change  of  Confccietice  from  fecurity  to  terrour,  charge  of 
life  from  prophanencfs,  -^id  civility,  afto  faihions  of  the  world ,  to  efcape  palu- 
tions  thereof  i  chaftgeof  lufts,  nay  quenching  them  for  a  time;  but  the  nature 
is  never  changed  in  the  beft  Hypocrite  that  ever  vvas.    As  2  Pet.2. 19,20.  T/ie/ 
were  wajhedy  but  never  from  their  fvvinifli  nature ;     And  here  they  ever  fail,  'Prov. 
50.12,     T^ere  is  a  generation  €le4»  mtlielrown  ejes^  yet  not  vafked  from  their  filthi^ 
»efe.    2  TtM.^.i  8,ip,2o,2 1 .     Alexander  fell,  and  Hjmenem ;  they  talked  of  the 
glorious  eftatc  of  Saints,  and  that  here  was  all  the  relurre6lion  that  is  to  be  ex- 
pe61ed;  andisfeemsitwas  fuchafatloffuch  perfons  that  niany  ftumbled,  and 
faid,  How  fhall  we  know  who  arc  the  Lords  ?    Doubtlefs  we  may  fall.    No,  the 
foundation  rernains  furc^  mdth  Lord  knows  i» ho  are  his.     They  were  none  of  his  all 
that  timc-^and  let  nil  thatprofejfe  Chrifidef  art  from  imi^tMyyio^  he  thatpirgeth  himfelf 
fhalli^eap^ejjel  of  honour.     And  therefore  read'through  all  the  Scripture,  conftanr- 
ly  never  any  HypocL'ires  but  they  had  this  brand,  Mat.7.2  3 .    Tou  workers  of  iniqui- 
ty.   Herod  and  Judaa  had  their  haunts,  &c.  And  Rom.i^  &  2.  The  Apoftle 
ihevvs  that  all  were  under  fin.   He  may  in  every  thing  elfe  be  humbled,  for  all 
the  humili.ition  beiides  this  iirengrhens  fin  in  its  Kingdom,  and  binds  a  man  fa- 
i\t:  under  the  dominion  of  it.  And  hence  fuch  mai  are  more  hard  to  he  convin- 
ced than  men  that  were  never  caft  down  at  all. 

But  this  he  never  finds,  for  if  he  fhould,  then, 

r.  A  gracelefs  heart  might  partake  of  the  greateft  Benefit  of  the  Covenant  of 
jGracse,  and  love  of  God.  ForRom,'ii.2(5.  This  is  my  Covenant^  tu  take  away 
t/^err/w.  /  For  to  fuKdue  fin  is  greater  love  than  to  conquer  Devils ,  death, 
and  Hell,  Jfit.xi.6.  'Tis  turning  Lions  into  Lambs. 

2.  Then  an  iinregenerate  man  may  partake  of  the  laft  end  of  ajhhe  fufFerings 
andforrowsofCbrirt,  which  h  to  fa'i^e  his  people  from  their  fn.  And  hence,  John 
1,29.  Meiydldthe  Lttmh  of  God  which  taketh^way  the  fins  of  the  world.  I  John  3 .5,8. 
Chri/f  cmmf  to  deflr&y  the  works  of  the  Devil.  This  therefore  he  ever  falls  ihort  of. 
He  that  hath  found  this  cafie  ,  and  accounts  this  work  common,  never  had  it 
yet. 

Qneft.  Hqw  may  a  Chrijflnnk^t^  Vfh?n  the  Lord  hmh  changedhis  nmure^  end  taken 
down  the  foveer  of  his  fin  ?  .  ■  Anfw, 


ten  Vtmm  Opened  Mi' jlpplted 


Afi[w,  Ic  m=ght  iuffice  to  evidence  this ,  ^gainft  -^W  gnin-fayers,  tint  tinis.  hb^ 
and  lb  to  know  k  by  the  Spirits  ;w:CB€fs,  which  fhews  us  the  things f reel  j?  given  of 
God,  who  Lo  five  the  Lord  a  crying. anothei*  day,  tries  us  now,  and  makes^iowri 
thele  hidden  works.  Efpeciaily  feeing  fome  Divines  thiiiky  tharas  the  Firft  Adam 
conveyed  this  lit)  of  Nature,  I  nor  knowing ;  fo  the  fecond  ,i^^i2^  doth  alfo  re- 
move this  by  an  im-medidte  Wrciiik,  I  conceive  'tis'  fo  ulfo,  but  not  only  by  ir.  And 
therefore  take  two tv^dences  now.  '      -  .   . 

1 .  Wbere-ever  this  is  done,  ■  that  foul  doth  not  only  fee  this  fin,  for.fo  an  un- 
regenerate  Paul  did,  Romq  .9 .  •  VJhexQjt^  revived^  &c.  Amd  the  Word  is  'a  di- 
vtder  of  joynts  and  Marrow.  Nor  do  they  only  feel  this  as  an  dvilj  and  fo  be  much 
troubled  with  it,  but  when  tbeLord  makes  the  deje61:ed  foul  f(;el  it  as  its  greateft 
evil,  fo  long  as  it  remains  in  its  being  ;  (  as  it  wilF)  worfe  than  deathj'than  hell, 
than  all  atBiclions,  andmiferies.  .  'lis  not  a  particular  fm,  'but  rhisthat  he  feels 
thus.  You  will  fay,  this  is  a  high  pitch.  I  fay,  confider  if  any  man  was  ever 
humbled  under  iin,  but  he  that  felt  fin  as  ic  is.  For  if  1  feel  it  nOfas-tis,  lam 
deceived.  Now  'tis  the  great  e(t  evil;  To  depart  from,  a  living  God  is  worfe 
than  for  foul  and  body  and  ail  creatures  to  depart  From  fne.To'  ffiake  Godmifera- 
bleis  worfe  than  for  all  creatures  ever  to  be  made  fo,  and£n  in  its-iendencie 
doth  foy  being  a  crofs  to  his  Will)  7/^.1.24.  Hence  he- that  feels  it  indeed, 
feds  it  fo ;  the  beginning  0  f which  is  a  lorrow  and  mourning  after  God^'  that  it 
miohtbelb,  li3,6^.ij.  whyhafi  bardned  onr  hearts  from  thy  fear  ?  But  thus 
'tislndeed,^(?;».7.24.  And  when 'tis  thus.  It  will  hold  •■thus  till  death,  v\dii!e 
thecaufe  remains ;  nay  the  rsiore  life  and  love,  the  more  tender  it  grows-;  fetting 
afide'  fome  carelefs  fits.  Aiid  heijce  its  greateft  joy  is  to  think  of  the  tim.e it  lliall 
be  for  ever  holy  i  And  hence  accounts  no  fuch' mercy  as  to  be  fet  at  liberty  to 
live  tb'God  indeed.  A  graceleft^  heart  fees  and  fears  it,  and  cries  out  (5f  him_fel  f 
for  it ;  but day  a  while,  and  he  lofeth  his  tendernefs,  eilher  bccaufe  he  cannot 
pArtvvithit,  or  becaufe  of  Chril^,  hfe  looks  now  to  him,  orbecaufehehathnow 
fome  sprinkling  of  the  Spirit,  jliture  is  cafed  thereby,  and  he  is  quieted  j  and 
hence  never  any  carnal  heart,  ;bttt«fomc  root  of  bitternefs  did  grow  upat  laft  in 
thisSoyl.  Hence  Ordinances  prcifit  not,  beca'ufe feeling  islolf.  Butthefoul 
thus  feel ingit,  beholding  the  Holiiiefs  of  Ood'ahd  Love  of  Chrilt ,  and  its  con- 
itantwithdravvihgs,  reiifiings,-*  dh  if  cuts  deep! 

2.  Then  the  nature  is  changed,  vvhen  the  Confcience  being  ftill  and  quiet, 
and  the  foul  affured  of  the  Lords  iovevyet  nothing  gives  the  heart  quiet  till  'tis  con- 
tiguous to  Cod  in  Chrift  to  enjoy  Mm,  in  his  Hoiiriefs,  and  in  the  love  aiid  de- 
light of  his  whole  will.  For  this  is  a  certain  Rule,  If  the  nature  be  not  changed, 
if  Confcience  be  but  once  quiet<Sd;with  the  fence  of  Gods  love,  and  affe6ted  with 


It 


and  hath  riot  God  indeed,  riot- his  work  to  quiet  it,  itvvillf^H  to  tufting  after 
Creatures  and  live  upon  them,  and  feed  the  heart  there.  ^  For  as  'tis  iimpoflible 
for  a  man  to  live ,  or  to  be  without  provifion,  fo  the  world  being  proviiion  for  the 
ilefh,  meat,  driiik,  fleep,  and  thefe  lawful  thihgs ,  there  it  doth  arid  will  lie 
quiet  \\ithout<jod.'  Butnow  where  the  nature  is  changed,  and  there  is  another 
nature,  there  is  fomtbing  elfe  provided  for  it  to  live  on,  and  that  is  the  Lord  and 
hisWiU.  As  Chrifl;  faid,  'tis' my  meat  and  drwkjo  do  his fVill.  And  ^om'.j, 22. 
1  delight  in  the  Law  of  God  In  the  inner  man.  There  Was  fomvvhat  that  loathed  it, 
but  there  was  fomvvbat  elfe  delighted  in  ic,  and  there  lies  its  life,  and  though  the 
heart  would  rdl:  and  give  over  fomtimes,  yet 'tis  a  Law  of  the  mind  that  the  foul 
hath,  he  can  have  no  reft,  Rom.'^.'i'  And  therefore  take  a  child  of  God,  let  him. 
havem.eat,  drink,  fleep,  bleffing  in  his  Calling,  preach,  pray,  and  have  honour, 
yec  I  e  will  confhntly  come  home  to  the  Lord  rriourning.  What  doth  all  this  do 
trie  good?  When  I  rife  up,  lie  dowri,  ear,  driiik  and  pray,  and  do  all  with- 
out him  ?  An  untuned  heart  all  this  while.  The  world  (bnds  between  him  and 
the  Lord  all  uhis  vVhilc,  but  this'doth  riot.  Many  a  fincerfc  heart  hath  heavy  com- 
plaints; 


xoo 


1&nclu> 


C<»iclHJ^> 


T^he  "Parable  of  the 


plasms,  and  many  doubts,  becaufe  'tis  not  thus  ;^\his  rather  is  an  evidence  of 
peace,  than  Gods  war  againft  it.  Its  an  old  "Rule,  he  that  can  live  in  Heaven, 
iliall;  and  there  is  nothing  but  a  God  to  fuck  in,  and  breath  out,  and  live  uato. 
Is  this  thy  Element  now? 

Oh  confide:  and  examine*  your  felvcs  h^rc  you  poor  Saints,  that  you  may  be 
comforted.  Others  of  you,  if  now  you  do  not,  the  Lord  jefus  will  another  diy, 
and  bring  thefe  fecret  things  of  darknefs  to  light.  If  thou  lindeft  this  was  never 
yet  done,  know  it,  all  thy  tears,  and  fears,  and  prayers  have  been  in  vain  ;  and 
under  the  power  of  fin  aad  Satan  thou  ftil  I  art,  through  the  fierce  wrath  of  God  a- 
oainlt  thee :     And  there  I  leave  thee  till  the  Lord  find  thee  out. 


SECT.  II. 

II.  AFuInefsofllluminationin  the  room  of  darknefs. 


B 


UT  let  it  be  firft.  noted  that  Ifpeak  not  here  of  Revelations  of  future,  E- 
vents.  When  Virgin-Churches  fhallfall  a  dreaming,  'tis  a-fign  he,  fall  a 
iieeping.  Nor  of  revelation  of  new  Doilrines,  nor  yet  of  the  Loveof  Chrift  and 
aflurance  thereof ;  but  of  the  Perfon  of  Chqtt,  a  work  common  to'ali  the  Elect, 
and  not  peculiar  co  fome,  forChrilt  may  not  appear  in  his  pro  mile  of  love  for  a 
time  to  a  fincere  he.irt,  yet  this  is  then  wrought.  Ifhall  therefore  exprefs  my 
thoughts  herein  in  four  Conclufions. " 

1.  That  all  unregenerate  men  are  under  the  power  of  darknefs,  of  ignorance, 
Eph.5.8.  Tou  were  darknefe  in  the  abftra6t,  jEp/).4.i8.  So  that  tkeycamot 
mderjiandthethwgsof  the  Spirit  of  God.f  I  C9r.2.i4.  Efpecially  the  Lord  Jefus , 
for  the  knowledge  of  him  is  above  nature,  not  only  corrupted  but  pure  nature. 
Nay  though  the  Lord  gives  the  beft  and  cleareft  means  of  revealing  himfelf,  yet 
they  cannot  fee,  John  1.5.  Light  fhlned  In  dark^ejfe,  and  it  comfrekended him  not^ 
no  more  than  he  whole  vihve  facultyis  loft,  when  the  Sun  fhines  roundabout 
him.  Nay,  that  light  which  is  in  them  is  darknefs,  yl/^^.^.'s^.  And  then  how 
great  is  that  darknefs  ?  For  many  men  might  have  knovyn  Chrift,  but  that  they 
thoughc  they  did  know  him  before,  and  fo  are  delivered  up  in  thefe  chains  of 
darknefs  to  the  Prince  of  darknefs,  but  are  like  wildernefs-llirubs,  fhall  never 
fee  when  good  comes.  Minifiers  (  as  Chrift  did  )  may  mourn  over  them,  but 
can  never  help  them  until  the  Lord  pwll  off  their  fcales.  For  they  pleafe  them- 
felvcs  in  darknefs,  and  love  it  more  than  light,  and  arc  not  as  Tml^  Playing  and 
motif  ning  under  the  Scales  that  are  upon  their  eyes. 

2 .  That  there  is  a  ftate  of  light  to  which  God  calls  his  people  only  j  or  rather, 
that  there  is  a  fpirit  of  Light,  Illumination  or  Revelation  let  into  the  mind, 
which  is  Peculiar  to  the  Beloved  of  Chrift,  i  P^f.i.p.  As  of  other  things,  fo  ef- 
pecially of  the  Lord  Jefus,  aCor.4.4,5,^.  And  'tis  fo  Glorious  a  work  that 
Chrift  himfelf  admires  the  Father,  and  ftands  in  a  ravifhment  at  it,  Mat.i  1.2  5. 
ToBabes^  uncapable  of  all  others  of  knowledge  j  yet  to  them  doth  the  Lord  re-/ 
veal  fome  things  that  the  wifeft  in  the  world  never  knew.  I  -do  believe  that  the 
greateft  Scholar  that  ever  lived,  never  had  one  fuch  thought  or  apprehenfton  of 
the  Lord  and  the  things  of  the  Lord,  as  the  Saints  have.  And  hence  Chrift  pro- 
feiTeth,  oh  blepd  areyonreje^s  that  they  fee  ',  and  themfelves  blefs  him,  and  fall  a 
wondring  many  times.  Lord  i^hy  dofl  manifefl  thy  [elf  to  m-,  md  not  to  the  ivorld  ? 
And  therefore  'tis  an  injury  to  the  Grace  of  God,  to  make  precious  things  com- 
mon, and  all  the  work  ofthe  Spirit  on  the  underftanding  to  be  common  to  Re- 
probates, and  to  fay,  the  difference  lies  only  in  the  work  of  the  Spirit  upon  the 
will,  John  (5.45.  Helhathath  heard  and  learned  of  the  F  ather^  comes  tome.  If 
the  Learning  of  the  Father  be  common  to  a  Reprobate,  then  either  they  may 

come 


ten  Vir^^ins  Opened  and  Applied. 


3  or 


come  to  Chrid,  which  is  there  den-ed,  or  Chrilh  proinife  is  falle,  for  then  a 
carnal  heart  may  hear  and  (earn  of  the  Father,  and  never  come  to  Chrift. 

That  notwithitanding  'tis  thus  with  them,  yet  fooHCli  Virgins  may  have  forne 
light  in  their  Lamp,  ibme  fight  and  knowledge  of  Jefus  Chriii  It  is  faid  we 
liA^in  dayes  of  light,  and  lo  indeed  we  do,  but  as  the  Lord  faid  to  thesn  that  had 
feen  his,  Mk^dz^^  jet  the  Lord  had  mt  given  thcrn  eyes  to  fee  to  thii  day,  they  were 
inh"ghrncd,yet  M\^Hebr.6.  ^,  I  iliall  therefore  fpejik  not  of  the  revelation 
of  all  the  Word,butof  Chrift  the  end  of  ij:,  and  the  knowledge  of  whom  com- 
prehends all  the  reft. 

1.  There  is  a  knowledge  of  Chrift  in  many  a  man  which  is  begot  by  common 
fame,  and  humane  private  inftru£lion,  which  men  hearing  from  credible  men, 
conceive  of  and  believe  5  As  that  Chrift  is  the  Saviour  of  the  World,  is  come, 
is  dead,  is  rifen,  is  at  Gods  right  hand,  that  in  him  Gods  jufticc  and  mercy  is  re- 
conciled, that  there  is  mercy  With  him  for  the  greateft  of  all  finners,  &c.    And 

I  according  as  men  arc  more  or  lei's  inftruded;fo  do  men  conceive  and  beleeve. 

jBut  now  this  knowledge  is  but  traditional,  and  begot  by  common  fam^e  and  hu- 

I  mane  report,  like  i/<?ro^i,  that  heard  many  things  of  Chrift,  and  yet  indeed  de- 

jfpifed  him.  The  Lord  I  know  doth  make  ufc  of  this  to  caufe  the  foul  to  com.e  to 

t  further  fight  of  him,  as  in  the  Queen  of  Sheba^  but  its  far  enough  off  from  gi\inc^ ' 

;any  faving  knowledge  of  the  Lord  Jefus*  and  hence  John  i  .4(5.v\ben  they  had  been 

•WithChrift,they  do  not  Willi  them  to  reft  in  the  report,  hntCome  and  fee  \  foyou 

hear  of  thefe  thing?^,  but  com.e  and  fee  thefe  thing?.  You  have  learned  them  from 

man  come  unto  the  Lord  that  he  may  teach  them^md  hence  we  iTiall  fee  many  of 

the  people  of  God  that  have  been  put  to  a  Queftion  of  all  things  that  ever  they 

[learned,  and  le.irnt  them  over  again ;  aSjWherher  there  be  a  Chrift  or  no,d"f.And 

they  never faw  thefe  things  indeed,  until  the  Lord  taught  theai  a  fecond  time; 

hence  therefore  thofe  that  have  been  thus  trained  up,  and  have  been  troubled  and 

comforted  by  fomc  conceived  promifes  of  Chrift,  but  never  faw  anymore  of 

his  perfon,  then  what  you  have  learned  before  ;  rey^r  eyes  are  clofed  r^p  to  this  day 

2.  If  any  m.an  lliould  fee  and  behold  Chrift  re3lly,imm.ediatly,this  is  not  the  fa- 
ving knowledge  of  him.  I  know  the  Saints  do  know  Chrift  as  if  immediatly  pre- 
fenr,  they  are  nor  ftrangers  by  their  diftance,  if  others  have  feen  him  m.ore  imme- 
diatly  I  will  not  difpure  it,  but  if  they  have  feen  the  Lord  Jefus  as  immediatly  as 
if  hereon  earth, yet  Capernaufn  h\Y  him.  [o ;  nay,  fomeof  them  were Difciples 
for  a  time,  and  followed  him.,  fehn  (5.  and  yet  the  Lord  was  hid  from  their  eyes ; 
nay  all  the  world  lliall  fee  him  in  his  glory  which  iliall  amaze  them,  and  yet  this 
is  far  fliort  of  the  faving  knowledge  of  him,  which  the  Lord  doth  communicate 
CO  the  Eleil:.  So  that  though  you  fee  the  Lordfo  really  as  that  you  become  fa- 
miliar wiih  him,  yet  Lff':^e  13.  26.  Lord  have  we  mt  eat  and  drmi^^  &c.  And  fo 
perillT. 

5.  A  m.anm.ay  fee  the  Lord  in  his  wonderful  works,  and  glorious  kai<*dome 

and  government,  and  yet  not  know  him  favingly,  Wondrous  deliverances, prefer- 

vationsof  himfelf,andof  Gods  people,  dreadful  deftrud^iort  of  enemies,  fuch  as 

they  cannot  but  lay.  This  Is  the  finger  of  the  Lord^  and  yet  know  riot,  DeM,  2p.  i, 

2,  ;?,4.    And  hence  John  1 5. 24.  and  hence  men  think  fuch  things  are  done , 

and-ftull  I  ever  be  vileagain,  yet  they  become  as  bad  as  ever. 

i     4.  He  may  fee  the  Lord  Jefus  yet  m.ore  clearly  by  the  letter  of  the  Scripture, 

I  which  though  it  brings  to  the  faving  knowledge  of  Chrift,  yet  tc  fee  the  Lord 

J  Jefus  no  otherwife  then  by  the  ftrcngth  of  fancy  and  underftandirig,  from  thence 

lis  no  faving  knowledge  of  Jefus  Chrift ;  and  hence  ^«!»^.  16.16.  the  Myftery  of 

■  the  Gofpel  was  hid  from  the  Jews,  but  now  'tis  revealed  to  all  Nations  •  literally, 

1 10  all  where  it  comes,  favingly  to  fome  few.    For  between  the  faving  knowledge 

{of  Chrift  in  the  Gofpel,  and  palpable  ignoraiKe  of  him  in  the  Gofpelj  there  is 

jmis  middle  knowledge  which  is  literal,  whereby  a  man.doth  feCj^^f  in  feeing-,  fees 

I  L>  d  fjot^ 


Co;7cluf.  3. 


a 


The  ^^ arable  of  the 


mtT,li^u6,g,  which  is  cbe  Sratc of  a  Church  which  hath  been  long  trained  up 
under  good  means :  And  hence  we  ili  all  fee  many  men  of  gre.ic  learning  have 
beciiable  to  write  Volumes  of  the  Myfteryof  Chriii,  and  y qi  In  fmng  never 

5,  There  may  be  in  af  alfe  heart  a  ftrangc  knowledge  of  Chrid  wichout  Scrip- 
\m^Sy  which  may  rAviih  a  mans  deluded  heart  iirangely,  which  is  ufually  the  hrit- 

I  Temptation  <3f  the  Tir^n-Churches ,  rhat  are  of  much  knowledge,  and  little 
love,  2  C^r.  ££.2,354..  WiiereinSacaiidothnocfeek  CO  pull  away  m.en  to  forfake 
the  Gti^S^hut  from  rhe  fimpiicity  of  the  Gofpel,  Repem^  mdheleevf,  aad  he  fa- 
vctis  For  faith  he,  S^W^  tramfwps^i  i^st^an  Afjgdof  light  t  And  hence  \^^e  have 
faeard  ihss:  iome  hmc  heard  voices,  fomehav«  fecn  the  very  bioodof  Chriii  drop- 
I  ping  on  ihem->  asid  his  wounds  in  hisiide,  fome  have  feeii  a  great  light  iliining 
I  in  rbe  Chamber^  fomc  wonderfully  a|fe£ted  with  their  dreams,  fome  in  great  di- : 
hli€kshmQhidmw^'^dmiTi£&^  and  heace  fuch  liberty  and' 

I  joy  diaf  they  arc  vc^Aj  m  leap  lip  assddown  the  Cham.ber :  O  adulterous  gcne-^ 
I  raiionl  This  is  Battifai  and  ufual  with  men,  they  woiJd  fain  fee  Jefus,  and  have: 
lbii^pr€f€ritrogivej:hemj)eaceian<^beiiaiPapiftshave  hig  Image;  and  hence 
j  Chriii  gives  ctieSacram^nt  to  ilisw  himfelf  as  familiarly  as  can  be.  Hence  The- 
1  m^  would  aot  |5ele«ve,^/f/jr  h  might  ptt  his  finger  h  hh  fide^  and  the  Lord  ten-' 
I  deed  him,  |ec  proncjpnced  thsm  Uejfod^  thit  have  mtfeen^  a^id  yethekeved^  Joh<2o, 
29.  So  I  fay  ^t-ij^/riJsWotocliemt^athave  110  other  manifefted  Chrift,  but' 
|fi3ch  aone.  Little  do  you  think  what?  wrong  ymi  do  to  Chrift,  for  you  do  as  much 
asifiyauiiesEcli^le  ail  liis  glory  at  the  laft  day,  as  the  wicked  by  their  fins 
i  Eclipfe  his  glory  at  this  day.  2  Thsf.  i .  i  o.  He^She  admired  m  aii  th^t  heleeve^ 
j  why  ?  ^cawfe  our  Teftimony  was  b^leeved ;  That  Faith  which  cloieth  with jand 
I  fees  Cliritl  m.  1  TetHmony^is  that  ^Thereby  Jefiis  0iall  be  admired  at  ^<z  worlds 

ConcL  4,  i  "^^^^  ^^  facing,  knowledge  of  J^us  Chrifl  is  this.  Whereby  the  foul  hein^- 
Tenfible  of  bis  Ignorance  of  Jefus,  beholds  fuch  a  glory  in  Chrifts  perfon,  as 
;tbit  heelteeras  him  m  all  his  glory,  as  hisprelent,  greateft,  and  only  good,  I 
I  will  take  this  in  pieces.  | 

\  %.  I  fey  tkat  foul  which  hath  tmly  and  favingly  feen  the  Lord  Jefus,  hath  been  \ 
!  madefenhble  of  his  ignorance  of  him ;  I  fse  him  not,  I  have  heard  of  him,  and' 
;  read  of  him,  and  taken  his  Name  int©  my  mouth,  and  pmfefTed  him  5  and  I  be-- 
,  leeve  others  fee  him,  and  bkffed  areti^ir.eyes,  but  I  fee  him  nor,  Jolm^,  26^, 
;  37,  39«  Fsr  jmdgemsm  am  femiewtoihk  ivsrM-^and  look  as  aii  the  increafeo-f  the' 
1  koo¥4^e  of  Chrifl  comes  in  by  dms  door,  fo  the  beginning  of  it ,  and  there-- 
i  ^ore:  tfiofe  cfiatha^'e  beencati:  down  and  heard  of  Chrlil  a  Saviour,  but  never  felt , 
\  their  ^n®rapce  of  him  before  they  have  apprehended  him,  their  light  is  darknefs,^ 
land  their  knowledge  full  of  debfioii  and  idolatrouSo  I 

i  ^ ., ^2,  k  beholds  aglory  m  Chrife  perfoB,fGr  before  the  Lord  reveals  his  Son  to: 
\  any,  los^wbat  hewas  to  the  Jews  li  is  to  every  man,  ijd.^^,2, 3.  Heis  rejeB-' 
■edmddeffifedt&fmMino&mgio  mean  as  Chriii,  every  vanity  preferred  above; 
i  him,  and  men  c^4o  no  other,  tecaufe  they  fee  not  his  glory  and  beauty,  i  Cor*2.  \ 
\  S.  Ifthj^  haik^i^n^  &€>  Thei:eforethe  Lord  rev€ais  his  hidden  glory  to  them,'  i 
jfocli  as  na/er  entred  into  their  hearts  before,  or  into  the  minds  Sf  other  men  ,i 
•|w|iicli  thou^  others  may  talk  of,  yet  they  cannot  fee  it  in  that  maimer  as  tliey 
■  I  do;  it  is  called  therefore  mameUim  light  whietihe  doth  reveal,  when  the  foul! 
|li>uhli€esiviewii^g  itsownfbameand  filth,  when  allthegrafs  and  glory  is  wi- 
|tbered,//®.404^.  then  the  glory  of  Chdftisrevealed  %  One  every  way  fo  fit 
i  stidfuitaWe  to  ihem,  according  to  alltheir%¥ants  and  woes,  by  fome  Serrrron  or 
iGther^wHchwtothefouldotlifeesltrfuaUy  fills  the  head,  and  heart,  and  eyes; 
\vmk  £sirs.  Oh  mat  I  have  defpifcd'  Mm  fo  glorious !  ABs  2^  36, 37,  2  Cw.  4. 
\%^6.  .  If  &s  £<mA  feoiildfiot  feel  its  igjiorance  of  him,  it  would  never  cfteem  the) 
"  "  iisht! 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


figticofhim,  but  now  in  dorh  thus,  and  now  that  Glory  is  revealed,  7^/j»  i.t^ 
iVehheldhis  Glory  as  the  Glory  of  the  only  begotten  Son.     ^In  every  Truth  there  is 
Glory  which  men  fee  not,  and  this  is  called  in  Scripture,  the  find'wgofthe  Pgarle 
Mat. 1 3.45. 

III.  He  fo  beholds  him  in  his  Glory  as  that  he  now  eflecms  of  him  inall  his 
Glory.  For  a  ^-2A?<i»j  may  fee  the  Glory  of  the  Tents  of  7/r^e/,  and  the  Star  of 
Jacobs  but  they  elkem  not  of  him  in  all  his'  Glory.  The  damned  in  Hell  Ice  a 
Glory  in  Chrift,  elfe  they  would  never  grieve  for  the  iofs  of  him,  but  'tis  only 
in  regard  of  fomthing  in  Chrift,  delivering  Saints  from  forrows  they  feel.  Nay 
many  Reprobates  under  a  lively  Miniftry,  fhall  fee  foxe  Glory  in  Chrift  and  in 
Saints,  to  think  them  the  happy  men,  yet  not  cfteem  of  him  in  all  his  Glory  ; 
but  'tis  otherwife  here.  The  Lord  arifeth  as  the  Sun  upon  the  earth,  which 
makes  all  things  that  have  any  Glory  to  appear  therein,  and  it  puts  a  Glory  on 
c\^ery  thing,  that  was  hid  before.  So  Chrift  puts  a  Glory  on  every  thing  of  him- 
feif :  So  that, 

-I.  Thefoul  fees  a  Glory  in  the  Grace  of  Chrift,  John  1.14.  For  the  Glory 
of  Chrifts  Perfon  is  not-feea  without  thefe  excellencies,  Luke  1.^6.  My  foul 
'nta^mfies  the  Lord. 

2.   A  Glory  in  the  Holinefs  of  Chrift,  7/^.5.3.    Efpecially  to  conftdcr  it's  in ', 
him  to  make  me  holy,  2  Cor. 3.18. 

.3.  A  Glory  in  his  Covenant  and  Promiles,  Pfal.^<^.i,2..  Oh  that  all  thofe 
Promifes  might  be  made  good  tome!     This  is  ail  my  deftre ,  2Sanf,2^.^, 

4.  A  Glory  in  the  Government  and  Commands  and  Will  of  Chrift.  Oh  if 
once  I  could  in  every  thing  give  content  to  his  heart /iyi?/.i  9.  lo.That  the  foul 
had  rather  lolc  all  than  crofs  hi^  wih  in  a  fmall  thing,  feeing  a  Glory m  the  leaii 
Truth,  in  cafting  off  a  Ceiemony  y&c.  Zach.6.1 3 . 

5.  A  Glory  in  all  the  Ordinances  of  Chrift.  Oh  how  amiable  are  thy  Taberna- 
cles oh  God !    Oh  the  Feliovvfliip  of  Saints  /    Oh  the  peace  on  Sabbath  i ! 

6.  A  Glory  in  all  his  cariage.  Let  him  blefs  m.e  with  outward  eftue,  though 
but  a  little.  This  is  the  allowance  that  Chrift  in  Gloryprovidesfor  me.  Let 
him.  thre.4ten  me,  good  is  the  Word  of  the  Lord.  Let  him  defert  me,  his  anger  is 
love  :  Oh  rhat  is  Glorious/  Let  him. take  all  from  me,  reproach tne,  y^^/w 
efleems  Chrijls  reproach  greater  riches  than  Egjft-,  which  is  our  eitate  here.  It  ices 
a  Glory  in  ail  Chrifts  waies,  and  quiets  it  ielf  here.  It  u  the  Lard^zs  Ell  hid. 
Thus  Saints  fee  and  cfieem  of  Chrift  in  all  his  Glory,  and  we  (hall  find  a  falfe 
heart  ever  falls  fhort  here,  a  finccre  heart  never,  but  commonly  is  fo  taken  up 
with  it,  that  if  you  ask,  fuppofeyou  ftiould  have  all  Gtace ,  Holinefs ,  Promifes 
of  Chrift,  ^c.  Would  not  this  be  mercy?  Yes,  enough:  I  fhould  then 
boaft  in  him,  and  blefs  him  for  ever.  And  hence  Chrift  iscalled^,  Lftkei. 
33.  tie  Glory  of  Jfrael,  becaufe  they  fo  efteem  him.  And  Ifa.2S.$.  In  that 
day  the  Lordjhallbe  a  Diadem  of  Glory.  Others  m.ay  in  horrour  prize  Chrift  above 
the  world,  but  'tis  only  to  e.iie  them.  . 

IV.  I  add  5  he  clkcms  him  thus, 

1.  Ashisprefenrgood  ;  fo  that  if  the  Lord  doth  withdraw  or  deny  himfelf 
now  unto  him,  norhingin  this  world  can  for  the  prefent  quiet  him,  J(r.$o,^,^4 
Hence  thofe  in  their  judgments  acknowledge  Chrift  thegreateft  good,  and  when 
they  are  dying,  and  fee  he  will  be  fo  at  laft  day,  yet  now  for  the  prefcnt  a  little 
m.ore  liberty  in  ftn,  floath,  luft,  honour,  gain.  Lots,  large  accomodations  are 
better.  You  never  faw  him.  Oh  vile  world .'  the  Lord  wilt  one  day  condemn 
ibee  out  of  thr^c  own  mouth ;  thy  own  will  was  m.ore  dear  to  thee  than  his ;  this 
worlds  cafe  better  than  his  peace,  &c.  When  you  lie  on  your  Death-beds,  you 
eftecoa  him  then.  Why?  Becaufe  he  fervcs«your  turn  then:  Hence  before  you 
did  hot. 

2.  As  thegreateft  good,  Dm.3  3*25.     Jer.ioq.    Hence  thofe  that  fee  fo  me 


10  j 


0d2 


good 


204 


The  'Tarable  of  the 


\phiecl. 
An[w. 


'OhjeB, 
Anfw' 


JoodinChriftcUiddefirehim,  and  offer  fair  for  him,  but  prize  liim  nonasthe 
^reateftgood:  And  hence  with  the  young  man,  though  concent  to  part  with 
iomvvhat,  not  with  all^  chey-  will  caft  their  rags  down  at  Chrifts  feet,  andin- 
treathim  to  c.^ke  away  their  fms ;  but  will  not  czii  their  Crowns  down,  the  d ear- 
ed thinc^s  they  have  :  And  hence  the  ihorny-ground-Profeflors  ever  fail  away. 
Theerood  things  of  this  world  which  they  forlook  in  time  of  perfecution,  were 
dearer  than  Chrift,  and  hence  they  fall  away.  -  'Tisa  diilionour  to  a  King  to  be 
1  valued  as  other  men  are,  ^^c/?.  1 1 . 1 2, 1 3 . 

5.  As  tile  only  good, '7/^.24.2  3.  The  Snn  (hall  he  confouf^ded  ^  Uc.  And 
though  other  things  may  (teal  into  their  hearts  for  a  time,  yet  they  recover:  them- 
felvel;  this  is  the  one  things  PfaL^j,^.  that  they  beg  in  this  life.  And- hence 
do  fail  Ihor^j  ■  ^  ■     ■    ' . 

i .  Thofe  that  efteem  Chrift  as  mpn  do  Merchandife ;  they  would  fain  have  it , 
but  are-  loath  to  fetch  ir.  Men  may  el^eem  Chrift,  as  they  think,  the  only  good  -, 
but  here'n  their  falfenefs  appears,  that  they  negledl  means  to  iCj-becaufe.they 
have  fome  good  elfe  to  quiet  them.    And  here  is  condemned  alUazy  Profef- 

fion.    '■        .        ■•  / 

2.  Thofeth.it  would  have  Chrift,  and  efteem  him  highly ,  and  ufe  means 
for  him  diligently,  but  they  muft  have  Chrift,  and  world,  and  iuft,  andeafetoo: 
Chrift  CO  quiet  their  Confciences,  and  the  world  their  hearts  ;  Chrift  to  reft  on, 
when  rheir.  duties  fail  them,  ■  and  world  to  reft  in,  when  the  Confolations  of  Chrift 

i  ar e  denied  un  to  tb  em.     The  Landisgood^  gou^andfojfejfelu 

I      I.  But  do  the  Saints  come  to  tliis  pitch  ? 

I  2  Cor.^.'-^  If  our  Gofpel  he,  hidy  'tis  hid  to  them  that  belofi,  =Who  are  thofe 
from  whom  Chrift  is  hid  ?     When  is  he  hid  ?    When  his  Glory  is  hid.     I  know 

[Saints  im)  feel  a  want  of,  and  mourn  for  it,  but  it  will  appear  if  they  are  the 

I  Lords,  at  fome  time.  Nay  this  they  will  find,  fome  and  much  contetnpt  re- 
maining which  they  oppofe,  yet  this  is  here,  and  at  parting  times  it  is 
feen,  ^: 

2.  But  Saints  cannot  know  this. 

Yes  (as  well  as  they  can  know  their  contempt)  by  means  of  Gods  Spirit,  he 
that  is  carrf'ed  from  one  contrary  to  another  ftiall  know  it, 
I      3.  ButHypocrites  may  attain  to  this. 

1 .  .Then  the  Gofpel  may  be  revealed  to  an  hvpocritc  and  to  them  that  are 
'loft..     '  / 

I  2.  Then  they  m.ay  believe  ;  for  to  rhem  only  the  Lord  is  precious,  i  Pet.^,'J. 
Then  a  thing  is  precious,-  when  we  value  it  according  to  the  worth  of  it.  Now 
the  Lord  is  the  greateft  and  only  good,  and  then  when  we  efteem  him  fo ;  this  is 
the  work  of  Believers  only. 

3,  Then  Chrift  may  be  a  carnal  mans  Treafure.  For  that  is  our  treafure  wlich 
wee'-.eem  molt. 

j  4.  Then  a  carnal  heart  may  honour  Chrift  with  one  of  the  higheft  degrees  of 
!  hosiour,  which  confifts  in  this  high  efteem ,  Luke  i  .4(5.  My  foul  magnifies,  the 
I  h&rd. 

\  5.  Obfervewe,  that  never  any  left  Chrift  but  becaufe  they  undervalued  him. 
Forfake  al  i ,  and  t?.ke  the  Pearle. .  That  it  fhall  lie  upon  you  one  day,  oh  if  Chrift 
j  had  had  that  efteem  which  Iuft  and  world  hath  had ,  I  had  had  him  now  I  Exa- 
I  mine,  if  it  be  thus,  if  you  thus  fee  and  prize  the  Lord  Jefus.  ,  Oh  be  thankful  that 
j  ever  the  Lord  fent  that  Meffenger.  to  reveal  Chrift  1  If  not,  oh  go  and  mourn  / 
I  Vaul  did  fo  three  daies  j  ABs  9.  when  he  [aw  nothing.  Oh  Chrift  hath  been  long 
jhidfrom  thee.  Oh  few  have  this  •  but  lay  about  fori:,  for  elfc  that  in  i^r.23.39 
{ lliallbe  your  portion. 


SECT. 


tenVtrgms  Opened  and  Applied. 


SECT.  III. 

III.  Fulnefs  of  Faith,  in  tiietoom  of  Unbelief. 


Jiu  n 


OR  'tis  not  unknown  bow  (Irongly  this  Cm  keeps- every  tons'Pai  ace,  and 
that  not  /y/ofesj  but  the  Lord  Jcfus  is  the  ttumbling  ftonc  even  of  the  Jem, 
the  peculiar  people  of  God.  When  men  arc  at  their  laft  cnfl,  that  the  Lord  in- 
tends to  W-iit  to  pity  no  more,  at  latl:  the  Son- comes,  and  an  unbelieving  heart 
caits  riie  Ballance  and  refufeth  him.  After  that  the  Lord-hath  tried  rr.cn  by  mi- 
raculous prefervations,  deiiverances  from  Pharaohs^  provifion  .at  Mafah,  then 
C-3;?^i?»coirie?  tobeentxed,  ■andmcD  cannot  enter  becaufe  of  unbelief*  -  This 
Imftai^ds  in  open  yiew,  and  keeps  tiie  breach jwhen  all  other  fins  in  appearance 
^re  bcr^ten  out  of  the  field.  Now  there  is  a  Spiritof  Faith ,  which  com^5  in  the 
room  of  this  unbelief,  difpoflelfech  the  foul  of  the  power  of  it :;  for  there  may  be 
fom.e  lighter  liroaks  of  the  Spirit,  which  are  lighter  Skirmiilies:  with  it,  but  yet  it 
wins  the  held  again  •  as  in  the  ftony  ground,  thcit  believed,  but  unbelief  got 
hec^d  again  in  time  of  perfecutidn  and  temptation,  aivd  then  they  fell- a- 
way.  •  ■      .  J4  J  i.;tcJoi.- 

f^hattsthlsFaiih^orthatfidnejfebrffiUmeafure-oftt:} 

I  ihall  nor  fpeak  here  of  iiillorical  or  Miraculous  Faith':  The  fifl^  of  which 
is  in  the  Devils,  the  fecond  in  fome  men  only,  that- may  pcrilh-afterward.  Nor 
yet  of  that  Faith.which we  call,  of  Afl'urance,  we  lliall  not  come  yet  to  that.  But 
of  that  which  we  call  juttifying  Faith,  and  that  which  doth  firll  unite  to  Chrift, 
and  juftifie.  Now  this  Faith  is  the  coming  of  the  foul  to  Chrift.  This  is  the 
g-cneral.  For  Adam  had  his  life  in  himfelf,  but  now  'tis  loft  in  us,  but  laid  up 
in  Chrift,  Co/.3i3.;  Now  hence  they  that  •  would  have  this  life,  muft  go  out  of 
themfelvestothe.Lordfbr  it.  Now  the  motion- of  the  foul  between  thefe  two 
exrreams  of  emptinefs  and  death  here,  to  life  and  fulnefs  there,  what  is  it  but 
Faith?  ^\^\d-iAdam  had  nor,  nor  could -have  in  that  eftate  ;  and  therefore 
none  of  the  Sons  of  Adam  naturally  can  fhare  in  it. 

And  that  this  is  Faith  it  appears, 

I .  From  John  <5 . 3  5 .  1  am  the  Bread  of  life,  he  that  comes  to  me  fhaH  never  huh- 
gevy  and  he  that  believes ^  In  me  (hall  never  thlrj}:. ;  • 

^     2.  Becaufe  unbelief  is  the  departing  of  the  foul  fro  m.  the  God  of  life,  Heb.  3.12. 
"^Ot  ir:Omzho\^h^\\,h\il  (rem  a  living  God.  ..  jyy^- .  ;. 

1  3.  Faith  is  the  proper  etfe^i:  of  Vocation;  orrather  the  chief  part  thereof. 
I  Now  look  as  ineffectuAl  vocation  is  when  the  Lord  call>,  but  the  foul  never  comes  • 
^  fo  etfe6i:ual  Vocation  is  whereby  the  Lord  calls,  and  the  foul  anfwers,  and  fo 
Sothat  tofitftill  and  fee  nothing,  and  do  nothing,  is  not  Faith,  but 


zc^    j 


QneJ^.i, 
Anfvp* 


comes. 


floath.  No,  Chrift  cannot  be  in  that  foul  that  is  yec  in  himfelf.  Therefore 
Faith  is  not  apaffive  poflTibility  6f  the  foul  to  receive  Chrift,  chough  that  may  pre- 
pare for  him,  but  the  going  Out  of  a  mans  felf  unto  Chrift. 

But  may  not  a  man  come  to  Chrifl,  that  never  jhall  have  merc^from  Chrifi  ? 

Yes ,  there  may  be  many  lighter  ftroaks,  as  in  temporary  Believers.  The 
vvorld  is  at  this  day  full  of  Faith :  Every  man  thinks  and  faith  he  believes,  though 
his  Faich  be  weak.  'Tis  mens  Buckler  againft  all  means,  they  know  thefe  fins, 
but  as  long  as  they  believe  all  is  well.  And  'tis  their  comfort  in  all  their  trou- 
bles, though  the  Lord  kills,  yet  they  will  believe.  And  I  fay,  fome  men  have 
departed  indeed  from  the  Lord:  The  Gofpel  hith  been  preached,  and  they  have 
made  out  of  themfelves  to  Chrift,  but  miffed  of  him..  There  is  a  Bramble-Faith 
that  catcheth  and  fcratcheth  Chrift,  kiffeth  and  betraies  him.  That  coming  to 
Chrift  therefore  which  nonC:elfe  have  the  full  meafurc  of,  it  appears  in  thefe  par- 
ticulars. 

Dd  3  'Tis 


QHefi.2, 
Anfttf* 


zo6- 


T^he^^  arable  of  the 


'Tis  that  work  of  the  Spirit  va  hereby  a  fmner  fenfible  of  his  excream  nakednefs, 
empcinefs  and  wants,  being  called  of  God,  his  vvl}oie  foul  comes  out  of  liiiiifdf 
to  Chrift,  for  himfelf.  Ifpcak  not  of  affurance,  f<i^r  if  that  vvere  Faith,  all  Re- 
probates then  were  bound  to  believe  an  untruth,  Vik'  That  God  the  Father  loves, 
and  Chrift  hath  died  for  them. 

1.  'Tis  a  work  of  Gods  Spirit,  and  hence 'tis  called  the  Spirit  of  Faith,  not 
only  becaufe  wrought  by  it ;  but  bcc;.ufethe  Spirit  is  in  an  admirable  manner 
faftned  to  it,  and  clafped  to  the  foul,  and  the  foul  to  Chrift  by  ir. 

2.  The  Subject  in  which  'tis  wrought :  A  hnner  ienfible  of  his  extream  wants; 
for  Faith  fprings  out  of  the  dcftrudrtion  of  our  own  excellency,  and  ruines  of  it ; 
like  Chrift  that  d'd  arifearootout  of  a  dry  ground,  for  the  Lords  greit  plot  is  to 
advance  Chrift  and  his  rich  grace.  Now  look  as 'tis  obicuredby  bringing  any 
thing  of  our  own  to  it,  fo  'tis  advanced  by  fetching  all  from  it ;  this  can  never  be 
till  the  foul  is  fenlible  of  his  nakednefs,  emptinefs  and  wants  5  let  Chrift  be  never 
fo  fvveec,  a  full  foul  will  lo:ith  him  ;  and  I  lay  extream  want.  The  Prodigal  ne- 
ver comes  home,  till  he  dies  for.hunger :  For  fuch  is  the  fencelcfsnefs  of  men,  and 
diflike  of  Chrift,  that:  extremities  only  drive  them  hither, as  Judges  ^.6,  When 
the  Midiamtes  came,  rhey  ran  like  beaftsto  their  den,  and  untill  bread  was  taken 
from  them,  they  cry  not  unto  the  Lord,  but  then  they  do :  So  m.en  have  neither 
hearts,  or  if  fo,no  heads  to  come  to  Chrift  till  now ;  and  ufually  the  Lord  makes 
this  the  ground  of  the  fouls  lirft  m.otion  towards  Chrift.  I  die  here,  and  becaufe 
of  my  wants  I  therefore  com.e.  Pardon  fm^  hecmfe  great^  Pfal.  25,11.  Be  mer- 
clful^hcaufe^ts  nfiijfemck^dfeofle^  Exod.  34.9.  That  fowhen  the  Lord  pardons 
the  foul  may  have  nochmg  to  boaft  off  but  mifcry,  and  now  'tis  hard  to  bcleeve. 
But  thisis  not  all. 

3.  It  muft  be  called  of  God,  for  elfcthe  foul  though  never  fo  fenfible  of  mi- 
fery,  could  nor,  would  nor,  durft  not  come  ;  but  it  would  either  fink  under  its 
burden,  or  plead  againft  all  means :  It  jQnall  prefume,  as  Judas  that  had  no  look 
of  Chrift  (as  Peter  had)  hangs  himfelf:  And  hence  J^.  3.  23.  Come  unto  me 
Thjeiri:earr^ivered,  We  come.  For  this  is  ufually  the  Ob jci^ion  of  the  foul  when 
it  fees  the  rich^  of  mercy,  What  have  I  to  do  with  it,  that  am  fo  vile,  and 
have  fallen  fo  oft,  and  rejected  the  Lord,and  am  like  to  do  foj  I  ftiall  fin  the  more 
by  this  me.ms.  No,  the  command  of  the  Gofpcl  comes,  oh  come,  notwithftand- 
ing  all  this,  nay  becaufe  of  this,  for  I  will  heal  you  of  them.  Now  this  call  hath 
two  things  in  it.  i .  '  lis  particular,  for  general  invitations  to  beleeve  and  come 
in,  are  made  particular  to  the  Ele6l:,who  elfe  would  not  come  in;  And  hence 
Jfm.  43.1.  1  have  called  thee  by  name*  For  we  fhall  finde  that  the  hearts  of  men 
when  they  fee  a  promife  cannot  think  it  concerns  them  ,*  all  that  hunger  ftiall  be 
fatis{ied,but  ftialll?  And  hence  fliew  them 'tis  as  particular  as  dnc  Law,  they 
cannot  think  it  is  to  them ;  and  hence  they  fay  fometime  the  word  Alibis  not  put 
in.  Now  that  is  the  mighty  power  of  unbelief,  a  word  fpoken  to  all  is  regarded 
by  none,  till  the  Lord  make  it  particular  ;  and  hence  Ifai.  2.  Chrift  is  laid  to 
judge  the  Nations,  now  when  Judges  ride  their  Circuits ,  they  do  not  make 
Laws,  but  only  apply  Laws.  One  man  is  brought  before  them  to  be  condem- 
ned, he  hopes  better,  but  he  is  fo;  now  he  trembles :  Another  to  be  acquitted , 
be  fears,being  falfly  accufed,  he  is  freed;  and  now  he  rejoyceth.  2.  'Tis  a  living 
call,  or  powerfulcall,  J(pA»5.  25.  And  hence  a  man  may  live  under  the  calls 
of  the  Minifter  long,  and  never  come,  becaufe  'tis  not  made  living  from  the 
Lord  of  life  ;  and  hence  not  irrefiftable. 

4.  Upon  this  call  the  whole  foul  comes  out  of  it  felf  to  Chrift  ;for  if  a  man 
could  climbe  the  clouds ,and  unlock  the  doors  of  heavcn,and  come  Elias  like  in  his 
body  to  Chrift,  he  migh t  mifs  of  Chrift,as  well  asthofe  thatcame  and  followed 
Chrift  for  5  time  with  the»r  bodies  while  he  lived  on  the  earth ;  a  man  may  come 
to  Chrift  with  half  his  foul  or  heart,  there  may  be  fome  hope,  and  fome  defires , 

fome 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


O' 


lomelove,and  ionve  cleaving  lo  hiir.j  and  choice  of  him  really,  inwardly,  and  ycc 

not  fnvingly,  hecaufc  the  whole  foul  is  no:  herecomejbut  half  of  it,  James  j,j^S. 

Now  rhe  whole  foul  then  conaes^when  all  the  atfeilions  and  will  take  their  fii'ghc 

to  the  Lord,  and  fnften  there.     When  ail  the  aiTeciions  are  gathered  from  all.o- 

ther  things  and  changed,  a  nd  fo'  they  come  to^  and  embrace  the  Lord  ;  fo  that  hope 

w^rits  only  here,  when  will  the  Lord  pitty  me  ?  Delires  that  were  [qz  on  a'thoiifand 

things  before,  all  long  after  him>  love  only  tafleih  him ;  the  Lord  letting  in  fome 

fight  of  the  freenefs  of  mercy,  hope  looks  out  hither. ;  the  Lord  iliewing  the  want, 

huz  the  way  to  it,  dcfire  breaks  down  Rone-waHs,  and  all  means,  and  the  difiiciilty 

of  them,  to  b.ive  him :  The. Lord  letting  the  foul  tall:  thefweernefs  of*  Jefu^"  and 

i  his  grace,  the  foul  joys,  and  love  imbracech,  and  the  will  fottes;  a  carnal  heart 

■  deiires, loves,  joyes  in  other  things,  and  the  Lord  alfo  ,  and  fo  h?.tb  a  falfe  heart. 

,  But  the  whole  heart  comes  hither,  and  when  'tis  here,  thinks  one  heart  too  little 

;  nay  one  life,  onefoul,  and  when  any  part  of  the  affections  are  left  any  where  elfe 

[  thin  the  foul  m.ourns,,  hates  that  bondage,  is  afiiamed  of  it ,  &c»  ■  So  that  the 

Nlream  of  the  wholefoulmn3nowhither,P/^/.ii^.2.  Jir.3.io.'i'/^.45.io.   So 

'tis  with  the  foul,  as  with  them  when  they  were  to  come  out  of  Egjft^  they  would 

not  leave  chil  de,nor  hoof  behinde,Ieft  there  AouM  be  any  occafion  of  return  i  it  is 

with  th^  foul  departed  from  thebodyjit  only,  minds  the  Lord5ithath  taken  leave  of 

all;  fo  by  Faith  the  VA^hole  foul  leaves  all,and  comes  to  the  Lord;  ©therwife  the  foul 

is  not  come  to  Chrifijbutreacheth  after  Chrift ;  like  m.en  chat  waded  after  the 

Ark,  but  periilied  in  the  waters  :  Their  arms  are  not  long  cnough,their  defircs  and 

love  are  nor  long  enough  to  reach  Chrifl:,  the  bent  and  ftream  of  the  foul  is  fet 

and  ruiis  here.    Tis  with  the  foul,  as  'tis  with  two  Rivers,  both  run  with  all  their 

'iteigthtoihe  Sea,  but  the  great  River  is  bigger,  and  runs  f after,  yet  the  others 

\  i^ream  is  wholly  carried  thither.  •  So  fome  men  may  be  more  full  of  Faith  cheno- 

thers^  yet  both  ruw  to  the  Sea,  and  as  Rivers,theyru!i  in  theirCircles,  this  way  and 

that  way,and  arefometim.es  dammed  up,  yet  end  there  :  So  thefouls  of  all  Saints 

mn  to  this  and  the  o:hercreariire,yet  they  end  in  the  Lord  at  U^.hsPeterzn^j6hn 

that  ran  to  the  Sepulchre,  though  one  out-ran  the  otherjyet  they  came  both  to  the 

Lord  at  Lift  ;  when  both  of  them  had  for  a  Time  forfcok  him,  though  all  the 

world  draw  the  foul  \yic\^  it  cannot  live  without  the  Lord ;  niiy,  though  the  Lord 

\  beat  away  the  font  from  him,  yet  h  follows  after  him..  " 

5.  'Tis  to  rhe  Lord  for  him.felf,  for  John  6..  fom.c  came  toChrift  for  loaves, 
and  could Jsave  been  glad  if  Chrift  had  been  King  for  it,  but  did  not  care  for 
himfeif:  And  hence  t^^r/.  2-;.  he  points  and  turns  them,  to  himfelf- fome  eam.e 
1 10  him  for  higher  ends,  therefore  were  his  Difciples,  that  is,  for  life  from  him. 
But  when  he  told  them.,  There  is  m  life^  mkjs  ymhavethe  Sm^  And  eat  and  drmk^ 
h'js  fie^ and  bloody  or  elfe  yoff  die ,  it^  \y3iS  a  hard  faying,  they  could  not  under- 
ftiiid-rior  fee  what  that  meant, and  hence  forfook  him,  but  when  they  coi^ee  and 
'receive  him.  himfelf ',  now  life  is  indeed  theirs.  | 

So  that  its  Chrifts  perfon  that  this  Faith  firll  pitcheth  on,  ^  'tis  in  Marriage  ^ 
and  thofetha't  comefor  this, were  never  fent  away.  Now  thefoul  is  truly  come  to  i 
him  for  himfelf:  i.  When  himfdfgivesrefttotlie  foul  in  the  want  of  all  things, 
Heh.4. ;?.  If  friends, prote^ion,ftrength,  life,  glory  ht  Wsnting,  yet  halving 
him, in  him  I  have  alUhefe ;  when  all  is  fold  away, not  the  tfeafure  only,bnEthe" 
Field  contents  him  :  For  it  looks-  on  this,  as  better  then  heave»,  then  glory,  ic 
c©mforts  the  foul  that  the  Lord  himfelf  fhonld  .be  mine.  2.  The  foul  that  ta- 
ethhim,'tis  riot  only  comake  boaftofhimyas  C<ffr>?4io)»  had  him,  nor  to  cover 
ilotlV^  and  {in,  and  delufion  by  him  :  I  have  Chritt,  andl  have  no  lilore  to  care 
for,§cc.buttoliveonhim.,j3/>»(5.57.Jfe>/>^f#ajf<ffA«i<?,i^«/i/i'yffy  «w.  PhiLj. 
9-,  J  0.  A  m.an  takes  not  Chrift  as  Medicine  to  eafe  him ;  nor  as  ftately.  hang- 
ings to  adorn  him,  but  as  bread  m  receive  Hfeftom  him.  For  many  receive  Chrift, 
rel,Uheydouponhim,andrefttheyfaymMin»te  the,y  do  not  fuck  any  good 
'■.-'^  &om| 


joS 


TheT  arable  of  the 


Qmfl, 


Z- 


i  from  him,  nay  before  they  had  any  Chriii  or  affurance  of  him  chey  were  becter 

'than  now.  You  have  nothing  ro  do  with  the  Lord  jefns,  you  are  cue  of  your 
place.  As  in  Jothams'p^nhlQ^  the  Olive  and  Vine  would  not  be  pulled  out  oi 
their  places,  to  be  fee  on  the  tops  of  other  trees,  as  Kings ;  left  they  lofe  their 
fatnefs  and  fweetncfs :     So  fince  you  hive  clofed  with  Chriil:,  you  have  loft  your 

'  fa  tnefs  and  fweetnefs  that  once  you  had,  you  are  now  out  of  yonr  place   ^^o  to 

I  your  horrors  and  forrows  again,  till  the  Lord  fo  give  himfelf  to  you  mhat 

'  you  m.ay  receive  life  from  him. 

i      Brnmnft  dlcometloHS  to  Chr'ifi  with  their  f»hole  foul,  will  rioi  Van  of  the  price 

ferve  ? 

No,  the  whde  foul  muft  come,  and  cannot  but  come. 

1.  Inregardof  thejealoufieof  God;  ivho  is  like  a  jealous  Husband,  can  bear 
with  many  weakneffes,  but  will  have  the  whole  heart;  and  they  that  donor 
fliall  bedeftroyed  for  fpiritual  Whoredom.,  Pfal.j-^.ij.     He  fliould  difhonour 
Chrift  elfe,  to  fell  him  fo  cheap. 

2.  In  regard  of  the  excellency  of  Chrifl :  The  Lord  draws  the  foul  by  the  re- 
velation of  him,  Rom.i.iSjij,    Jfa-SS'SA'    Now  look  as  men  in  thisvvorld, 
when  they  fee  a  feeming  good,   their  whole  foul  is  over-powered  to  be  drawn 
after  it.     So  here,  when  fuch  an  Objedl  is  feen,  efpecially  the  Soul  having  been  | 
at  his  Sepulcher  weeping,  as  Iron  never  ftirs  till  the  Loadlbne  come?,  and  then! 
it  makes  to  that  only  ,  not  to  things  toucht  with  it :     For  as  we  love  him  becmCe  \ 
he  loved,  pufirfl^  fo  Chrift  loving  the  foul  with  all  his  heart,  and  his  whole  heart  \ 
fee  upon  him,  the  whole  foul  is  ^  ftf;?^?-^  fet  on  Chrift. 

3.  In  regard  elfe  a  man  canreceive  nothing  from  the  Lord,  J^r;2p,i  2,1 5.    As  I 
*tis  with  Conduit-Pipes,  let  them  be  laid,  but  not  reach  the  Conduit  head,  no 
water  can  come  to  that  Family ;  fo  here :     And  this  is  the.  reafon  why  men  live 
and  pray,  and  receive  nothing,  their  hearts  reach  not  hither :    Mens  hearts 
reach  but  half  way  to  Chrift :  Tell  m.e  elfe,  did  you  ever  not  receive  ?    ■ 

4.  Becaufe  elfe  'tis  indeed  no  coming  to  him,  but  a  leaning  on  him  or  toward 
him.  So  as  'tis  with  trees,  if  not  cut  off  quite,  or  not  pulled  up  quite  by  the 
roots,  they  cannot  be  fet.in  another  Orchard,  if  the  tree  be  left  with  never  fo 
little  twigs  in  the  ground,  fohere:  Nay  the  Lord  accounts  this  worfe  than  if 
a  man  had  not  come  at  Ml,  Je-r.^.io.  The  Lord  abhors  a  double  heart,  that 
JtidasAike  forfakes  all  for  the  Lord,  but  then  loves  the  Lord  and  the  Bag  too. 
You  arc  not  the  Lords.  As  it  was  with  that  man  that  quarrelled  about  the  tree 
it  leaned  over  the  Pales,but  the  root  being  found  to  be  there,  his  it  was  .•  So  thout^h 
he  lean  OR  Chrift,  he  is  none  of  hi?. 

But  do  all  Saints  come  to  this  meafftref 
Ponder  thefe  grounds  elfe. 

Obje^i.  But  are  not  our  hearts  partly  carnal ,  and  fo  clofc  with  the  Crea- 
ture ?  I 
yinfw.  True,  bi'tyer,                                                                           | 

1.  So  far  as  *as  carnal  'tis  lamented  heavily ;  fo  that  they  grow  not  there, 
but  are  dying,  withering  dayly,  Jcr.^i.i^^ip,  When  a  mans  affeiHons  grow 
out  ©f  the  world,  and  there  is  no  fear  nor  forrow,  in  this  refpedl  now,  no  Chrift. 
is  there. 

2.  The  Bent  and  Byas  of  the  Soul  carries  the  whole  Soul  hither.  For  I  would 
not  judge  of  this  fo  much  by  fudden  pangs,  as  by  an  inward  bent;  for  the  whole 
Soul  in  aflfedionate  exprclTions  and  actions  may  be  carried  unto  Chrift,  but  beincr 
without  this  bent  and  change  of  affections,  it's  unfound.  As  in  Gldseny  they 
would  on  a  hurry  make  him  King:  He  would  not:  He  knew  it  was  a  fudden 
pang  which  would  die.  And  the  reafonis,  the  true  cum  of  the  whole  Soul  is  not 
by  turning  old  affedlions  upon  another  Object,  but  changing  them  firft  by  jfjis 
bent,  and  fo  turning  them.  For  a  carnal  heart  may  have  the  firft,  as  the  fame  eye 

may 


ten  Virgins  opened  and  Applied. 

may  fee  the  Sun  and  a  Dunghill,  and  the  eye  not  changed  i  So  here.   Now  when 
the  whole  Soul  is  fee  here,  it  is  never  at  reft  till  here 
Bftt  may  not  Hypocrites  come  to  this  f 

1.  Then  they  may  be  blcUed,  Pfal.119.2. 

2.  Then  they  fhall  never  be  caft  off  from  Chrift,  John  6.^j^ 

5.  Thcntheymaypartakcof  that  which  the  Lord  only  looks  for.  For  why  is 
the  Lord  angry  ?  The  heart  is  gone  from  him.  Why-  is  the  Miniflry  ordained, 
but  to  win  the  whole  heart  to  him  ?  John  "^.i  9^20,2  i.  Gh  therefore  con  fider 
whether  it  hath, been  thus  with  you  or  no  /  If  not  ,■  wo  to  you  /  Oh  be  very 
careful  here  .'  'Tis  a  thoufand  to  one  if  fomc  part  of  your  heart  be  not  fixt  elfc- 
whcre.  If  Chrift  wereat3udgmcnt,  and  fhould  fay,.C(7/»ff  ^^  H/efid:  How 
glad  would  ye  be  ?     Oh  he  faith  now ,  Conaeand  tak e  my  felf  I  .    ...  / 


209 


Quefi- 
Anfvf* 


5i 


SECT.    IV. 

IV.  Fulncfs  of  the  Spirit  it  felf,  in  the  room  of  Satan. 

IS  hall  not  fpeak  here  either  concerning  that  fulnefs  of  the  Spirit  in  extraordina^ 
ry  gifts,  fpoken  of  frequently  in  Jthe  ABs  ;  nor  yet  of  that  Fulnefs  of  the  Spi- 
rit which  fome  Chriftians  that  the  Lord  fcts  apart  to  do  and  fuffer  more  for  him, 
fhall  receive  more  than  others.  For  John  14.17.  the  Difcinles  had  the  Spirit, 
and  yec  Chrilt  promifeth  to  fend  them  the  Spirit.  And  Stephen  wzs  a  milf\  fitUrf 
Faith  and  the 'Holy  Ghojhy  A^s  ^.8.  And  'Barnahoi  A^s  11.14.  t*^  a  good 
mmfnllof  Faith  andthe  Holy  Ghofl.  But  I  fhall  fpeak  6f  that  Spirit  which  is  in 
every  Believer,  without  which  we  arc  not  Chrifts,  Rom.^.9,  And  this  is  that 
Spirit  which  is  oppofite  to  the  evil  Spirit,  the  Prince  of  darknefs,  which  poflefleth 
with  craft  arid  ppwer  all  the  fouls  of  the  fons  of  m.en,who  doth  not  only  encnmp  a- 
boucmen,  I  P^f.5.7,8.  Nor  onlynwi^  within  them^  Epb.i.2,3.  but  he  inhabiteth  p, 
and  dvYellethinmen.  He  doth  not  only  take  men  captive,  iTim.2,26.  but  he 
dwdh  in  .ind  poffeffeth  the  fouls  of  his  Captives,  Luke  1 1  .^i.  And  though  he 
doth  depart  for  a  time,  yet,  v.i6.  They  retttrn  and  dwell  there.  Now  in  the 
room  of  this,  corner  Gods  Spirit,  who  'z/.'22.  isfaid  to  be  ftrongcr  than  Satan, 
which  cannot  be  meaiit  but  of  Chrifts  Spirit:  That  as  'tis  with  a  man  whofe 
heart  is  turned  from  the  Lord,  he  is  not  left  only  to  be  carried  by  the  power  of 
his  (in,  but  by  the  power  of  Satan  alfo.  So  when  the  whole  foul  is  turned  unto 
him,  the  Lord  kaves  not  the  foul  to  be  carried  along  by  the  power  of  his  own 
Grace  or  Faith,  but  the  Spirit  it  felf  fills  and  a6ls  that  foul.  And  as  the  foul  was 
carried  by  the  mighty  power  of  Satan  before,  'tis  now  carried  by  the  Almighty 
poweroftheSpiiiticfelf,  Hence  i  Pet.i,$.  Kept  hythe  mighty  pmer  of  God 
through  F aith.  And  hence  AEls^6.l%.  Turned  front  the  power  of  Satany  not  to 
duties ,  but  to  God  himfclf ,  /.  e,  the  Spirit  of  God ,  and  fo  tp  clofc  with 

him.  • 

what  is  this  Spirit  which  the  Saints  have  f  Qttefl* 

I  l>»aU  expreCs  my  felf  in  thefe  three  Conclufions.  Anfw. 

I .  That  liAdam  had  rtood,  he  and  all  his  pofterity  lliould  have  had  that  pow-  Cor.clu.i" 
er  and  prcfence,  and  conftant  alTiftancc  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  as  that  they  fhould 
neyei- hive  fallen,  nor  have  been  able  to  fall  in  rcfpe6^  of  the  alTiftancc  of  the 
Spirit:  He (liould have beevi green  all  the  year  long,  his  Blolfom  fhould  not 
have  been  blafted,  his  fruit  fKould  never  have  witkered.  And  the  ground  is  the 
I  Rule  of  Juftice ;  for  if  he  falling,  all  his  pofterity  areforfaken  ofGod,  andun- 
I  der  the  reign  of  fin,  and  death  and  Satan,  Rom*^A%^i  i .  Then  he  ftanding,  all 
I  hi<;  pofterity  l"hould  have  had  the  cvcrlafting  prefence  ofGod,and  fhould  have  bin 
}  under  the  reign  of  the  Spirit  of  Grace  &  lifc.ThusalfotheCov€nantraii,</<rWAW. 
I  Ee  2.  That 


X.I.  O' 


Conclu, 


2. 


^\:^0 


T 


Concl. 


l^heTardble  of  the 


[.  av  Tb?;  the  Lord  Jefus  the  iQcond  Adam  ftanding  aiidriUngirithe.rooriiGf 
I  nil  his  people,  hence  he  doth  eonvdV  and  propagate,  to  iallhis  poiteriry  the  immu- 
!  table  and  conlbntaffiihnce  and  prcfence  of  -  his  Spirit,  whereby  being  oncebc- 
( gotten  of  him,  &  called  to  himjtheyTiev'er  afterward  depart  from  him.And  thou?h 
weak  in  themfclve3,:yet iillfted  byXhis  Spirit,  do  nor,  cannordeparc  wickedly 
igun.     The  Lord  Jefushavingilood,  they  cannot,  fall,  becanfe  by  vertueof  his 
ftanding  they  have  this  prcfence  of  the  Hoi  y  Gholt ,  John  1 4. 1 9.;  Becmfe  J  Uve^ 
^'jou  ^aS^i've  alfo.  Johh  <^-57.  As  the  living  Father  fent  me-,  and  I  Iwe  by  him-,  <kc. 
I  Ghrift'  ftanding  next  co'  the  Father^  iives  by  hini ;  we  ftanding  nex:  to  Chrift, 
live  as  infallibly  byhimi  'And  I  fay  the  ground  is  Ghtifts  fbndihg.'    For  though 
'there  be  many  reafons  .wiiy  the  Sainrs  can  never  fail  from  Chnft,- as  the  Spirit 
of  Grace,  Covenjant:  of  Grace,  JnterceSiou  of  Chrift,  yet  the  main  ground  is 
Chrifts  ftanding  without  the  leaft  fall  from  the  fulfilling  of  the  firft  Covenant, 
which  we  having  the  fiH^  moment  oTBelieving  kept  in  Chrift,  hence  the  Spirit  is 
given,    and  the  Covenant  ofGracr,'  bf  ftrength.:  And  hence  Rem.^.i  \.  &  v.xj^ 
18.    And  hence  the  Spirit  is  f aid  to  dwell  in  Believers,  i^off^.S.ii.     Andvve 
are  the  Temples  of  the  Spiric*  wheiherite;  dvVell  in  thdm  in  his  pcrfon  pcrfonally, 
the  well  is  here  deep,  but  he  dwells  in  there  fo  as  he  never  ceafethalMng  of 
;tbe'mvvfoih«t'r|<yeanbot depart Irool  the  Lord  agaih  j  hence  7/^.59.21.  My 
\SfirkfhMi  ndt  defm  from  thy  Seed.-,  John  i^.  ^  'Tis  called  the  Spirit  that  abides 
far  ewr.  /It  knits  the  f?>ul  to  the,  Lord>  and  keeps  itTo  for  evec :  Never  fufFers 
i  that. tove^k^ptito, be. untied  again^  ;  When  thc.foiU  is  weak,  the  Spirit  helps  him, 
when  o^defs  of  it  Xeifp, .  the  Spirit  keeps  him,  though  the  foul  offers  to  run  from 
l^tbe  Lord,  yet  this  Spirit  foUows-vhimj  though  he  grieves  the  /Spirit,,  yet  this 
Spirit  ftill,keeps  bis- owjahoufcj  wilLnot  depart  from  him;  and  fo  not  fufe  the 
foul  to  depart  from  theXord.    And  this  is  the  rcafonvvhy  the  Saints  never  fall  1 
.from  theiliord,.  though  they  have  weak  Grace,  poor  beginnings,,  many  fins,  and  I 
-^^^?j92  ftood  nor,  thougbwitb  the  perfc6l  Image  of  God  .upon  him,,  beeaufehei 
had  nocthis  Spirit  yet-gsyen ;  though  he  bad^^he  Spirit  of  God,  .yet  not  this  Spi-| 
■tit,  yyhiphfomecaU  thejSpirit  of  Adoption  given  to  him,  becaufe  he  had  not) 
fulfilled :  the  firft  . Covenant,'  which  we  iri  Chrift  have,  whicK  is  not  only  the ! 
ground  of  our  never  falling,  but  of  affurance  we  fhall  never  fall .    For  what  breaks ' 
a  mans-peace  after  Faith,? :    Apparition  of  fin  in  the  -  Confcience :    What  makes ! 
that  terrible  f :    The  Law.    NoW:  wheff  I  fee  in  Chrift,  I  have  kept  all  things  in  : 
the  Lavv^  not  only  the  ;cry  and  accufarions  of  the  Law  and  fin  are  ftilled,  but  al- 
fo thdre  arifeth  a  holy  bpldnefs  and,  cppfidence  and  joy ,  even  before  the  face  of 
an  angry* Ciod, j  'Miib\^ * ;?« a-   A^i^ r%s , fpul ^and^bpfiy ,  are  ever  knit ,  fo  here ,' 

3 . ;  This  Spirit  thtts  afhfting,  no  unregenerate  man  ever  h«th.I  fpeak  not  now  of- 
keeping  the  foul  from  falling  froffi  Grace,  but  from  Chrift.     _. 

1.  Becaufe  the  Spirit  of  Satan  fills  them,  he  istheftrong  man  that  keeps  the 
PaUx-c,  uiKier  whofe  Kingdom  and  power  they  4re;  and  therefore  this  Spirit 
which  deftroyes  the  Kingdom  of  Satan  is  not  in  them. 

2.  Becaufethis  was  a  Prerogative  that  ^i<f«*- had  not,  though  he  had  great 
Gifts  and  Glory  othervYife.;.r§^rfihiini^not:  tfae.iCaift  which   is  given  "unto 

3.  Becaiife  this  ariCeth,  and  therefore  is  gjven  becaufe  Chrift  flood,  and 
therefore  thofe  he  never  ftood  for,:  rofe  for  j  furred  for,  never  have  it. 

4.  Therefoie  we  ftialt  fee  in  experience,  take'  the  beft  Profeffors  living,, 
though  they  may  come,  as  they  and  others  judged,  to  the  Lord,  andfdllow  the 
Lord,  yet/they  will  in  time  (Kpart,,  fomtime  outwardly,  John-6.6^.  There  be 
fame  ef  yon  that  belUne  mt.  See  them, -y.^^^.  And  why  did  they  depart?  It  was 
xotgheHthemof  the  Father.  The  Spiritnevcr  was  given  effectually  to  draw  them, 
nor  yet  to  keep  them,  ,  ..  .  ,.,  i . 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


zii 


If  noc  outwardly,  an  leaft  inwardly  ;  and  hence  Hypocrites  though  they  have 
marvelloiif;  afFedlions  unto  ChritKind  fo  have  fpokc  of  him  and  commended  him, 
and  feem.ed  to  be  carried  above  all  creature?  and  dutie?  toward  him,  yet  him.leU' 
and  his  mercy,and  his  blood,  becomes  a  commo'.i  thing  to  them,  and  his  know- 
ledge andpromjfes  comm.on  :  and  hence  rhey  flight  and  loath  hii^,  and  mourn 
not  for  ic,and  fo  are  fo  far  from  being  kept  clofe  unto  Chrlft,  a'^  that  they  are  near- 
er the  unpardonable  fin  then  him..  But  all  they  have  is  like  Jonahs  gourd,  which 
fuddenly  rifeth,  but  there  is  a  Worm  ac  the  roor,  that  pulls  it  .down  again  ;  And 
fo  their  love  dies  to  MiniHers  thatChrift  fent  i  and  to  his  Truth  and  Ordinances. 

BMt  if  the  Spirit  doth  th^s,  who  then  fhaU  be  favtd  ?  for  who  is  there  that  de- 
parts hot  f 

I  When  I  fay  the  Spirit  doth  (o  affift  the  faithful,  as  that  they  never  depart :  The 
t  meaning  is  not,  as  though  the  foul  fhouldnow  never  fall  into  any  more  fin  or  un- 
l  belief,  for  what  do  the  Saints  m.ore  complain  of  then  their  backflidings,  J  fa.  63. 
1 7.  Hek 1 2  .X .  Saints  hearts  are  no  fooner  raifed  up,  but  their  weights  grow  heavy 
and  prefs  them  down  ;  no  fooner  do  they  walk  in  the  way ,  but  they  begin  to 
fall  off:  But  when  I  fayfo,  I  fay  three  things,  i.  Their  whole  heart  never 
departs.  2 .  They  do  not  depart  fox  ever.  3 .  Though  they  do  depart  from  the 
Lord,  yet  the  Spirit  doth  not  depart  from  them;  as  it  is  in  common  reafon  ,  the^' 
fam.e  thing  may  go  either  in  a  (fraighc  or  crooked  line  to  the  fame  point.  As  a 
River  m.ay  run  in  aftraightor  crooked  line  to  the  Sea.  So  the  Saints,  their 
fprings(their  hearts)beingfec  a  running  after  the  Lord,though  they  do  not  follow 
him  in  a  llraightlinejfp  as  never  to  depart  to  the  right  hand  or  left ;  yet  they  are 
fo  kept  by  the  Spirit  that  they  are  continually  making  after  him,  cleaving  to  him  ; 
though  with  many  crooked  windings  of  their  hearts,  this  w«y  and  that  way  from 
the  Lord-  And  therefore  as  it  is  in  a  wheel,  it  ftands  bent  for  fuch  an  end,  yet 
runs  at  one  fide,  but  is  turned  by  the  skill  of  him  that  guides  it  into  the  way  a- 
gain,and  fo  let  it  run  the  man  is  with  it :  So  'tis  here.  And  becaufe  fomthing  is 
like  this  in  Hypocrites,  I  ihall  endeavour  to  cut  the  thread. 

I.  Their  whole  hearts  never  do  nor  can  depart  from  the  Lord,  all  their  fins 
anddepaptings  are  againft  their  new  nature,  which  the  Lord  hath  given  them. 
Its  againll;' the  grain,which  as  it  aggravates  their  fin,  fo  itfhews  the  ditference  be- 
tween their  iins  and  the  fins  of  other  m.en  ;  they  may  be  drawn  afide,buc  its  a- 
gainft  their  wills,  or  if  fo,  yet  againft  the  bent  of  their  hearts ,  which  is  fee  to- 
ward the  Lord,  and  Sion-wardj  they  may  be  carried  captive  againft  their  wills,  as 
P^?// complained  he  was ,  and  made  his  moan  to  heaven  of  it ;  or  if  with  their 
wills,  yet  it  is  againft  the  a6live  bent  of  their  wills,  which  inclines  them  another 
way,  I  J^hn  3.9.  The  J  cmnot  Jinyhecatife  the  feed  remmns  m  them  ;  fq  that  they 
cannot  fin  with  their  whole  hearts ,  nor  depart  ,from..Chrift  with  their  whole 
hearts:  A^itis  with  a  Woman,^  though  her  Husband  hath  her  whole  heart,  yen 
there  is  much  weaknefs  and  fin  mixc  with  this  love;, So  that  whatever  unkindnefs 
ilie  Oiews,  it  is  not  with  her  whole  heart,  but  againft  it,  and  hence  Ihe  is  nor  caft 
«off ;  So  m.uch  m.orc  here.  Or  as  it  is  with  the  unregenerate  man  pofleffed  by  Sa- 
tan, though  he  may  forfake  many  finful  courfes,take  up  many  duties,  defpifcthe 
World,  yee  it  is  not  with  his  whole  heart  :  And  hence  he  is  pulled  back  like  a 
Bird  by  the  leg,  Satan  having  an  end  of  his  heart,  and  he  that  is  unholy  and  un- 
clean will  be  fo  ftilL     So  e  contra. :  As  'tis  with  a  ftone,caft  it  up  its  againft  the 
bent  of  it,  becaufe  the  nature  of  it  is  to  reft  in  the  Center,  and  hence  it  comes 
!  down  3g^in.    It  is  not  by  internal  bent,  but  by  external  vis  or  force  .•  So  fin  and 
I  Satan  being  caft  out,  though  they  work  in  the  foul,  yet  they  are  external  Agents, 
I  ( it  is  not  I,  but  fin)  and  hence  it  is  againft  the  bent.    The  whole  foul  therefore 
i  never  departs  from  the  Lord  Jefus,  but  the  Spirit  keeps  it  there.    As  'tis  in  the 
[  body  of  a  ma-?,  he  grows  fick  and  inclines  toward  a  diffolution  or  confumption, 
I  and  jopcratioHs  arc  hindred,  and  little  delight  iiiany  thing,  yet  the  foul  and  bo- 
I  E  e  2.  ■  dy 


ZlZ 


"fhe  T arable  of  the 


6*^  are  not  yec  parted  wholly  hereupon,  for  even  then  they  are  kept  clofe.  Soj 
though  the  heart  may  depart  and  incline  towards  confumption  and  cearh ,  and 
litde  can  the  foul  do  but  lie  ftill  and  grieve,  yet  the  union  between  the  Spirit 
and  rhefoulonce  made, is  never  broken.  For  as  the  whole  foul  departed  and 
made  dif-union,fo  the  whole  foul  returning  makes  the  union.  And  hence  if  ever 
after  the  whole  foul  {hould  dep  art,  the  union  fliould  be  broken ;  and  hence  look 
on  a  Chriflian  when  he  is  hi  mfelf,  he  cannot  flir,  nor  depart;  partly  by  a  fpirit 
of  fear,  Jer,  32. 40.  Like  a  man  in  a  Ship,  he  cannot  cnft  himfelf  into  Sea ,  it 
makes  him  tremble  to  think,  what  if  I  fhould  fall  in,  and  hence  keeps  clofe  in- 
the  Ship,  what-ever  ilorms  come,  whar-ever  calms  com.e,  for  he  fees  death  be- 
fore him.  Oh  the  lofs  of  Chrift  and  his  fellowfliip  hereafter,  nay  here,  is  dread- 
ful to  him  ••  Partly  by  a  Spirit  of  love,  it  conttrains  us,  that  when  the  heart 
fometime  cares  not  for  Chri(+,  yet  the  Spirit  of  love  fprings  up  t  Shall  I  now 
leave  him  that  pitied  me.  That  brought  me  a  Pardon,  when  my  neck  was  on  the 
block,  &c. 

1 1.  When  he  doth  depart  by  reafon  of  feme  evil  in  his  heart,  yet  'tis  Hot  ever,  j 
but  he  muft  return  fooner  or  later  to  him  again,  it  was  bcft  with  him.  then.    For 
look  as  'tis  with  Satan,  How  doth  he  carry  the  heart  from  God?  You  ihallfeej 
it  in  Jtida^j  John  13.   He  ftands  at  the  door  and  knocks  by  a  finful  thought  liked  I 
o^,verf.2.    Then  he  enters  the  houfebycaufingthe  will  to  refolve  of  it.     He[ 
doth  not  carry  m.en  like  thofe  Herds  of  Swine  againft  their  wills,  but  prevails! 
with  the  Will  to  refolve  thus,  verf.  27.    Hereupon  Satan  having  a  Commi0ion 
carries  him  out,  and  he  muft  needs  go  whom  the  Devil  drives;  fo'tis  here,  the} 
Spirit  in  recalling  the  foul  will  have  him  come  back.     i.  Puts  in  fecret  fweetj 
living  thoughts  again,  and  makes  the  foul  coniider  and  remember  from  whomj 
'tis  fallen,  or  who  the  Lord  is.     2.  Then  caufeth  the  will  to  refolve  of  a  return, 
and  then  he  mull  go  whom  the  Spirit  draws,  Pfai.  6^.6.  David  rememhers  the 
Lord  on  his  ^<?^,  though  now  driven  from  all   Ordinances;  Hence  ver[:'j.Un- 
der  thj  jhadow  J  volll  rejojce  i  Vicncc  verf.  8.  Afji  fonl  followeth  hard  after  thee^  or, 
cleaves  to  thee.   But  David  was  weak  and  feeble,  how  cam.e  he  to  do  this  ?  T/»/  ( 
ha»d  verf.  8.  fiphoUeth  me.     Look  as  it  was  with  Sfimffon^  when  his  locks  were  cut,  j 
he  was  like  orher  men,  and  was  made  to  grinde,  but  they  grew  again,  and  then 
he  was  like  himfelf  again:  So  when  the  ane6^ions  and  hearts  to  Chrift  are  cur,  | 
they  are  like  other  men  for  a  time ;  but  they  are  continually  coming  and  growing 
.igain,  and  then  they  are  like  themfclves  again.    And  I  fay  tkey  muft  return,  for 
when  the  Spirit  carries  a  man  indeed,  there  is  a  neceflity  put  upon  him ,  u4Us  4. 
20.  We  cannot  but  ffeakjhe  things  yve  have  heard  •,ind  2,  Cor.  13.  8.  fVe  can  dofjc- 
thingagainft^hm  for  the  truth.     For  here  we  ftia II  fee  the  broad  difference  be- 
tween a  convifted  Hypocrite  that  knows  all  is  amifs  with  him  and  the  Saints  : 
He  fees  his  falls  from  the  Lord,  and  is  afraid  in  his  Confcience  of  Mifery  if  he 
doth  not  return,  and  deftres  and  endeavours  for  to  do  it ;  but  what  if  it  be  hard  ? 
and  it  feem  impolTiblc  to  be  better  ?  Now  he  falls  down  and  thinks  this  is  an  in- 
firmity whic^  God  will  pardon,  and  fo  Satan  conquers  him;  Lfay  again,  not 
temptation,  but  Satan  conquers  him:  For  then  a  man  is  conquered,  when  faith 
is  conquered,  i  lohn  5.4.  then  Faith  is  conquercd,when  returning  to  Chrift  with 
the  whole  heart  is  conquered ;  the  whole  heart  returns  not  until  a  mans  will 
rcfolvcs  by  being  preft  with  a  neceftiry  of  a  return  and  ftaying  there.     Now  there- 
fore the  Spirit  of  God  puts  the  foul  upon  a  necefifity  of  returning  to  the  Lord  , 
that  when  the  heart  faith.  It  cannot  be  that  ever  your  heart  ihoald  be  better,  or 
the  Lord  help ;  it  muft  be  faith  the  foul  again,  and  it  is  fo ,  I  am  not  able  to  bear 
this  evil,  for  mercy  muft  help,  and  Spirit  muft  draw,  and  hence  the  foul  muft 
come,  Pfal.  42. 7, 8.  The  foul  thinks  mercy  can  and  is  willing,  but  will  it  ?  Why 
the  Lord  commands  it,  when  one  wave  calls  in  for  another,  mercy  muft  ftcp  in, 
and  hence    my  fraytr  is  to  thee.    No\Y  this  ncceflity  of  return  to  the  Lord 

appears 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied. 

appears  chiefly  in  breakiiig  down  all  oppoiidons  agiinft  itsrcrum^  which  ^re 
four. 

1 ,  Somrime  fnares  of  t^e  world  and  other  things  befide.  The  Lord  eafeth 
them,  the  Lord  fends  no  crofics,  gives  them  their  hearts  defire,  under  which 
Vines  they  xd\,  yec  if  the  Lord  takes  not  all  from  them,  be  puts  fuch  a  cloyednefs 
in  them,  that  the  foul  cannot  but  return  to  the  Lord  again,  it  cannot  live  on 
fuch  courfe  bread,  things  that  fatisfie  not ,  it  had  better  once,  Ecclef.  2.  3, 
4,11. 

2.  Fears  and  difcouragemcnts  of  fpirit,  for  when  delivered  from  fnares,  then 
fears  come,  and  difcouragements,  either  by  reafon  of  outward  lofles  or  the 
Lords  anger  :  So  that  the  foul  fears  it  never  had,  never  fhall  have  any  mercy, 
that  hath  thus  abufed  it ;  and  it  hath  thought  God  himfelf  to  fay  fo  ,  and  his  be- 
haviour in  not  hearing  and  helping  in  fo  long  a  time,  to  witnefs  fo  :  Yet  it  will 
return,  though  the  Lord  never  fave  it  ;  it  will  not  fin  :  Jin^h  yet  looks  again 
to  the  Temple,  when  he  could  not  come  to  it,  yet  he  would  look  to  it.  The 
foul  will  turn  up  its  eyes  and  mourn ;  Oh  that  I  have  fo  abufed  the  Lord  and 
mercy/-  that  Love  it  felf  fhouid  be  angry  and  frown/  Pfal.'j'].  ThePfalmift 
refufidto  hcomfortffd^v.'2'»  Nay,T'.3.  Though  he  rememhed  (jo^,  and  all  his 
Mvcpaii,  yet  fr^^^ifi ,  this  brought  greater  trouble,  yec  i/.  10.  Vie  remember  the 
yenrs  of  the  right  h^nd  of  the  moft- High,     iS'<i»/ did  not  thus. 

5.  Thoughts  of  impoflibiiity  and  unliktlihood  to  get  peace  or  pardon,  or  vi- 

1 6iory  over  hn  now.    For  fomtime  the  Saints  think  ,  the  Lord  loves  me,  and  yet 

I  lets  thcfe  evils  lie  here,  but  I  can  get  no  help'now,  efpecially  if  after  many  pray- 

jcrs.    I  know  help  againrt  all  fms  they  cannot  get,  and  hence  are  humbled,  but 

I  againft  them  iins  that  help  can  be  got,  wherein  the  Lord  hath  done  it  for  others, 

I  and  wbickmake  the  Lord  eftrange  himfelf  it  muft  be  had  (  for  this  temptation  to 

|,a  Saint  is  an  .'Hypocrites  ovcrthrovr)  P/^/.i8.2i,22,23.    If  earth  cannot  help, 

cannot  Heaven  ?    What,  not  the  Spirit,  Word,  Bloud,',  Mercy,  of  a    ten-| 

I  der-heartcd   Redeemer  ?    What   though  not  now  ?  yet  I  will  not  gi\  e  him  | 

'■  over.  '  -  '  I 

4.  When  Gods  Providence  fcems  to  icrofs  his  Promife,  yet  they  will  cleave 

to  him.  or  return  to  him.    For  many  times  Saints  have  their  elhtes  in  the  Bonds 

of  Gods  Promifes,  and  hence  they  wait  for-  accompliflimenc  ofchcra;  but  the 

Lord  carries  it  quite  crofs  to  his  promife  to  their  feeming.    He  promifeth  to 

make  alive,  to  comfort,  to  fandlifie,  to  be  with  me  •  and  he  kills,  fads,  lets 

cut  fin,  never  fuch  a  heart,  and  forfakes  me.    Oh  now  Faith  fliakes/    yec  they 

will  not  away,  Heb.i  i  .1  ^,16.     The  Lord  calls  them  to fcrfakc  their  Countrey ; 

Abraham  is  a  ftranger  there,  and  that  among  Cut-throtc  CeiMMmtes,  and  dwells 

in  Tabernacles,  and  f^ut  hundred  years  after,  his  potterity  being  afifli£led  fhould 

have  it;    yec  he  would  not  return,  though  they  might,  God  had  faid  her«,  I'le 

blejfe  thee,  fo  here.    The  m.urmuring  Ifraelites  fell  fliort  of  this. 

in.  Whenever  the  foul  doth  depart,  yet  the  Spirit  of  God  is  ever  in  it  and 
\Yithit,P/^/.75i2.  The  Pfalmift  Almoft  fell.  Why  did  he  not?  Than  art  ever 
with  me,  thy  hand  v. 2  5 .  hath  upheld  me»  ;  So  that  as  the  Spirit  keeps  the  foul  to 
Chrift,  fo  it  keeps  Chrift  in  the  foul  at  all  times.  And  hence  Saints  in  theclo- 
fureof  all  their  dealings  with  God,  and  he  with  them,  they  have  feen  his  love, 
working  good  in  all ;  that  now  the  Soul  can  fay,  lo  the  Lord  rva*  hete^  and  J  knew 
i'0  mt^  Jfi-  2  5 .9^1  o.  That  the  foul  admires  fomtimcs^  and  hence  after  all  fees 
[the  Lord  more  clearly  and  fully  and  fwcecly^ '  till  at  laft  itfees  him  in  Glory, 
i  Thus  you  fee  the  Spirit  tfeat  fallows  Saints  is  with  them,  which  the  world  wants. 
Oh  admire  at  the  Lord,  if  thk  Spirit  be  givcfl,  chat  Heaven  is  come  down  into 
thy  Hell/  Thit  no  mlferies,  no  fins  can  part,  but  its  ever  putting  thee  in  thy 
way  agaia.     Hence  when 

•ijp.  They  arc  ready  to  quite  fall  off,  and  give  thfimfelves  for  gone,  ready  to  be 

Ee  5  made 


ii) 


2.14 


l/he  'Parable  of  the 


made  away  by  tempcadon,  or  to  make  away  chemfelves,  the  Loixi  i;;  with  them 
then,  P/^/.94.i  8.     At  the  tim.c  of  parting,  love  appears. 

2.  Hencewhen  they  are  fomtime  fo  far  gone,  as  that  they  mind  not  their  re- 
turn, or  believe  not,  as  in  the  wildernefs,  but  are  well  enough  vvichout  the  Lord, 
the  Lord  before  they  think  or  deiire,  prevents  them,  P/k/.2  3 .6.  Menj  and  Truth 
follows  me* 

3.  Hence  when  they  think  the  Lord  is  provoked  that  he  cannot  fave,  then  he 
is  in  the  midft  of  his  people,  Jer,i^>  1 1 .  fVhj  art  thou  as  a  man  afiomed  that  canmt 
fave  ? 

4.  Hence  at  the  end  of  life,  all  the  waiesof  God  have  been  peace,  and  all  our 
waies ,  though  forrowful,  though  evil,  turned  for  good  j  as  in  Jonas  hisdepaic- 
ing;  and  bymiferies  weareyet  hum.bled  ;  fomthing  the  Lord  is  doing  now  for 
Eternity,   Micakj^S,     Though  I  Jit  in  darknejfe  ,  the  Lord  will  h  a  light  unto 

me,  ... 

5.  Hence  when  the  heart  and  ftrength  fail,  and  Faith  is  failing,  and  the  heart 
feels  nothing  but  pain,  yet  the  Lord  then  keeps,  and  this  is  com.fort,  PfaL 

Coniider  therefore  your  eftare,  that  ■ 

1.  Dodeparc  with  your  whole  heart  from  the  Lord.  Hath  not  the  Lord  bow- 
ed thy  heart  toward  himfclf ,  by  mercies,  by  blows.?  But  when  forrows have 
been  patt,  and  mercies  grown  comiBon,  and  truth  comm.on,  thou  haft  ftarted 
back  like  a  brokea  bow  which  was  bent  backward ,  when  firetchcd  for- 
ward. And  now  when  God  calls  to  any  duty,  efpecially  when  thy  will  and  ends 
arccrojGfed,  that  is  a  burden,  and  thou  art  drawn  to  that  as  a  Fiili  to  the  dry  land, 
ItislikeaFeaver-fittothee,  and  never  mourneft  for  this.  But  when  any  matter  | 
of  gain  and  world  is  prefented,  all  thoughts,  tim.e,  ftrength  is  too  little  there, 
that  you  fmell  of  the  field ;  or  if  there  be  any  life  or  joy,  yet  the  lean  kme  eat  up  the 
fat  ki^e.  Nay,  mourneft  not  under  that  curfed  bent  which  carries  thee  from  the 
Lord.    Know  it,  thou  art  forfak en  of  the  Lord, 

2.  That  in  times  paft  had  many  affections,  but  now  forrow  is  gone,  andfeek- 
ing  of  the  Lord  gone ;  and  being  fallen,  feeft  it  not,  but  thinkeft  'tis  vvith  thee  as 
with  other  Chriftians,  haft  only  the  old  work  paft,  and  fomcnew  pangs  now  and" 
then,  why  is  it  thus?  J(rr.8.4,5..  j^  Will  you  fall  and  not  arife?  Wilt  let 
the  Loxd,  .turn  from  you,  and  not  return?  Doth  the  Stork  k^ow  wheft  winter  u 
near-,  and  not  joujom-feafsn  ?  Oh  look  to  it  /  What  are  you  fallen  with  aperpe- 
tual  backfliding  ?  Why  will  you  not  return,  b.ut  go  avf  ay  with  a  perpetual  back- 
Aiding?   Know  Satan  hath  hold  of  this  foul. 

g.  YoupcopleofGod,  wondenyou  at  this  Grace  :  Let  your  experience  prove 
it.  Is  it  not  fo,  that  a  Habitation  of  Devils  fhould  be  a  Houfe  of  the  Spirit  of 
God  ,  nor  to  fojourn,  but  dwell,  there,  and  chough  abufed,  vexed,  yet  it  will 
not  depart.  ' 


SECT..  V, 

V,  San6lificatio%  intheroomoffelf-fceking. 

THis  work  of  the  Spirit  hath  had  many  fcratches,  and  pafTed  under  divers  cen- 
fures ;  that  if  that  queftion  fhould  be  asked  of  it,  which  once  Chrift  made 
concerning  himfdf,  whom  fay  men  that  1  dm  i  Wtf  {hall  find  five  feveral  appre- 
henfionsofit. 

I.  Some  have  made  it  common,  and  that  this  treafure  may  be  digged  out  of 
dung-hils,  that  the  Lord  cafis  thcfe  Pearls  to  Swine,  that  a  carnal  heart  may  have 
all  thcfe  gifts  and  graces  which  the  righteous  have^  and  Jidamhzd,  andperiih 

at 


11-^  ■  '.■■>ji,.ii,. 


ten  Virgins  O-pened  and  Applied* 


at  1:2ft.    And  hence  no  evidence  fi^om  it  at  all..  -  , ,  .^'ci  i 

.  2.  Some  have  not  made  in  dius  commoH,,  but- proper  to  the  Ele^i,  and  that* 
none  are  juftified  but  they  are  fandlified,  and  e  ccmra,  _  But  ir hath  been,  and 
they  think  'tis  fo  difguifed  with  the  mixture  of  fin  and  temptation,  and  cannot  be 
known,  or  very  hardly.  If  fo,  that  though  theLord  Jefus  ccwe  »»/(? /?/j  ob;;^,  and 
dwell  not  only  in  their  Houfes,  but  m  their  hearts ,  yet  they  kuotv.him^ 
not.  y:i'.V)-  ■  ^itiiloln' 

3.  Some  fay  ic  m.ay"be  known,  but  iibt 'as ■  dwelling  in  our  beaHs  ,' 
but  &s  inherent  in  Chrift,  m.aking  the  inherent  Grace  of  Chnli  in  Chrifct 
himfelf  to  be  our  San<5tification ,  which  the  Apoftlc  makes  to  be  our  righte- 
oufnefs.  And  fo  as  the  Papills  abolilTi  Chrifts  right eoufnefs  for  julUfication^  by. 
making  it  to  confift  only  in  infufioniof  Grace  in  us ,-  thefe  abolifli'  Chrift  to  b«  our 
Sandlirication,  by  making  all  our  fanftification  .to  confift.  in:;  inh*(ion  in  Chrifti 
out  of  us.  ^  .   ;  —  ^! .:  "^  . 

■  4.  Somefaythereis!afaii6l:ificationinus,  0uc wherein  doth k confift?  ..Not' 
in  any  habitual  Holinefs,  or  Graces  in  us,  b'utin  the .  immediate  ^(Sings  of  Ghriil 
I'in  us,'  and  fothe  Lord  makes  hisj  Mufick  wichout  any  ftrings ,  and  reveals  things 
to  us  without  eyes,  and  makes  us  live  without  any  povVer  of  life:  And  fa  after 
!  jiiftificatioft  they  put  a  Chriftian  ih  fucb  an  eftate  of  San6lification.  ^s  that  he  is  a 
meer  Patient,  in  next  difpofition  to  move  if  hebe  moved;.-  Like  ^-iveather-Cock, 
which  hath  no  power  at  all  to  move,  but  as  the  wind  blows  it,  good  or  bad. 

5.  Some  grant  that  there  is  a  fantftification  proper  to  theFaithfiil,  and  in  the! 
Faithful  an  habitual  Halinefs,  and  confifting  in  a  moft  bleiTed,  inward,  total 
change.  But  when  they  corns,  to  the  application  of  this  to  themfelves,  they 
think  that  ifthey-havefomereTormatidn  with  fome  inward  affeilion,  they  think 
evet-y  overly  change  is  prefently  fan6lification.,.  and  this  m.uft.  be  a  good  evidence 
to  them.  And  fo  like  fame  Herbalifts  that  treat  of  the  Soveraign  excellencies  of  fe- 
veral  herbs,  but  when  they  come  to  gather,  them.,  in  the  garden,  .they  take  their 
counterfeits  in  the  room  of  them'.  The  caufes-of  ;which  variety  of  appreb:  nftons 
isthe  rareiKlfs  o€k-(anid  therefore  *tis  unknowm)!  and  the  corrupt  experience  o£ 
mt\V.  '       "  "■'■■'  .>.;.:      ^  .  ,:'0..,  ^        ^■-'  •  - 

I  fliail  ther^for^  lay  level  thefe  things,  by  Shewing  youwliat  thatm.eafureof 
fan£liiicati6nis\Vhich  is  in  us^,  and  which  is  peculiar  to  the  Eledl,  and  which  al- 
fo  may-be  knowm  by  them  which  have  it :  And  therefore  lliall  not  fpeak  of  fan- 
cBfication  at  large,  which  is  the  change  of  the  whole  man  by  the  death  of  Chrift, 
whereby  he  is  feparat^dfrom  fin,  and  fin  mortified  in  him;  and  by  the  life  of 
Ghfift,  whereby  he  is  dedicated  untoChrift,  'and  lives  his  life.  But  I  lliali  treat 
of"  it  now  fo  far  forth  efpeciaily  as  this  chang^e  may.  be  known  by  it;  and  therefore 
I  oppofe  it  to  feif-fceking.  ■ 

But  why  do yoHo^fofe Stun^hjicationto  Self-feeklng} 
'  1.-  Becaule  this  San^ification  ,  I  now.  fpeak  of  It  fo  .  far  forth  as  it  may 
b(?'feen  ;  novv  iir  is.  feen  here,  chiefly,  becaiife  it  m.ay  be  faid  here  it  is-: 
But  Hypocrites  have  a;^cbange,  Wherein  may  it  be  known  to  be  different  from 
theirs  ?  Why,  the  change  of  the  he^rt  chiefly  appears  in  the  change  of  the  utm.oft  1 
end.   ':  '  ■  ''  ,'       ' 

2.  Becaufeasthepotlutionofthewholeman,  and  all  his  actions  civil,  moral,* 
'afnd  religious,  confifts  chiefly  ,  and  appears  in  this  felf-feeking ,  or  making  our! 
;feives  €*ur  utmoft  end.    This  makes  the  moft  glorious  a<5lions  vile,  and  ftains 
;them-att«    S^the'  fan^ification  of  a  man  cofififts  chiefly  and  appears  in  making  1 
the  LOirdour  utnioft  endof  all  we  do :  So  thatthough  the  actions  be  never  fo  mean] 
"antlpoor,  yetthi«  puts  aGloryandluftre  on  them,  and  is  the  Crown  of  them, 
rCVen-of  the  giving  of  amp&f  cold  water,'  Mat.5.22,     Ifthj^  ^yebefngle.'   Look 
therefore,  as'before  the  Lord  juftifies  thefoul,  every  man  living  feeks  himfe'f  as 
^  hi§"l^.^  end  and  g.ood;  and  out  of  this,  capdvity  no  p'owCr  can  redeem  them. 


Anfw, 


zi6 


The  Tarable  of  the 


DAn.^.lo.  Gen.ii.^,  So  after  it,  the  Lord  fan<5lifies  the  foul  with  fuch  a  mea - 
fure  of  his  Giacc  as  m:ikes  the  Lord  his  ucmoft  end :  And  this  no  other 
have. 

Lee  me  therefore  fhevv  you  what  this  San6tification  ismorefully,andwithaIl 
the  cheif  ingredients  in  it,  that  fo  it  may  be  the  better  known. 

It's  the  renovation  of  the  whole  man,  appearing  in  the  change  of  a  mans  ut- 
moft  end.    But  more  particuLirly, 

'Tis  that  work  of  the  Spirit  in  the  fouU  whereby  the  foul  beholdir^  the  Glory 
ofChriR,  and  feeling  his  love,  hereupon  clolcthwith  the  whole  will  of  Chrift, 
and  fceketh  to  plcafe  him,  as  his  happinefs  and  utmoft  end. 

For  look  as  in  felf-feeking  there  are  four  things'. 

1 .  A  man  beholds  himfclf  and  fome  goo  d  in  himfclf. 

2.  Loves  himfelf  abundantly. 

3.  Pleafethhisownwill. 

4.  Doth  this  as  his  utmolt  and  laft  end.  So  here  in  this  defcripticn  of  Sandi- 
fication  which  I  oppofc  chiefly  to  felf-corruption,  are  four  things. 

1.  The  foul  beholds  the  Lord  in  all  his  Glory,  feeing  of  him  prefent  with 
him  in  all  his  Glory,  and  fee  before  him,  PfaLi6,%,  For  this  is  one  neceflary 
ingredient  to  his  fan6lification  and  feeking  the  Lord  as  his  utmoft  end.  For  why 
doth  a  man  feek  himfelf  >  He  fees  fome  glory  and  good  in  himfelf,  none  in  the 
Lord.  And  hence  we  fay  of  fome  men,  whofe  pride  fpoyls  their  parts,  they 
know  themfelves  toO  well,  and  hence  Saints  when  they  fee  their  own  vilenefs, 
and  fee  the  Lord,  they  are  fo  far  from  feeking,  as  that  they  loath  themfelves. 
Therefore  when  the  Lord  reveals  himfdf  to  the  foul  in  his  Glory,  this  makes 
them  feek  him  and  not  themi'elves,  i  Cor*  1.30.  Chrift  «  made  mfdom ,  righte- 
Quffiejfe^^c.  that  all  might  gjory  in  hm.  For  this  is  the  Glory  of  Chrift,  and  the 
lirft  Principle  of  feeking  the  Lord,  the  foul  fees  his  good  laid  up  in  the  Lord  more 
than  in  himfelf;  nay  wholly  in  the  Lord,  rot  at  all  in  himfelf.  Hisvvifdomis 
in  him,  he  cannot  but  wilder  till  utterly  loft  without  him.  His  righteoufnefs  is 
in  him,  he  could  never  have  one  (in  pardoned  by  Angels  holinefs  without  him. 
His  fandlification  is  in  him,  he  could  not  have  thclcaftthought  nordefire,  but 
the  Lord  muft  work  it  in  him.  His  redemption  is  in  him,  tWc  could  not  be 
freedom  one  hour  frOxii  unknown  evils  but  by  him.  Hence  feeing  him  fuch  an 
one,  he  feeks  him.  As  why  do  men  feek  m.en,  efpecially  if  great  ?  Why  do 
men  defirc  to  ftand  before  Princes,  and  pleafe  them,  fothat  they  will  not  gladly 
offer  them  the  Icaft  diftafte  ?  Bccaufe  they  fee  them  before  them,  beholding  of 
them,  apt  to  be  angry,  if  difpleafed  ;  and  their  greatnefs  awes  them:  So  here. 
Why  is  not  the  Lord  Jcfus  pleafed  ?  He  is  not  feen  in  his  Glory,  nor  made  re- 
all  y  prefent ;  and  hence  Rev*  5.12,13.  When  tbey  faw  him  on  his  Thrsne  ,  they 
cafi  dowu  their  Crowm  and  gave  him  Glory* 

2.  The  foul  alfo  feels  nis  leve,  and  fo  abundantly  loves  him  again.  For  how 
come  men  to  feek  themfelves  in  every  thing,  and  they  cannot  but  do  it?  *Tis 
becaufc  they  love  themfelves,  and  that  abundantly ,  nccefiarily,  as  fire  burns; 
though  they  burn  fo  hot  in  this  love  that  If  laft  they  confume  themfelves.  So 
how  do  any,  can  any  feek  the  Lord  ?  We  know  the  Apoftle  faith,  i  Cor.i  3 .5. 
Love  feeki  not  ^^''  ^^^'  When  the  Sun  hath  put  out  this  fire  of  our  felf-love, 
when  the  fenfeof  the  Lords  love  hath  kindled  that  love  to  the  Lord  again,  as  that 
it  abundantly  loves  Chrift,  now  it  will  feek  the  things  of  Chrift,  and  not  its  own 
things.  And  as  there  is  abundance  of  felf  love,  that  men  are  eaten  up  with  it ; 
fo  there  muft  be  much  love,  which  muft  be  abundantly  fhed  in  the  heart,  fo  as  to 
eat  up  that ;  arilingfrom  thefenfe  ofthc  Lords  love,  and  that  abundantly.  For 
many  aman  comes  to  have  fome  good  will,  and  affection,  and  love  to  the  Lord, 
but  yet  never  comes  to  feek  the  Lord  as  his  laft  end,  and  live  to  him.  Why  ? 
Becaufe  he  hath  not  tafted  abundantly  ©f  tlic  Lords  Mercy,  Grace  and  Love, 

Pfal^ 


f 


ten  Vtr^im'Opened  and  Applied. 


t,if 


PfalM.i  2,13.     And  hence  rhc  incomparable  Spiric  of  Paul ,  .1  fee'^  mtydHrsA 
.  knt you  ',  Wherein  ?  In  being  willing  tofpend.  But  fave  your  felf  PW  :  nay,  afid  ta  be  ' 
^pent:  With  much  ado;  Nay,  mo^ gladly.  Though  you  love  me  nor,  becaufe  I  love' 
)ou  :  So  herfe,  chough  Chiiit  ihould  not  love  ir,  yec  he  is  worthy,  he  harh  done  e- 
nough,andno'.Y  theioulvvJlnotonly  do,  butrejo;,ce,  nay,,  in  iufferings ;  be- 
^ai:le  his  love  is  noc  dropt,  but  ilied  in  our.  hearts.     And  hence  'tis  a  never-fail- 
ing rule,  lircle  love  or  aiiurance  of  it ,  little  feeking  the  Lord  i  much  ailiirance, 
;  much  iecking  of  him-  ..,...;....-.,  -        ■ 

I      5.  Hereupon  the  foul  clofethwirh  the  whole  will  of-Ghrift,  and.  plcifeih 
i  ir,  becdiiie  iipiecifech  him..     Ics  with  every  man,  as  it  was  with.^^?;?/^?^,  he  wopJd 
|needs  h.weavvifeof  fheP/:?////??;/;^,  Why  fo  ?  JW^.  14.3.     Beciufe  {^je  pUafeth 
\me.    So,why  Will  men  feek  tliemJelves,  Tave  themfelves,  love  them'fdvc?,  and 
i  piejle  cheir  own  wills  ?     Becaufe  it  ple.ifech  theai.     Look  therefore  js  rhe  foul 
I  wi:eni.e  lovedhimfelf,  didfeekco  pie.iie  only  his  o\^m  will  in  e\'cry  thing,  and 
i 'tis  good  bec.ade  it  pleafedim.e;   fo  the  foul,  whofe  heartisnowinde.iredto 
Chnit,  though  he  cannor  rerfedV-y  do  io  ( that's  in  He.ivcn  )  yet  he  feeks  to  c^ive 
the  whole  will  of  Chrift  content,  becaufc  it  plcafeth  Chrift.     hnd  this  i?  that 
that  Cod  hath  fwom  his  people  fhall  have,  LtiJ?e   1 74,7  5.     And  that  Cnrifl  hath 
delivered  m  from  all  oHre;-ieraies^  (  For  the  great  reifonwhy  m.en  cleave  not  to  the 
Lord,  and  pleafe  his  whole  Will  is,  becaufe  they  have  m.any  ihings  to  care  for, 
and  keep,  and  ple.^fe,  which  we  account  friends,  whxh  are  the.  Lords  enemies, 
Satan: and  world)  toferve  him  wthotitfear,  i.  e.  in  love,  and  /;?  holimjfe  and  rlghe- 
ouffj-efe,  /.  <r.  his  whole  Will  4iZ  cur  dales.    And  hence  Eph.^.Syp.     They  were 
darknejfej  byj  myv  are  light  jbyVnih,  now  there  is  fancHty,  n'alk^  ^  children  of  the 
light.      Wherein  confiiis  that  f     Pro-ving  what  is  acceptable  to  Gad.     Hqucq  Eph. 
6.6.     Xh<tjihou\QpleafeChrifi  J  doing  the  will  of  God  from  the  he.irt.     And  this  i> 
foneceiTary,  zhiiGaLi.io.  The  Apoftle  faith,  If  I  pleafe  men,  i.e.  their  wills, 
1  am  not  Ckrijls.     And  this  is  walking  worthy  of  the  hord^  pleafrng  him-  in  allthims^ 
andthisisffuir,  theendof  the  tree  and  leaves  alfo,  and  differencing  a  tree  from 
all,  other,  that  be  beiutiful,  but  barren,  Co/.i. 10.;  ;  .       • 

Bm  whj  do  you,  wake  ^thts  to  conjijl  in  pleaHng  t  he  whole  will  of  Chrifi^  and  not  af  Gffd 
the  Greater  ? 

,.  1 .  Becaufe  our  fanilification  now  cannot  pleafe  God  as  a  Creator,  though  it 
m.ay  pleafe  him  that  is  the  Creator  in  ChriA,.  becaufe  only  perfeft  Holinefs  can 
pie  4e  him. 

2.  Becaufe  Chrift  hath  pleafed  the  Fathex  by  the  Holinefs  of  him.felf,  now 
diis  being  done,  aiid  therefore  God  having  put  all  things  .into  his  hands,  having 
done  that  for  us,  we  are  to  give  content  to  him..  And  herein  ourfanclificjtion 
is  differing  fro ^i>  the  Im.age  Adam  had,  who  in  doling  with  the  will  of  God, 
looked  upon  hiai  as  a  Creator;  ours  refpeils  a  Redeem.er,  who  hathbouc^ht 
us  to  himfelf,  and  hence  we  are  to  rcfpe6t  him  in  our  a6ls  novy. 

Bnt  why  doth  the  foul  clofe  with  the  whole  will  of  Chrifi-,  i.  e.  fo  far  a/i  \is  made 
Iznown  ? 

FirftjBecaufe  the  holinefs  of  Chrift  here  chiefly  difcovers  it  felf,and  againft  this 
a  carnal  heart  will  difcoveritifelf.  For  Cavernaites  may  boaft  in,  and  oive  enter- 
tainT.ent  to  theperfonof  Chrift,  but  when  they  com.eto  repent  (which  was  one 
part  of  his  will)  that  they  did  noc,  that  they  would  not :  Wo  therefore  to  thee  Ca- 
pernaum :  as  many  will  clofe  with  Chrift  for  pardon  of  fin,  and  lay  their, facks  on 
him.,  but  yoii  muft  burthen  your  felf  with  them,  or  the  Lord  \yill  never  eafe  you 
of  them..  Oh  no,  and  hence  they  have  light  forrow  for  iin  ;  m.any  will  embrace 
the  com.forts  of  Chrift,  and  love  of  Chrift,  and  this  joys  them,  yet  the  will  of 
Chrift  that  is  weirifoTie  to    them,  i?«»j9?.  8.  8.  They  willpickand  chule. 

Secondly  ,Becaufe  this  difcovers  a  deep  citch  of  deceit  in  the  heart,many  take 
up  fom.e  duties,  and  why.  do  they  do  them  ?  Becaufe  they  pleafe  the  Lord,and  the 

Ff  -  Lord 

" — — — . . _ , — . . _ — _ "  '-!■'•-' '^?;L:y.''  ■■■  •■  -^y^,' 


Que 


eir. 


Anfvf, 


Que/, 

._  Anfw> 


ttS 


'The  'V arable  of  the 


Lord  commands,  and  for  his  fake,  wh^n  indeed  'tis  to  pleafe  themfeives  :  for  in 
I  other  things  they  care  not  whether  they  pleafe  the  Lord  or  no.  . 

Thirdly,  Becaufe  this  clofing  with  his  whole  will  only  gives  the  Lord  concent : 
I  As'  cis  not  the  firings,  or  llriking  upon  one  firing  that  makes  the  Mtilick,  but  iki- 
I  king  on  them  all  according  to  rule.  So  here :  And  hence  when  they  facnhced  and 
'  obferved  new  Moons,  Jfai.'i-'i  ^.Who  hath  reqmred  the  [e  things  at  your  hands  ?  Hence 
I  when  the  people  began  to  put  the  Lord  off  with  mean  pcrformances,any  common 
[  ftuffe,the  Lord  takes  ftate  upon  him ,  and  faith  he  is  a  King  ,  Mai.  1. 14.  &  p, 
10.  /  hmjs  HO  pleafure  InydH. 

Fourthly,  Bccauie  this  only  will  give  peace;  and  therefore  let  any  man  begin  to 
pick  and  chufe,  and  his  heart  die  to  the  Lords  will ,  if  Jonah  like  he  will  flie  from 
any  way  of  the  Lords  and  continue  there,  he  iliall  have  fiorms  5  and  hence 
I  John  2.  5, 4,  5.  Hereby  we  k>}orv  him,  &c. 

4.  He  clofeth  w'ith  the  whole  will  of  the  Lord  as  his  happinefs  and  utmoft  end ; 
as  a  man  made  himfelf  his  hil  end  bcfore,anddefired  God  and  Chrift  only  to  keep 
his  fores  from  aking,  for  fo  I  look  upon  all  men  made  up  of  wants ;  if  the  body 
ake  with  rold,ftomack  with  hunger,  head  for  want  of  deep,  Ccnfcience  for  iin, 
all  happinefs  hes  in  theeafing  hereof,  and  here  lies  their  blifs.  So  now  the  foul 
makes  the  life  of  the  Lord  its  happinefs  to  live  unto  him.  Gal.  z.  20.  He  makes  it 
his  meat  and  drink^to  do  the  Lords  will',  for  J^/jw  fought  the  Lord,  but  his  lafl:  end 
was  himfelf,  as  John  16,  3.  ^  man  may  hill, and thlnk^he  doth  God  good  ferviee  , 
but  that  is  not  his  laft  end  ;  a  carnal  heart  may  crofs  his  own  will,  but  not  his  own 
utm.oit  cnd,as  Judas :  A  man  may  feek  the  Lord  with  delight,  and  follow  the  Or- 
dinances, andfaft,  and  pray,  but  himfelf  is  his  end  ftill,  Zac.'j,$^6.  Ifal,  58. 4,  5. 
As  a  man  that  goes  to  a  City,  he  will  do  your  bulinefle,  bur  he  would  not  go 
unlefs  he  had  his  own  ends  to  bring  about  there.  But  thofe  that  are  truly  fandi- 
fied,  make  the  Lord  their  laft  end  and  happinefs.  It's  nor  only  good  to  do  the 
{ Lords  will  (for  thus  m.en  may  feek  the  Lord  )  as  thinking  it  geod  fo  to  do,  but 
!  as  their  bleflednelTe,  clfe'tis  not  theij^  laft  end,  and  fo  not  fought  as  their  laft 
end ;  andfo  'tis  with  the  foul :  As  a  River  running  to  the  Sea,  many  Springs 
run  into  it,  but  it  carries  them  down  all  with  it ;  fo  there  are  many  occafions , 
hindrances,  bufincfics,  yet  it  carries  them  all  down  with  it,  even  the  m.ore  vio- 
lently, the  more  'tis  hindrcd,  Pfal.  up.  126, 127.  Therefore  love  I  them  aboz>e 
gold.    And  this  exprelfech  it  felf  in  three  things  : 

1.  In  admiring  at  the  Hory  of  the  Lord,  and  his  will  and  ways,  and  account- 
ing them  happy  m.en,  and  bleffed,  that  thus  can  do  and  live.  For  fojnetime  the 
foul  is  decayed  and  fallen  from  this,  or  lick  and  weak ;  now  it  accounts  them  hap- 
py, that  havehe^ilth  and  ftrength  to  walk  abroad,  P/^?/.  1.1,2. 

2.  In  being  never  at  rdt  in  his  minde  untilnowthathecom.es  to  this  ;  for 
thcreina  mans  making  anything  his  laft  end  appears;  as  he  made  his  goods  his 
laftend,Li^/^£"i2.  19.  Now  therefore  my  foul  heat  refi,  for  there  is  no  fceking 
the  Lord  but  felf-feeking  hinders ;  Now  though  it  be  thus  yet,  Do  I  make  my 
felf  my  laft  end  ?  then  my  minde  would  be  at  reft ;  but  if  fandified,  its  not  at  reft: 
till  now  :  And  hence  Paul  when  he  had  run  this  race,  now  you  fee  him  leaning 
upon  his  pillow,  2  Tlm.^.6jj.  And  hence  Saints  are  loth  to  die  and  be  blefTed 
in  heaven,  becaufe  they  have  done  fo  little  work  ?.s  yet ;  little  do  the  Saints  for  the 
Lord  many  timc!,  yet  their  heirts  are  upright,  for  what  mourn  they  for  fo  much 
as  this,  when  they  have  lookt  upon  it ;  oh" that  the  Lord  hath  been  a  loofer  by 
them  / 

3.  It  carries  the  foul  thorow  all  difficulties  with  power  and  delight,  Prov.  lo. 
29.  The  jpay  of  the  Lord  is  ftrength  to  the  rlghteous^and  joy.  Rom.  q.^i.ldo  delight  in 
the  Um  of  God  in  the  Inner  man.  Other  Nations  walk  in  the  Name  of  their  Godsj 
we  In  ours,  Micah4.  5.  As  when  wealth  pr  honour  Is  a  mans  utmoft  end;  with 

I  what  violence  are  m-en  carried  to  it ;  and  hence  a  man  thinks  he  hath  never  fuch 
f  ^0  od^ 


ten  Virpns  Opened  and  Applied. 


good  idays  as  then  when  he  can  do  much  for  the  Lord;  and  hence  when  any  du- 
ty is  to  be  done,  when  fearful  to  do  it,  or  loth  to  perform  it,  when  the  heart  u 
dead,  yet  heholding  ic  with  a  fpirituai  eye,that  this  gives  Jehevah  honour,6h  this 
carries  the  foul  headlong  even  into  miferies,  Nat  my  m^I-i  Iftt  thlm  he  done.  This 
eafech  the  heart,  even  in  the  belly  of  Hell,,  and  in  times  x»ftlie  deeped  defer- 1 
tion.  - 

To  this  Sanguification  all  the  Saints  do  come,  every  one.  in  their  mcafure  ; 
and  if  ever  the  foul  taited  the  Lords  love,  or  ever  was  humbled  vviththe  bittef- 
nefs  of  lin,  the  firtt  voice  and  main  care  is;  Lord^  What  yvilt  thou  hnve.me  to 
do  ?  Nay,  though  no  affurance,  and  it  cannot  joy  in  the  Lords  love,  yec  ic  will .  in 
the  Lords  will ;  and  hence  when  it  hath  full  affurance ,  yet  finding  fach  a = vile 
he.irt, ifGodiliouldgivcit  hewen  with  fuch  a  heart  ic  would: be  death:  And 
hence  when  he  thinks  of  going  toHell,-yet' ti;iere  (faith  he)  let  me  blelfe 
thee-/-    -•  .:.l.lI]  y; /.  ■       .V  •■,.  (,.       ..- 

-This  Sanclificadon  all  unfound  hearts  do  wane;.; -much'  Refornladon,much'af-' 
fe^ion,  many  duties-,  but  their  end  is  not  changed ,  though  their  liv^s  be^  and 
hearts-fecmtobe^  '-;  '-^    —     .      '  :,      '.;.■...,-;.,'.         y-  '■  y 

1. -Becaufc  thdy  cannot  love  the  Lord,  becaufe  the  Lord  doth  never' flied  his 
love  ■  into  their  hearts.         -i  'i.'.L'. 

2.  'This' was  the  life  of  Chrifl,'J<?/'«  8.  29.  of:  vvhich  life  tbey  that  are  dead  in- 
(iH  never  have  o^e  a6^,  though  they  may.  think  they  have.  '  ^ :  a  ;  '  .  -  ; 

3.  This  is  the  end  of  our  Election ,  which  therefore  an  unfound  heart  may  as 
foon  attain  tOj ^'s  to  ele6l:,on  to.beek6ted  oiQoAyEp^^  i.  '^^,hofy  In  love.        1 

This  maybe ^ea^ftly  knovvn^v'"-^!.  Cannoc  ^a- manknovv  when  he  is  happy  ? 
2.  Cannot  F(ff<?r  tell  Chrilt  th|i:Vhe  loves  him  ?  1  3  •  C.mnot  a  m.an  tell  whe- 
ther he  be  an  Hypocrite  or  no?  For  he  thacxannot  prove  kis  utmoft  end  is  chan- 
ged, miiftconfefshimfclf  an  Hypocrite  yet,  .his  heart  was  never  changed,  what 
ever  affurance  or  peace  he  hath.hadv-a  thing  is,  never  good  tilt  it  ferves  its  -end 
it  wasmadefor.      -         '    .  ■'!  /■>  ■.;   U'y'^i  .       ' 

Oh  therefore  look  that  you  content  nor  yoursfelves  with  Reformation,  but 
come  torhis;elfe'  1.  Youlofe  all  your  obedience^  the  Lord  regards  it  not,  the 
Lord  will  take  allffofn  you;  as  .Velfels  that  arC]  made  to  hold  *Wine,  arid  they 
c^imoz^hythcTihY^the  Lord hdthnofleafuremjo^^Mz^^  2.  If  yoii 

do,  the  Lord  will  accept  your  meaneft  and  poorcft  fcrvices :  Conlider, 

1.  Chriftcaftby  his  Robes  being  ..privie  to  his  own  worth,  to  become  obe- 
dient, P/jzI  2.  <5, 8  i  .    ^'■■i  :  ...^      ,    ■'  '  - 

2 .  J  :His  infinite  ^ 'Wifdom  is  in  every  com mand,  though  thy  carnal  rejifon  like 
It  rroi.  :.:,..'.>■  y 

3.  His  infinite  love  for  thy  good,  though  thou  thinkeft  'tis  for  thy  hurt. 

4.  ■  His  glory,  thoughthou  getteft  no  good  at  all  by  it. 


SECT.     VI. 


VI.  EulnefsofthcSpiritofGlory,  in  the  room  of  the  world, 

jFfomtlje  Lord  doth  jfifiifie-x  thofehe  doth  glorifie,  Rom.8.30.  i.e.  yvith 
, ,,.;.,     the  Glo^ry  of  another,  vyorld,  which  though  it  be  hid  for  a  time  from 
others^  and  fomtimes  from  themfelves,  yet,  they  do  partake 'of  it  now,  and  it 
fhaiibf^reyealeduponthem:  another  day,  i  P«.5.i.    Now  i:h6ugh  Hypocrites 

_..-^.n   ^r.l    -TTr_..  1       .:  r      t  /-  .L  fJ     ..  ',eyfall 


may  taii.Qf  the  Word,  jiay,  .pf  the  powers  of  the  world  ro  come,  yet  they 
(hoFt  of  this  m.eafurep.^  Glory.     And  I  fay,  this  fills  them  in' the;  room  of 


world. 
Hpivare  men  full  of  the  world} 


this 


^  iM 


And  Tvhat  is  the  Sprit  of  Glory  ? 


^ejl. 


Coy,cla,2» 


Concl  3- 


The  Parable  of  the 


all  the   things  of  this 
honie,  and  now  when 


I  {"hall  iliew  this  in  three  Concluiions. 

TnatthefuUrert  and  peace  of  the  foul  it's  to  befound  only  in  the  prefence  of 
God  Almighty  ,  in  this  Being  of  Being-'.His  PeifeClions  are  in  hinifelf,  and  hence 
he  keeps  a  perp erual  Sabbath  ot  reft  m  himfelf ;  in  this  reft  only  the  foul  of  man 
Can  find  reft,  Heh.Ai.6^10.  Ffal.i6.ii.  He  is  the  journies  endof  all  amans 
labours  and  life  and  travails.  Hence  Joh/t  17. 13.  When  Chrifts  work  was 
ended ,  now  I  come  not  to  Heaven,  fo  much  as  to  thee.  And  hence  when  Solo- 
mm  had  tired  out  himfelf  in  his  travaih  through 
world ,  to  find  reft ,  he  returns  empty  and  crying 
he  fums  up  his  Glory,  £  cdef. i . i  ,^ .     He  ftiles  himfelf, 

1 .  A  man  gathered  to  the  Church,  to  be  as  near  God  as  he  can, 

2 .  The  Son  ofDavid^  to  whom  the  Prom.iies  were  made. 

And  then,  ; .  Kin^  of  Jernfalem  ,  the  lal^  and  le.ift.  He  is  that  houfe  asd 
home  of  bis  reople,  whecher  in  fleeting  or  fetled  condition  ,  from  one  generati- 
on to  another,  Pfd.^o.i,  So  that  the  Prophet  finding  tViis  to  bem.ofttruc,  I 
fay,  ftands  aftonuhed  at  men  ;  and  becaufemcn  had  deaf  ears  here,  and  their 
bellies  could  not  hear,  he  cries  to  the  Heavens  to  be  aftonifhed  at  this,  J«".2.i2, 
1 3 .  This  wii^e  the  Lord  puts  under  bis  Loc\i  and  Key  j  'Tis  not  to  be  found  in 
earth,  in  Church-Libcrdes,  you  may  ioon  fee  this  Temple  not  one  ftone  left  up- 
on another,  nor  in  Heaven  fimply,  nor  in  Fellowiliip  of  Angels ;  onely  'us  in 
the  Lord,  drawing  nigh  to  the  foul  in  thefe,  and  drawing  the  foul  at  iaftnear  to 
himfelf  by  thefe. 

That  all  Reprobates  being  eftranged  from  God,  and  God  from  them,  arealfo 

I  ftrangers  to  this  reft,  this  life  of  God,  this  life  ofGbry  ,  Efh^J.^.    and  there- 

'i  fore  feck  for  it  and  fuck  it  out  of  the  Paps  of  the  Greature,  and  that  which  is  not  ^ 

God.     And  thus  their  hearts  are  full  of  the  WGrld,P/y.i7.i4.    D^theytat^ 

I  and  upon  their  bellies  they  go,  fhiftfor  it  where  they  will,they  fhall  never  find  it  in 

ihim.:    Andiftheydo'^finditany  where  elfe  in  this  world,  let  them  fiUthem- 

'felves  to  the  full,  for  they  havepheir  portion,  they  have  tbcir  reward.     And 

'  liencethey  do  (  all  unregenerate  men  living  )  find  their  reft  in  fomthingcai!:  of 

God  ;  reft  to  their  Confciences  in  duties,  and  fomthing  of  God,  reft  to  their 

hearts  in  fome  Creature?,  either  ual  awful  or  lawful ,  Mat. 2^  38.     And  there  is 

!  never  a  carnal  heart,  but  give  him  his  imaginary  content  here,  and  he  would  de- 

'  fire  to  live  here  as  aa  exile  from  God,  and  to  be  without  hLm,  if  there  were  no 

Hell,  no  plague?,  d^f.    For  here  is  their  treafure,  not  above;  here  are  thy  good 

thwgs :  and  this  is  the  very  reafon  why  a  man  lives  without  God,  nay  when  he 

ft;!n3s  convinced  of  it ,  nay  when  troii>led  with  thoughts  of  this,  and  no  duties 

can  eafe  him  ,  becaufe  fom.thing  out  of  God  is  his  bottom  to  ftand  upon,  and  his- 

reft  and  peace;  It  msy  be  meat,  drink,  health,  deep,  occafional  delights  and 

:  a  quiet  life.    That  as  'tis  with  Seamen,  they  can  endure  winds  and  weather,  and 

.rent  Sayls,  and  torn  Mafts^  bccaufc  they  live  upon  that  Trade ;  another  will 

1  not :    So  'tis  here.    Though  many  troubles  of  mind,  yet  they  ply  that  Gar,  *tis 

their  living. 

That  all  thofe  whom  the  Lord  intends  good  unto,  thofe  he  calls  in  time  out 
of  this  w'orld  into  his  eternal  Glory  of  reft  and  peace,  out  of  this  world  into  ano- 
ther. And  as  their  hearts  were  filled  with  another  world  before,  fo  their  hearts 
are  filled  with  the  Glory  of  this  other  world  no\Y,  Johfj  17.14,1^.  i  Pet.$.io, 
And  this  reft  and  peace  in  God  is  the  Glory  of  the  Saints.  That  took  as  'tis  with 
Reprobates,  What  is  their  laftand  great  woe?  2  Thefi-^.  'Tis  fefarathn 
from  the  Lord ',  So  this  is  the  great  Glory  of  the  Saints,  to  enter  in  to  him,  as 
Mofes didinro  the  Cloud,  and  fo  to  reft  in  him.  I  goto  m^  God  andyonr  God, 
Hence  the  Saints  are  faid  10  fell  aopay  all  for  this  Treafmr,  for  this  Pearle,  for  the 
Lord;  And  fo  the  Lord  is  in  ftcad  of  all,  and  better  to  them  than  all  d:icy  had 
before.    They  can  live  royally  upon  him,  having  but- one  thing  to  look  to,  and 

having 


tenVirgins  Opened  and  Applied. 


zzt 


having  all  chings  in  cftis  one  thing  ;  and  more  rcyally  than  the  Princes  of  che 
vvorlci  cp.n  upon  their  Lults  and  carrhly  Trcaiures.  This  Lsthc  reli  and  peace 
che  Saints  have,  He^.^.3.  Thej  that  hlieve  do  emer  imt  refl,  God  calls 
thaa||fek:  of  the  world  by  ibme  bicternefs  of  it,  or  by  ion:ic  cloying  and  furferting, 
ancHHing  their  hearts  weary  of  the  rwectncfs  thereof,  and  then  chey  cmer  into 
Glory.  1  he  Lord  fees  nothing  can  fill  their  hearts  nor  (\op  rbeii  cries,  bix  him, 
an  d  now  this  Sea  of  Glory  breaks  in  upon  thCT>,and  fills  t'aeir  hearts :  And  this  aiz 
Lord  doth  two  waics,  according  as  there  are  two  things  in  char  good  that  fills  the 
heart. 

I.  Proportion. 

a.  Propriety. 

So  there  are  two  Raies  or  eiernal  Glory  chiefly ,  vvherd)y  the  Lord  gives  full 
reft  and  peace,  and  fo  Glory  to  his  people. 

1.  He  reveals  the  good  they  are  to  enjoy  in  another  world,  in  irs  full  propor- 
ViOU^viz,.  r^fhat  is  the  riches  of  the  inheritance  of  th-t  Saints^  Eph.i.17,18,  Foino 
good  fatisfies  till 'tis  known  in  its  greatncfs,^  though  yet  there  be  degrees  of  this. 
For  we  Thai  I  fee  many  Chriitiins  have  alTurance ,  where  is  the  joy  of  it?  Not 
aflFe<9:ed  with  it.  bccaufe  he  knowes  not  what  it  is  at  that  rime.  At  another  tixe 
his  heart  is  above  all  the  world,  becaufe  he  fe^  whan  is  that  Glory  the  Saints 
have,  and  that  he  hath  it,  it  fwailows  him  up  and  confounds  hinpi.  Why  me 
Lord  /  And  this  is  the  reafon  why  the  Saints  doubt,  whoT^  the  Lord  hath  looincd 
from  their  lufts  and  all  things  hefc.  What  fovile,  and  all  that  mine  ?  And 
this  the  reafon  why  when  doubting,  fo  that  there  is  nothing  in  this  world  that 
doth  quiec  them,  nothing  from  God  that  doth  eafe  tiiem,  yet  their  hearts  are 
f.veetly  eafed ;  Their  ddircs  are  after  him,  and  their  delights  in  his  com.pany, 
better  go  to  Hell  thus  than  in  m.y  tins ;  and  the  thoughts  ^"the  Lord  are  iweet, 
becaufe  he  hath  and  doth  fecredy  fill  their  hearts.  Somthing  they  have  or  do  I 
fee  in  him,  Ifa.z6.%.  And  hence  is  the  reafon  of  the  forrows  of  them ,  when 
thicir  hearts  are  worli,  now  though  they  have  the  world,  yet  are  not  at  rdl,  be- ! 
eaufe  t  hey  have  and  do  fee  fom.thing  of  this.  .  j 

2.  He  reveals  by  the  Spirit  and  Light  ofG^orythat  this  good  is  theirs,  their  I 
propriery.  The  firtt  give?  reft  to  the  foul,  viz..  the  Spirit  of  vihon  incompleatly.  \ 
This  Spirit  of  Faith  whereby  the  loul  knows  all  this  good  is  mjiw,  this  gives  it: 
compleatlv.     Now  the  New  ^ernfaUnt  is  come  down  from  Heaven,  and  God  is ' 

I  Timong  m.en,  i  Pet.  r.  8.     For  if  a  ChrilHan  fees  the  greimefs  of  this  glory,  but  i 

1  noE  as'his,  the  foul  will  ne\'er  cleave  to  the  Lord  indeed,  nor  finde  full  reft  ;  and  ' 

hence  w- hen  the  riches  of  Gods  grace  is  revealed,  and  the  Feaft  fet  before  them, ! 

they  do  not  est,  becaufe  they  fear  they  were  not  bidden.    Now  both  theie  ^ivc 

full  peace  and  reft    to  the  foul  ,  when  the  foul  hath  the  Lord  Jebtva^  in 

his  arm.s,  and  hence  he  cares  not  now  when  death  coT.es :     Oh  it  fhall  be  a  j 

welcome  day  to  them  /    And  hence  they  wilh  they  might  hn  no  more,  or  ceafc 

to  be.     And  hence  they  wiili  they  could  fet  even  the  whole  world  a  wondring. ' 

W^s  it  ever  hxeard  hrce  the  world  began  of  fcch  a  pattern  of  mercy  ?    Its  true,  tlie ' 

Lord  indeed  keeps  his  Servants  for  a  tiaie  under  much  darkwefs  and  doubts,  but', 

it's  certain  even  in  the  m.eaneft  Saint  this  ligntisfown  forthemjand^T/tfrf^?  ' 

ufright  in  heart,  and  fome  work  there  is  for  the  Lord  to  do  for  them.,  and  tkcn  he  ' 

keeps  a  Sabbath  of  reft  in  them.  \ 

!5«r  hiti's  not  n7^y  Hyfocritts  their  joy  eSy  their  pe^ce,  their  Glory  f  \ 

Yes,  they  have  foxe  tafts  and  likenefs  to  this,  but  want"  this  iadccd  ;  and  |  -^^/tp* 

j  the  difte^cHce  appears  in  three  Particubrs. 

j  1.  Thepeiceand  joy  and  alTurance  ofthat  Glory  which  eye  ne\'er  faw  in  the  | 
j  Saints,  'tis  from  the  witnefs  ofthe  Spirit  of  Glory ;  not  only  becaufe  that  God  j 
I  is  their  God,  but  becaufe  they  are  his  people.    'Tis  I  fay  from  the  witnci'sof  1 


1  Oue^. 


!  God  in  his  Word,  not  from  themfelves, 


nor  from  man  only  that  they  approve 
Ff  ;;  me,  I 


ZZ2. 


1  ObieEl.i. 

\  Anfw, 

i 

I  Ohjeci.  2. 


T^h&^  arable  of  the 


me,  nor  from  dreams  and  Diabolical  breathings,  hut  from  the  Spirit  of  God, 

he  brings  tidings  of  it,  and  from  fuch  a  Spirit  ( that  you  may  know  it )  that  not 

only  {hews  you  God  is  your  Godf  and  fo  you  rejoyce  becaufe  of  this,  for  thus  'cis 

j  with  m.any  a  carnal  heart,  and  he  hath  peace,  being  in  horror,  from  tytty^ 

j  Lord  loves  mc ;  but  he  makes  you  to  rejoyce  becauie  you  aretheLords^Bple, 

1. becaufe  he  hath  changed  your  heart,  now  the  pe ice  is  found,  and  joy  is  risjit; 

land  here  1  would  try  the  peace  of«ny  m.an,  God  hath  vvitneffed  pardon  to  thee, 

but  hath  he  (iiewen  thee  thou  art  his  ?     If  fo,  be  thankful.    But  here  is  the 

'doubt,  for  it  may  be  the  change  is  not  right.     And  hence  thofe  two  arc  ever 

'joyned  together,  ^^(•/j.i 5.9.     Jo/?;;?  14. 2 0,2 1,2 2.     Horror  lies  heivy^  hence 

'  love  is  fweer ;  iin  lies  heavy,  hence  this  wiineft,  they  are  changed,  they  arelub- 

:duedand  lliall  befo,  thisisftveetaifo.  >  /. . .  . 

2.  Therclland  peace  the  Saints  have,  'tis  not  only  fromGodj  but  in  him, 
*Tis  with  the  foul  as  with  a  Malefadlor  imprifoned  and  condemned,  thejaylor 
comes  and  tells  him  that  he  hath  his  pardon  here  brought  himfrom  the  King ; 
Kow  fliallitbe  proved  whether  it  he  a  device  of  his  own  Brjiinor  rio  ?  Why  if  it 
be  ofthe  Jaylors  own  devifing,  he  will  never  lead  him  before  theface  of  the  King, 
but  from  him  he  {hall  be  carried:  Bu^  if  the  Mcffenger  carry  him  before  the 
King,  andfers  him  down  before  him.,  and  as  it  .was  mth.-Jofeph^  his  Prifon- 
garments  are  put  otf,  and  hei^ands  before- the  King,-  and  glories  in  his  prefence, 
now  'tis  right.  So  m.any  have  peace,  and  Satan  fets  them  at  liberty,  but  carries 
them  from  God.  But  when  there  is  a  witnefs  of  peace  from  him.,  and  then  you 
{land  before  him,  now  'tis  from  Heaven,  Pp/.3 6.7,8.  There  is/pe.ice  from  him. 
land  peace  in  him,  P/^/.  5  7. 4.  Delight  thy  felf  in  thiLord,  and  he  jhaUglvetbee 
the  dt-firts  of  thy  heart.     When  'tis  thus,  all  youdefirc  is  granted.     . 

3.  The  peace  the  Saints  have  both  from^  God  andinGod^  fills  themwith 
everlafti ng  content  and  peace,  Biom,i. 5.13.  I[a. 1 1 .9.  Tilled  mth  the  Kmvo- 
ledge  ofthe  Lord  as  the  waters  cover  the  Sea.  The  earth  is  the  reit  ofthe  waters, 
and  the  waters  fill  all  its  empty  place :  So  'tis  here,  the  foul  is  the  reft  ofthe 
Lord  ,  Ifa.  11. 10.  and  he  fills  their  empty  hearts.  A  Malefa6^or  m.ay 
dream  he  is  before  the  King,  when  he  hath  his  Tetters  on  his  legs ;  but  his  dream 
feeds  him  not,  but  when  he  awakes.^  he  is  hungry,,'  And  fo 'tis  with  many  a 
carnal  heart  that  is  in  a  dream  for  a  time,  but  he  meets  not  with  eternal  fatisfa- 
(3:ion,  PfaL6^.^.  &  Pfal.90.1^.  And  hence  men  after  they  have  had  their 
peace,  grow  more  bold  to  fin,  and  more  impenitent  in  fin,  and  more  worldly 
than e\?cr before,  becaufe  they  have  not  evcrlafting  joy;  as  thofe,  Ifa.^ $.10. 

j  EverUJlwgjoyes  (kalLbe  tipon  their  head  (  whereas  a  carnal  heart  hath  foon  enough 

(of  God)  not  everlafling,  without  inrermiflion  ofjoy, -for  they  muft  have  their 

1  nights  and  tears,  as  well  as  their  days  and  joys;  but  ever  lading,  without  decay- 

I  of  joy  ^r  chat  though  they  have  their  tears,  yetGod  wip^s  them  away;  there  is 

;  nothing  elfe,  their  joy,  their  peace;  and  fo  their  heirtsare'for  ever  fatisfied  here. 

[AsChrift,  when  he  knew  it  w^s  fimfJ-ed^  no\y  hegav.eup  the  Ghofi^  fo  when  the 

jfoul  finds  he  is  com.e,  -now  it  dies  to  the  world,  and  m.akes  its  perpetual  abode  in 

ihim.     Others  will  h'.ve  their  Carrion,  arid  their  {^olen  waters,  hiDw  clean  foe- 

:ver  they  wipe  their  m.ouths. 

I  .  But  have  npt  the  Saints  many  for rowe>,  reproaches^  perfecutions  ? 

j      Rom.^.iS.     They  are  mt  worthy  the  Glory  to  he  revealed.  2  Cor.4.17.     They 

I  worl^  n  weight  of  Glory  ^  and  in  thefe  they  glory.'     Oh  the  Lords  Love  isfhed  m  their 

hearts!  Rom. 5,3, 5.   , 

I     But  havethey  not  many  loffe?,  and  wants,  and  l^raights  ?  and  then,  where  is 

'xheirjoy?':  '."':/■  '  '•':  ■  :./ 

I     Acarml  he.irt  he  murmures  indeed;' 'and  finks,  and  dies  away,  but  'tis  not  fo 

!bere,  HaLs..ij,i%.  .  A  Saint  take^ic  oat  in  him.,  in  the  Lord,  itmake?  all  the 


world  'too  narrow"  for  him. 


Others  are  burnt  arid  confumed  in  the  fire,  but 

fo 


ten  Virgtns  Opened  and  Applied. 


fo  is  noL  he  chat  h^th  the  Son  of  God  with  him. 

But  he  hach  many  iins  and  Te  nptations*         , 

I  F^t.i.$j6^j.  Tm  greatly  rejoyceln  the  Salvation  referved  for  yoti^  though  how 
yonr  Faith  have  afreciom  trial  by  mamfo/d  temptatiofis. 

But  are  not  the  hearts  of  the  Shunts  taken  off  from  the  Lord,  and  taken  up  with 
other  things  ? 

No,  never  as  carnal  mens  are,  T/f.2.12.  For  Gods  Grace  that  hath  appeared 
to  them  ,  teacheth  them  to  deny  nvorldly  luftsy  as  wc  deny  children  their  asking. 
They  m.iy  greedily  carry  the  foul  by  fits  from  the  Lord,  but  he  denies  them  their 
fill  in  any  Creature,  and  calls  thecn  all  to  come  up  hither.  He  denies  them  as  vve 
do  Beggars  entrance,  and  if  they  do  enter,  he  denies  them  lodging,  they  fhail 
non  have  good  looks  from  them.  Every  vile  heart  hath  either  a  proud ,  or 
worldly ,  or  covetous  heart,  and  thefe  lufts  being  urgent  and  entreating  long,  he 
cannoc  deny  them  the  heft  room  he  has.  Oh  'tis  the  woe  of  menthey  cannot 
but  do  thus. 

But  thus  you  fee  this  world  is  eaft  out,  and  Glory  comes  in  to  all  Saints :  Oh 
this  world  is  the  caufe  of  all  fin  / 

1 .  Wii  y  do  men  negle6t  duties  in  fecret  ? 

2.  Sleep  at  Meetings  ? 

3.  Though  fo  fair  abroad,  yet paffionate  at  home,  andftorrhs  there? 

4.  Whence  are  wars  and  wrangling* about  rates  and  lots'?  Oh  this  world  / 

,  5.  Whence  Apoftacy?  'Tis  not  with  you  as  in  former  times,  worfenow 
th.m  in  perfecution  ;  and  Sermon-proof  now  ?  Oh  this,  world/  Whence  is 
hardnefs  of  heart  ?  Oh  fomthing  of  the  world  e^ifeth  you  /  And  whence  is  it 
ti^t  men  with  rich  ftocks  are  goodly  things,  and  wondred  at ;  and  Holincfs  and 
walking  with  God,  and  things  of  Heaven  are  nothing  ?  Oh  this  evil  world  1 
Oh  Adulterers  and  Aduherefes ,  know  you  not  that  you  hate  the  Lord,  and  the 
Lord  you?  'Tis  the  caufe  of  all  thy  fin,  but  fee  withal  *tis  the  caufe  of  all  thy 
forrovv,  Heaven  and  the  Glory  of  that  would  enter,  but  for  it,  but  that  it  cannot, 
becaufe  thou  arc  full  of  it.  Oh  poor  Creatures,  take  your  Farewel  quickly  of  it, 
or  the  Lord  will  meet  with  yau  for  it/  Cry  to  the  Lord,  oh  call  mc  to  come  up 
unto  rhyfelf/ 

Thus  you  fee  the  Fulnefs  of  the  Spirit  which  the  Saints  have ;  and  therefore 
that  conceit,  that  Saints  have  nothing  whereby  to  c^fcern  them,  let  it  for  ever 
pcrifii  and  rot. 


Oi>jeci.  3, 
Anfwi 


SECT.  vn. 

TAke  heed  you  fnllnot  Qiort  of  the  Grace  of  God,  of  the  promife  and  Spi- 
rit of  Grace, /f^^.  12.15.     Oh  gee  Oyl  in  your  Velfels  /    When  there  is 
I  much  counterfeit  Gold  abroad,  every  man  will  have  his  Scales,  and  not  only 
I  look  and  rub,  but  he  will  weigh  every  piece  he  takes :   Was  there  ever  more 
1  Counterfeits  abroad,  or  fuch  fimilicudes  of  the  Truth?    Infomuch  asfomein 
their  Opinions,  think  it  impoflible,  others  in  their  pradtifes  find  it  hard  and  very 
difficult  iQ  diliinguiili  the  one  from  the  other.     Oh  but  thereis  av<iftdi(hnce 
and  diiTerence  /    As  ever  you  look  for  Mercy,  get  this  Oyl  in  your  Velfel.    As 
c\''er  you  look  for  peace,  know  that. you  have  it  in  your  Vefiel.  I  am  perfwaded 
that     there   is    never    a     foul  that   follows    the    Lord  tremblingly    and 
tenderly,    but  when  he  hears  of  this ,  fends  up  his  fighs,  good  Lord  let  me  not 
fail  here  ;  better  never  have  had  thy  Name  in  my  Forehead,  nor  affedl:ion  in  my 
heart,  than  to  want  Oyl  in  my  Vefiel:  And  I  am  perfwaded  he  trembles  to 
think,  what  if  I  fhould  perilli  at  the  laft  ?   And  yet  how  manv  never  have  ftrong 
fears  of  failing  here,  that  havemoft  caufe  fotodo.  This  Parablcisdi  redded  to 

Viroin 


Ufe  4. 
of  Exhn. 


22.. 


The'Fdr^hle  of  the 


Virgiii-Churches  at  the  hil  period  of  the  decrepit,  wo :ld' ;  wherein  mechir.ks  the 
Lord  jefusfpeaks  unto  his  people,^  There  is  nauchprofeiBon,  alfe6tion  j  but  oh 
cake  heed  yoli  pedlli  not  for  want  of  oyle  in  your  Vefifel,  Lee  ail  your  care  be 
ro  get  that,  and  fear  to  want  that, vyherein  the  Lord  doth  anfwcr  that  fear,  and 
question,,  and  thought  of  his  people:  Oh  what  if  L  ll^ould  periili  at  lad?  Gc:oyi 
in  your  Veflei  ihen,2nd  if  the  Lord  jefus  had  been  of  chac  niinJe  chac  there  are  no 
inherent  graces  in  tiie-Saints,  or-fo  dim  they  caftnor  be  known,  or  if  known  you 
are  not  to  refpect  them  as  any  •  iigns,  but  to  look  for  awitnefs  of  grace  upoil 
you,  or  out  of  you,  without  refpecting  or  looking  upon  grace  in  you,  he  would 
never  have  recorded  this  Parable,  which  to  wife  Virgins  is  to  prevent  thofe  con- 
ceipts :  Oh  theiefore  how  many  f:iil  fliort  here,  and  regard  not  this  / 

•  I  .Some  fall  fhort  here  by  truiiing  to>and  omnifying  of  Chrilt  and  grace,regard- 

i  ing  not  any  grace  wirhin  j  they  feparate  thofe  things  trom  one  another  which  God 

I  hach  joyned,  and  which  a  gracious  hearrjoyns  one  to  another ;  They  refpe6i:  not 

i  fancfihcation,  faith  or  vocation,  they  look  to  Chrii-l:,and  can  they  honour  Chrift 

'.  enough  ?    Hence  brofefs  they  that  regard  thofe  things  have  tru(  led  to  their  frames 

jOf  heart,  and  they  fcotfe  at  them  that  look  to  be  .  justified  by  Faith  :  Tis  fuch  a 

delulion  as  is  likely  to  deceive  (  if  fojfible)  the  very  Eleci.     Look  as  it  was  with 

:  the  Ifraelites^  i  Sam*  4.  They  were  overthrown  in  the  battel  of  the  Philiflines ; 

!:  but  what's  the  caufe,0/j/^«<^  for  the  ^rl^  where  theftrengthandprefenceofGod 

SW-,  but  what-  good  did  the  Ark  do  thenl  with  unhum.bled  hearts,  that  looked 

"to  that,  and trulied  to  that,  but  minde  not  themfelves  ;  and  hence  v^hcn  Samnel 

bids  thQJittirr/from  their  Idols^  and  [erve  the  Lord  onlj\  now  they  do  it ;  fo  here. 

I  ■   2.  Som.e  only  look  to  the  out-(ide,  like  thofe  that  bmk  the   tombes  and  fainted 

'■the  Sepulchres  of  the  Prophets  r  And  hence'  if  they  he  inwardly  zealous  for  ex- 

jternal  Order, 'Cerem.ony,  Ordinances,  carnage  in  garments,  fpeeches,  &c, 

j  they  think  the  bitternefs  of  death  is  paft,  when  ^^^^-like  they  are  clad  with 

Ifnch  iofr  'raim.enc,  and  hence  if 'there  be  tranfgr'elfion  here 'tis  fad:  But  what  if 

'they  walk  with  unbroken  hearts  ?  oh  chej  refpect  nor  this  .'And  fo  their  care 

behig  taken  up  in  trim.ming  and  making  the  Vcffel  bright,  they  negleil  to  get 

oyle  within.  .    - 

5.  Some  fall  fhort  here  by  thinking  this  thought,  that  that  grace  which  is  in- 
ward is 'alio  fmcere  and  unfained  :  And  hence  do  not 'judge  themfelves  pro- 
phane nor  civil,  beclvJfe- of  their  prol'elfion,  nor  yet '  Hypocrites  becaufe  the/ do 
not  m.ake  only  an  outward  fhew,  when  as  the  dee^eft  hypocrifie  lies  under  much 
inward  affedf  ion  many  times :  And  hence  they  take  every  fuch  work  upon  trufl: 
without  vveighing  it,  if  double  guilt,  and  there  is  nolTiewof  Copper,  put  it  up, 
never  enquiring  where  the  bounds  of  .truth  and  hypocrihe  part ;  And  hence  if 
rhey  have-inward  comfort  though  by  a  dream,  they  take  it ;  If  upon  their,  fick 
beds  lifter  trouble  they  have  had  peace,  they  take  it  on  truft;  if  they  have  any 
promife  of  reit  and  peace,  or  feel  fome  de(ires,  love  to  Ordinances,  and  Gods 
people.;  they  take  hold  on  promires,  and  trull  themfelves  without  trying,  without 
weighing  :  Sudden  work  is  fuperhcial.    '. 

4.  Some  feel  a  w.rht  of  thefe  things,  and  content  themfelves  with  defires,  and 
fo  never  com.e  to  be  indeed  what  they  dehre  to  be  ;  Its  true,  Saints  feel  wants  and 
defircfupply  .-But  iV  They  are  never  fatisfied  till  'tis  fo  indeed  :  My  fiefhtsmeat 
indeed. .  2 .  ■  They  are  humble  and  vile  in  their  own  eyes  till  the  Lord  help';  but 
thefe  like  Solomons  fiug^ard,  defire  and: have  not ;  whereas  in  things  of  leflervvorth 
they  will  noli  do  fo.  They  will  not  only  defire,  but  indeed  till  the  ground.;  If 
one  negledl'S' to  till,  though  they  anfwer,  I  defire,  and  God  accepts  that,  every  one 
win  fay  he  is  deceived  ;  their  hunger  is  their  food ;  they  build  the  fluggards  neft 
of  defire,  and  there  lit :..  Oh  therefore  take  heed  you  fall  not  fhort  here.'  Take 
heed  your  prayers  and  dclires  prove  riot  lazie  and  unfaichiful  MelTengers  which 
you  fend  to  your' Friends  to  com.e  and  help  you,  and  they  go  half  vvay  and  no  fur- 
ther 


ten  Virgins  Opened  dndJppliect. 


iz^ 


ther,  and  never  fetch  theai  to  you  indeed.  Oh  therefore  get  oyle  in  your  Vef- 
fels,  do  not  only  fear  the  Lora,  hmfear  htm  greatly^  i  Sam.  12.  l8.  Do  no:  on- 
ly cleave  ro  the  Lofd,  but  with  the  whole  heart,  and  cleivc  to  him  onely  ;  Beo- 
this  of  the  Lord.  Look  as  poor  people  when  they  come  to  rich  men  that  have  full 
heaps,  do  fay,  let  mc  have  full  meafure,  my  family  is  poor,  and  charge  great  : 
So  here. 

Confider  if  once  you  get  this  ic  will  never  die,  it  fhall  increafe  exceedingly  : 
Its  a  treafure  you  cannot  part  vVithal,  that  you  ihail  never  grow  poo:  vv.ch  ^  but 
Lnke  8.18.  Frcm  htm  that  hath  mtj  jhall  he  taken  arc  ay  that  which  hefeemcd  to  have. 
Oh  many  a  one  laicb,  I  fear  1  lliall  fall  at  lalt,  and  1  finde  my  heart  fo  foon  cool- 
ed; Oh  get  this,  Ho:hing  llifll  quench  it  again  1  If  you  fay  1  cannot  keep  it,  I 
fay  it  fhall  keep  you,  Prov.  2.  10, 11.  Not  when  you  have  Chrift  and  Spirit,  and 
grace  in  your  head,  nor  in  your  Confcicnce  to  give  you  peace,  but  in  your  heart  ■ 
and  when  nothing  is  fweec  but  that,  nothing  lies  between  your  heart  and  that ; 
it  lliall  now  preferveana  keep  thee,  ttlliall  follow  thee,  fill  thee,  feal  thee^  live 
with  thee,  go  to  heaven  vvith  thee,c^<:.  Mark  this  you  feeble  ones. 

Oh  conhder  what  a  fad  thing  it  will  be  to  thy  he;art  to  mils  of,  andlofethe 
Lord  at  laft  ;  The  fervants'in  Ifaacs  Family  did  not  mourn  fo  much  as  Efan 
^when  the  bleffing  w^s  gone.  Why  ?  They  never  had  hope  of  it,  never  were 
neerit.  He  was  fo  long  in  the  field  that  the  bleijingwas  gone  before  he  came 
and  he  fold  it  away  for  a  trifle  :  So  them  that  never  came  fo  necr'the  Lord  and 
his  blcfling,  never  will  have  fuch  forrow,cfpecially  to  think  I  fold  iraway  for 
a  trifle :  O  thought  Ejau  that  I  had  come  a  little  fooner,  d"£-.  When  Saul  went 
to  Gilgal  10  hcntiQQ^  i  Sanf.'^S.^o.HefiaJdfeven  day s^  and  then  facrlficed  hef&re 
the  Lord^  but  then  his  doom  was  paffed  by  God  :  And  its  faid  prefendy  Samuel 
cam.e,  Ohif  he  had  ibid  a  little  longer/  So  you  will  one  day  think,  I  fought 
and  waited  but  forfook  the  Lord.  Oh  had  I  waited  one  day  more  I  had  been 
well.     This  is  thereafon  why  the  Hypocrites  portion  is  heavieft  in  Hell. 

You  will  fay.  It  v^/ill  be  hewy  hereafter,  but  not  now  ?  Yes,  now  to  if  you  do 
confider  the  Lord  Jefus  is  fo  full,  and  thou  not  to  have  one  drop  of  that  which  is 
faving,  even  when  }  ou  come  for  ir.  It  was  a  heavy  token  of  the  Lords  anger, 
1  Sam.  14.17-  rehen  the  Lord  atffwered  not  all  that  day  (when  yethedidnot  fpeak  bi  t- 
rer  things  agamll  them-)becaufebedidufe  to  doit :  It  notes  the  anger  of  the 
Lord  Jefus  ;  as  a  man  that  hath  abundance  of  bread,  and  yet  gives  not  any,  this 
argues  he  is  very  angry  if  he  continue  fo ;' and  if  fo,  how  canft  thou  fleep  un- 
der it  ? 

Confider , el fe  the  Lord  will  try  you  ;God  hath^his  trying  time^ ,  and  they 
were  never  fent  bit  rodifcover  who  were  drofs,  who  were  gold,  and  the  main 
end  of  all  Gods  Tryilsisto  difcover  thi>  Truth  that  I  now- am  preffing  upon 
you.  Some  have  a  thorow  work,  and  now  the  Tryal  difcovcrs  the  Truth,  as  in 
Ahraham,Hebr.ii .ij .  So.mehave  fuperficial  work,  and  they  fall  in  Tryal,  as 
SahK  and  it  doth  difcoverit  was  but  an  overly  work  ;  For  this  is  the  Queftion 
God  makes :  Is  it  through  or  no  ?  I,faith  a  carnal  heart.  Yes,  faith  a  gracious  heart. 
Hence  its  flrange  to  fee  what  men  will  do  when  a  tryal  come?.  A  man  main- 
tains a  luft,  he  will  not  (>,ew  it,  nor  defend  it,  he  fhall  turn  to  be  of  fore  opini- 1 
on  or  ether ,  and  the  corruption  of  his  minde  fhall  fhew  the  corruption  of  hib 
heart :  A  man  loiths  the  people  of  God,  but  he  faith  be  loves  them ;  now  this  fliall 
beafign:  Time  lliall  com.e  that  fome  of  them  fliall  be  matter  of  offence  to 
him,  and  {hall  nor  honour  him,  it  fliall  try  him.  A  man  loaths  Ordinances,  he 
faith  be  doth  not,  biat  comes  to  the  worlds  end  to  enjoy  them.  He  ihallhave 
plenty  of  them, and  fom.c  fad  lolfo  with  thcTi,  and  then  you  fhall  fee  he  fur- 
fets  of  them,  never  quickned  by  them,  tofliewthe  work  was  but  overly.  A 
mans  heart  is  above  God,  he  Ciith  he  is  content  to  be  at  the  Lords  difpofe,let 
him  do  any  thing  with  him,th  s  comforts  him.     He  Ihall  have  a  crofs  wife,  or 

G  p  fome- 


Motive  1. 


Motif  e  2. 


Motive  3 , 


Motive  4. 


zx6 


Quefi. 
Anfw* 


'The  T arable  of  the 


- 


fomething  that  doth  nor  pleafe  him,  and  now  his  heart  _  quarrels,  and  thus  he  fliall 
be  tryed,  to  ihevv  it  was  but  overly  work.  Men  defpife  the  liberties  the  Lord 
gives  them ;  they  fay  they  prize  them..  A  general  Governour  fliall  come  vyich 
pretences  of  Religion  and  Proted'lion,  and)  ouihall  fee  this  chafFe  vvilUake  old 
Birds  now.  Oh  therefore  try  your,  felves  here,  and  be  fure  you  fall  not  fliort 
here. 

what  Means  are  there  to  be  ufed  ? 

1 .  Look  that  you  make  your  Vefiels  dear.  It  hath  been  faid  of  old,  and  I  bc- 
leevetis  a  truth  fell, 'that  the  Lord  will  never  fend  his  Spirit  to  dwell  in  an  un- 
clean hearr.  Doves  build  not  their  habitations  on  dunghils.  Gods  Spirit  muft 
come  as  an  efficient  to  take  it  away,  but  not  as  an  Inhabitant  to  dwell  in  an  un- 
clean heart,  2  Tim,  2. 1^,20,21,  Hethatjmgeth  himfelf-,hQ  do:h  not  fay  ,  God 
muft  do  all,  but  he  under  God  fearcheth  and  purgeth,  he  fhall  h  a  v?J[el  of  ko- 
mur^  if  from  thefe  things,  efpecially  from  thofe  fins  which  Apoftates  are  con- 
quered with,  of  which  he  there  freaks:  For  there  be  many  lins  a  man  may  be 
purged  from,  and  not  be  a  VefTel  of  honour.  But  what  are  the  lins  the  Apo- 
ftates perifli  by,  mark  them,  finde  them  out,  one  by  pride,  another  by  (lot h,  ano- 
ther by  world,  &c.  Hejhall  be  a  Fejfel  of  hononr.  Men  fee  and  confefs  ,  but 
make  not  work  of  it  indeed, the  old  heart  is  not  better,  you  confum.e  and  languifti 
flill,  I  C(?r. 5?.  25,  27.  1  beat  mot  theair^i.cA  lay  deadly  blows  on  my  enemy, 
and  7  beat  down  my  bodyjeafi^  &c>  Overly  fearch  of  fin,  hath  made  overly  de- 
cay of  f.n,  and  hence  overly  grace  and  afte61:ion.  As  a  m.an  hath  not  light, 
nor  love,  nor  efleem  enough,  becaufe  he  never  felt  his  wound  to  thcbotrome. 
Oh  account  it  an  ineftimable  mercy  when  'tis  thus ;  oh  therefore  remember  the 
rule  of  the  Prophet,  Jer,  4.  3,4.  Sow  not  among  thorns^  &c.  Many  mens  pro- 
feffion  fprings  up,  bur  withers,never  comes  to  perfe6lion;  this  ground  is  not  plow- 
ed, or  if  fo,  notthorowly  plowed,  butthoras  left  to  choak  it.  Well  faith  the 
Lord,  look  to  your  felves  left  my  wrath  breake  em  like  fire ;  why  is  the  Lord  fo 
dreadful  here  >  Oh  bccaufe  men  are  carelefs  here,  I  loo'<  to  Chrift,  and  my  de- 
iires  are  good,  and  I  pray  in  fecret,  and  I  am  m.uch  changed,  c^c. 

2.  Look  that  your  Veffel  be  ever  kept  empty ;  when  a  m.an  hath  no  grace,  and 
fees  how  others  can  pray  and  mourn,  and  how  far  fnorthe  falls  of  them,  its  eafie 
now  to  be  empty,  as  Satil  when  he  was  no  King ;  but  when  the  Lord  hath  given 
fome  light  and  a{fe6lion,  and  fome  corAfort,  and  fome  Reformation  ;  now  a 
man  gro\YS full  here:  Saints  do  for  God,  and  carnal  hearts  do  fom.ething  too  5 
but  a  little  fills  them, and  quiets  them,andfo  damns  them.  And  hence  m.en  at 
the  firft  work  upoit  them  are  very  diligent  in  the  ufe  of  means,  but  after  that  they 
be  brought  to  negle6l  prayer,fleep  out  Serm^ons,  and  to  be  carelefs,  faplefs,livelefs, 
who  is  the  better  for  them?  Beciufelfay  that  now  they  have  got  fom.ething, 
the  main  work  is  wrought,  they  call  not  that  into  Queftion,  and  fo  when  God 
com.es  to  reckon,  they  are  found  too  light.  Oh  therefore  keep  the  Veilel  emp- 
ty, never  content  thy  felf  with  ?ny  meafure.  Hath  the  Lord  called  thee  ?  Yes 
I  think  fo,  and  beleeve  fometimes  fo,  but  I  am  afraid  I  m.ay  at  laft  be  found  with- 
out oy!e  in  my  VelTel;  be  then  everyday,  as  if  thou  wert  but  now  to  begin. 
And  tills  I  fay,  true  grace  as  it  comforts,  fo  it  never  fills,  but  puts  an  edge  on  the 
appetite;  more  of  that  grace  Lord  /  Thus  PW,  Phil.  5. 13,  14.  Thus  David, 
Out  of  my  poverty  I  have  given^  &c.   i  Chron.  2p.  5,  I7,  18.   . 

Its  a  fure  way  never  to  be  deceived  in  lighter  ftrokes  of  the  Spirit  to  be  thank- 
ful for  any,  but  to  be  content  with  no  meafure  of  it,  and  this  cuts  the  thread  of 
difference  between  a  fuperiicial  lighter  ftroke  of  the  Spirit,  and  that  which  is 
found. 

3.  Look  that  your  vefTel  be  not  broken,  nor  crackt,  that  when  the  Lord  pours 
in,  it  runs  not  out  again,  Heb.  2.1,  2.  Prov.  4. 12,15.  Oh  here  is  the  wound  of 
many  a  man,  he  hath  many  affeclions  in  Word,  in  Ordinances,  and  they  take 

.  hold 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and  Applied^ 


iz-7  I 


hold  on  biiii  to  convince  ;  to  affecl  him,  bur  he  takes  not  fart  hold  on  then:i,  he 
keeps  thcna  not  as  his  hfe,  with  thanktuhiefs  for  any  hctle,  and  with  warchful- 
ncfs.  And  hence  a  man  is  where  he  was,  dry  and  barren,  It*s  true  thcj  Lord 
will  not  give  that  out  of  an  Ordinance  which  he  doth  in  aa  Ordinance.  But  it's 
one  thing  to  have  it  loft  out  of  thy  hand's  and  the  Lords  hands  too,  another 
thing  only  to  lofe  it  out  of  thy  hand.  It's  one  thing  for  the  Lord  to  withdraw  ir, 
another  thing  for  thee  to  fpend  it  away  by  the  prevailing  power  of  a  luft,  vU.  ci- 
ther tlie  world  without,  or  contempt  of  Grace  within  ;  you  elicemitnotasyour 
life,  and  hence  ieek  not  to  keep  ir,  you  v\ill  lofe  the  Oyl  in  your  Veflels.  And 
I  am  confident  this  is  one  reafon  why  a  man  lives  long  under  means,  and  never 
profits,  the  Lord  fees  if  he  l"hould  poure  any  thing  into  the  he.irt ,  it  would  be 
loft.  He  takes  faft  hold  of  world  or  felf,  and  keeps  that,  and  hence  all  runs  out 
again. 

4.  Lookthatyoubear  thecoft  togec  this  Oyl  in  your  Veflel.    Thefe  Vir- 
gins when  the  door  was  lliutand  too  late  would,  but  the  time  waspatt.    Fori 
we  thai  I  find  the  reafon  why  mens  works  are  fleight,  their  buildmgs,  their  gar- 
ments, why,  they  will  not  be  at  the  coft ;  fo  mens  work  of  Grace  is  fleight,  be- 
caufe  they  will  not  be  at  the  coft.     They  find  a  wane  of  Grace,   and  prize  it, 
and  would  fain  have  it,  but  it  fliall  colt  them  little  .•  they  will  not  be  at  t  he  coft 
of  their  time.    Somtime  they  can  feek  the  Lord  'in  an  Ordinance,  but  what  if 
he  come'i  not  ?.  They  depart  from  him.     Sometimes  in  pangs,  and  fits  when 
theSpiritcomes,  they  feck,  but  to  be  ever  feeking,  ever  carrying  fenfe  of  fin, 
'tis  too  much  time  and  trouble,  they  will  not  be  at  the  coft.    Some  affedions 
and  hearts  they  fpend,  but  not  their  whole  hearts:   Hence  Chrift  exhorts,  oh 
firlvCy  becmfe  nemy  feekand  aremverable.   Look  therefore  as  it  was  with  Jp??^- 
than^  5"^,  I  Sam.14.45.faid  he  fhould  die:  Ko,  the  pccplcfaid,  not  fo^  for  he 
hath  wrought  with  God  this  day.  Not  that  a  man  cart  get  Grace  by  his  own  firengch, 
butCff/.i.ip.    ifirlve  accordtngto  his  mighty  working.  Only  let  me  add  thi?,  be 
at  coft  firft  to  get  the  Lordjefus  himfelf ;     As  Mat.  13.33.  He  fold  all  nr^d  beught 
the  Field ;  and  when  he  had  the  Field,  now  he  had  the  Trcafure.    Oh  think  no 
time  too  much,  no  lulls  too  dear,  no  aflfedVions  too  much  for  him  (and  then 
you  have  all  things  with  him,  and  fhall  receive  life  from  him  )  and  not  for  a 
dead,  but  for  a  living,  rifen  Chrift.    Chrift  beftewed  Gifts  on  Judas^  on  Sanl^ 
but  whom,  he befiowed  himfelf  upon,  thofe  never  want &d  any  thing, P/i?/. 2 3.1, 
But  here  I  might  take  up  a  doleful  complaint ;  Oh  that  men  conten't  themfelves 
with  colours  and  tinctures  of  Truth  and  Spirit,  &c.   Some  Naturalifl:s  obfer\'e, 
that  Brafs  would  be  Gold,  it  tends  to  it,  had  it  but  more  heat  of  the  Sun  to  con- 
coct it  and  to  bring  it  to  perfeil:ion  ;  f®  'tis  with  the  lighter  Stroaks  of  common 
Grace* 


■ 
■ 

t 

Gg  2- 

CHAP. 

,.          J 

zzS 


Obf. 


I. . 


Quefi. 


TheT  arable  of  the 


CHAP.  XXL 


"That  truefaving  Qrace  in  the  Hems  of 'Be- 
lievers can  neyerfaiL 


SECT.  I. 

THal:  thofe  Graces  of  the  Sprit  whiremth  thofe  Heavenly  VejfeU^  or  Souls  of 
the  Faithful  are fitled-i  areconfiant  andofan  eternaiNature. 
For  thus  the  wife  Virgins,  their  VelTels  were  not  only  filled,  but  the 
Oylw.isconfiintly  prefervedin  them,   and  continued  in  their  Veflels 
until  tfiey  met  the  Bridegroom.  'Tis  true,  their  Lamp  VTent  our,  outward  a(5lsof 
the  Sgirit  of  Grace,  exprelTed  in  the  Profeffion  of  the  Saints  may  be  extin6t  for  a 
"time,  yec  theOyl  did  remain  in  the  Vefiel  ftiil,  which  was  not  fo  with  thofe 
I  which  were  FooliiJli,  not  only  their  Lamps  were  our,  but  their  Oyl  was  fpent  ,•  fo 
I  tliat  hereis  a  third  Difference'  between  the Foollfh  andthe hVlfe  Vtrgjris :  That  the 
■Spirit  of  Grace  in  the  one  is  of  a  dying,  withering  nature;  in  the  other,  of  an 
,  eteaial,  and  everlifting  nature.  There  is  an  eternal  excellency  ftampc  upon  them, 
i  'Jahn.'\,  1 4.     The  water  that  1  (hallglve  him,  fhall  he  in  him-y  no  Pool?,  but  a  per- 
I  pettial  I'lv'wg  Sfring*     Heb.d.p .  Some  that  were  enltghtned  and  tajled^fell  away^  hut 
\  we  are  perfwaded  better  thwgs  ofjou.     The  Saints  hive  better  things,  which  do 
j  not  caufe,  but  accompany  Salvation.   The  Lord  is  fo  far  from  fu.fferin^  ir  to  die, 
^  as  that  he  will  add  to  it ,   Lufie  8 .18.  To  him  that  hath  fhall  bs given,   Thoyoh  i^c 
belike  Muftard-feed,  yet  it  iliall  grow ;  there  is  a  growing  vertueinit.    But  as 
the  Lord  fpeiks  of  his. people,  Jfa.6^.^.  As  new  wine  u  th  the  Clufl-er,  and  one 
fahhy  deflroy  It.notyfor  aklejfingls mtt.^f&ltfhallbe  here.     Nay,  though  rtbenot; 
I  fo  much  as  Veen,  yet  the  Lord  then  can  fee  it^  and  doth  then  keep  it,iandwi.lt 
jprefctve  it,  //"^.4o.29,3o,3 1.     Nay,  though oppofed  and  refif.edby  temptation, 
yec,  I  PfM.6,7.  'Tis  not  confumed,  but  trled^  that  it  may  beta  Glory  ^nozht^ 
d.iy,notwi[h{l:2nding  manifold  temptations.     'lis  one  ofthegreareft  Miracles 
in  the  vvoildLopreferveir,  As  a  Spark  of  fire  in  aSea  of  water:  Nay,  though  it 
feems  to  a  nlans  feeling  to  be  quite  quenched  and  put  out,  that  a  man  finds  no 
more  than  a  Reprobate,  yet  the  Seed  of  God  then  remains,  and  itvvill  break  out 
agc^i-n.     There  is  life  ^t  the  heart  and  fap  at  the  roor,  yec  the  Lord  will  fetch 
,rhera  again.     When  the  Lord  of  Glory  was  crucified,  and  a)Irhe  Difciples  6ed, 
not  onefpnkefor  bi;n,  none  durll;  confeffe  him,  yet  the  Lord  returns  to  them, 
and  they  again  to  him. 


SECT.  IT. 

O^''co}ftes  it  to  l^e  thmi?f;mortal and  of  a»-0ternal feature  ? 

I.  'tis  not  only  in  regard   of  the  power  of  Grace  received,  thoughk 
were  [-er feci,  for  then  ^^V^i/w  had  not  fell  from  ir.  r 

,1.  Noc.inthefreedom.  of  a  man  from,  temptations,  for  then  the  Angels  had 
nor  fallen. 

3.  Nor  y^rin  the  rower  of  a  mans  own  watchfulnefs  and  care  to  keep  it.  For 
I  If  the  Lord  keep  not  ths  CitVy  •  the  watchmen  wake  but  in  vain, 

'4.  Nor  yet  in  the  power  of  any  means:  as  many  think,  if  under  a  po\Terful 

jVlinil^ry,then  they  are  out  of  danger  .'Tis- not  113  7^W,n6r^^//^/,butin  theLord. 

r  -     :  .  Men 


ten  Virgins  Opened  and 'Applied. 


izp 


Men  may  rejoyce  in  Jc/;;2j  Mipiftry,  and  be  affeded  withic,  but' 'ds  only  for  a 
fealbn.     But, 

I.  In  regard  of  the  cternc^l  Election  and  Purpofe  of  God.  Their  conftan- 
cy  in  the  State  of  Grace  depends  upon  that  immutability  of  his  counfd 
/l/^i/ri?.  24.  24.  Thej  fh'Jl  deceive  if  fojjllle  the  Ejeci;-  but  its  not  poffible,  they 
being  Eledl.  Wile  men  may  have  their  Brains  crazed,  and  Nthuchadnezjz^ar 
like,  the  ufe  ofrcafon  gone,  but  the  Principle  of  reafon  continues,  and  the  ufe 
of  it  in  tim.e  rcturws  again  ;  and  fo  'ds  in  regard  of"  damning  celufions,  2  Tim, 
2. 19.  Hjmenem  and  Philetmi^W;  Hence  do  noc  the  Ele6i:  fail?  No,  for  that 
Fomrdaiaf]  remA^s  fure.  i.  The  ccrtainC'/  of  their  cpntinuance  in  Grace  is 
bulk  upon  a  Foundation.  2 .  Not  every  weak  one,but:  afirm  Foundation.  3.  Not 
a  Foundation  of  mans  laying,  but  Gods.  4.  Not  a  wavering  afid  tottering,  but 
Handing  Foundation, and  that  iealed  with  the  Knowledge  of  God  ,  the  Lord 
k^ows  mjoare  hj\>\g.  thoi^gh  fomc  men  fall,  tiiat  one  cannot  tell  by  otitward 
exprelhons  and  profciiion  who  are  the  Lords,- yet  The  Lord  knows  who  are  his,  and 
they  are  fealed  by  bis  jove  and  knowledge.  And.it  feems  this  is  the  prime  caufe 
of  the  condnuance  of  Angels,  1T/W.5.21.  And  Ele61:ion  being  free,  for  his 
ovvn  lake,  not  for  their  fakes,  the  Lord  forefaw  all  their  good  and  ev;l ;  hence  they 
are  not  cutofF. 

n.  In  regard  of  the  Faithfulnefs  and  Promdfe  and. Covenant  of  Gods  Grace. 
^dam  had  that  Covenant :  If  he  did  do,helliouid  live :  But  he  had  no  abloluie 
Promife  he  {hould  do,  or  concintie  to  do ;  but  the  Faithful  have ;  and  hence 
they  itand,  nor  by  thelkength  of  Grace,  but  by  the  ftrength  of  the  Covenant  of 
Grace.  And  hence  that  which  to  reafon  is  incredible,  to  nature  impoflible,  is 
brought  abour  by  Faith ;  notby  vertue  of  any  power  of  Faith,  but,  by  vectue.  of 
the  power  of  a  promife.  God  hath  faid  it,  and  Faith  believes  it;,  and  hence 
Abrahams  dead  body  begets,  and  6'<«r^/'^  barren  womb  brings  forth  T/k^c.  Hence 
through  all  the  Word,  when  the  Apoftle  perfwades  himfelf  of  their  continuMice, 
he  ever  puts  in  Gods  Faithfulnefs,  i  Cor.  i.  8, 9.  i.Thef.  5. 24.  2  Thef.  ^.^, 
Hence  J^r.  32,40.  J  will  not  turn  away  from  them,  v^^/n^.  True,  if  they  do  not 
from  the  Lord.  No,  but  they  fhali  not  tarn  away  frem  me.  Ohjecl.  But  we  fee  ma- 
ny do  fall.  Anf)v.  But  if  be  doth,  he  iTiall  not  be  broken,  but  taken  up  again. 
PfaL  5  7.24.  Yeafor  a  dme  the  Lord  may  do  thus.  But  will  this  continue,  having 
finned  againlt  fuch' mercy ,  and  m.y  tin  being  ncJw  greater?  Now  the  Lord 
will  depart.  Anfiv-  i  Cor.  1,8.  Yea,  he  will  confirm  yon  to  the  end. ,  .  Yes,  it  may 
be  he  will,  as  be  hath  done,  while  I  am*  out  of  temptation  '.•  But  1  may  meet  wiih 
it  before!  die.  Anfiv.  1  Cor.  10.  13.  Hi?  wdl not  fuffer yan  to  be  tempted  above 
we^fureydLC.  Yea,  if  I  was  fuch  a  one  as  Abraham  or  David  ,  that  had  fuch 
hearts,  and  did  the  Lord  fo  miuch- honour.  Nay,  but  Jfai.'^^.  3,  Even  the  hire 
wi^^raVj- 0/ J)^wV/.  This  is  the  Faithfulnefs  of  God. 

IIL  In  regard  of  the  conitant  abode  of  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  in  the  hearts  of 
the  Saints,  whereby  xhey  are  kept,  John  10.  2^.  None  can  pull  his  Sheep  om.  of  the 
Fathers  har,d.  Look  as  thehrR  Adam  finning,  conveys  the  power  of  fin  and  Sa- 
tan and  ceatb,. which  reigns  with  unconquerable  power  over  all  the  Sons  of  m.en  ; 
fo  Chrift  rifmg,  conveys  that  Grace  and  conlknt  prefence  of  the  Spirit  which 
reigns  to  eternal  life,  and  carries  the  foul  through  all  difficulties,  Dw;.  33.27. 
The  eternal  God  is  thy  refuge.  Let  what  evils  can  come,  there  is  a  refuge.  Yea  (0 
long  as  I  cm  (land.  J^utwhst  if  I  iA\}  Underneath  are  the  everUfling  arms.  Let  t. 
Saint  fall  never  fo  low,  yet  Gods  everlailing  arms  are  fliiriovvei;  where- ever  he 
falls,  he  falls  at  lafl  into  the  Lords  arms ;  For  elfe  it  was  impolfibJe  for  any  foul 
to  continue,  Ifa.^6,7,/\,  From  the  womb  to  the  hoAr  hairs . I  will  ca'iry  yatu  Saints 
when  they  are  little,  think  they  fnall  fall  at  laft,  and  when  ftrengthened,  fear  if 
they  live'dll  ol^  age,  their  heart-s  and  fpirits  will  die  ;  yet  they  do  no:.  But  how- 
comes  this  about  ?  Iwillcarry  you.  And  hence  'tis  impoflible  they  Ihould  ever 

die 


G  g 


23 


O 


Ufe, 

ObjeEi, 


Afffi 


w. 


ObjeB, 
Anfvp, 


Ufe  2. 


"the  Parable  of  the 


dieorpcdlTn,  no  more  iban  the  Lord  Jefus,  John  14.19.  Socbac  if  Gods  purpofe 
is  firm,  bis  promife  furc,  his  Spirit  able,  the  Spirit  of  life  and  grace  in  the  hearts 
of  the  Faithful,  {hail  be  kept  even  to  eternity. 


SECT.    III. 

LET  that  Opinion  that  the  Graces  of  Saints  are  fading  and  mortal,  rot  and 
die,  and  be  had  in  everlalHng  deteftation  of  them  that  know  the  Lord. 

But  we  fee  bow  many  fall  off  and  fall  back,  and  I  have  found  it  by  experi- 
ence fo. 

The  fe^d  that  is  czi\  into  the  earth, firfi:  dies,  and  then  lives  and  grop\^e$  -,  fo  no 
fooner  doth  the  Lord  fill  his  Saints,  but  there  is  much  felf-confidence  on  it,  and 
reftmgin  it,henceitdies,  yet  it  lives  and  grows  again.  And  hence  the  Lord  keeps 
his  people  poor  &  fenfible  of  their  own  weaknefs  as  long  as  they  live^but  if  it  quire 
dies  and  withers,  they  were  never  the  I  ords,  Kor  never  had  one  Dram  of  Grace, 
1  John  1.19.  Ifit  be  taken  away,  he  did  but  feem  to  have  it.  AH  flei'hiy  excel- 
lencies in  men,  as  common  gifts  be,  do  wither,  7/k.4o.($,7.  All  F/eJh  isgraj?: 
But  Plants  in  Gods  Orchard  never  lofe  their  greennefs,  though  Plants  and  Flow 
ers  in  the  field  m.ay,  PfaL  1.3.  fvhofe  leafjhall not  wither* 

But  this  may  make  m. en  fecure,  fay  the  ^?-W»/^».f. 

1.  Nothingputs  more  life  in  the  Saints.  Tt  would  fink  themelfe,  if  it  were 
notthu'?,  as  when  the  Lord  told  JojJl?;/^,  where  ever  thm  fettef}- thy  foot  ^  thoujhalt 
froffer-s  mt  a  mm  able  tofiand  tigain/i-  thee,  this  puts  life  into  him. 

2.  Though  they  cannot  fall  quite  away,  yet  they  m.ay  fall  fo  as  to  lofe  the 
fweeaiefs  of  Grace,  and  prcfence  of  God.  If  a  man  fhould  eat  too  much,  and 
ever  be  fick,  though  Hot  die  after  it ;  or  if  one  iliould  fall  and  break  his  bones, 
though  he  doth  not  lofe  his  life  .*  Is  this  any  gap  for  any  to  rejoyce  ? 

3.  Though  they  cannot  wholly  drive  away  nor  beat  out  the  breath  of  the  Spi- 
rit, •^Qti\\Qfmvj  grieve  the  Spirit  bj  which  they  ^re [eded^  Eph.4.30.  Which  is 
more  £ad  to  a  holy  heart  than  all  evils  in  the  world  beiide.     But  therefore  let  this 

;  Conceit  die  and  periili,  which  is  railed  up  by  Satan  to  difgrace  theLmage  of 
God  and  Spirit  of  Grace  in  the  hearts  of  the  Faithful ;  for  who  will  m.ake  men 
feek  after  perilViing  things ,  under  a  colour  of  making  men  feek  for  the  Spirit, 
it  is  to  refirt  and  quench  the  Spirit  of  God  is  them. 


SECT.    IV. 

T  may  comfort  the  hearts  of  the  Faithful  exceedingly  againft  fears  of  ApoAacy 

whentheyfep great  Cedars  fall.  How  l"hall  I  ftand  ?     And  when  they  hear 

i.offome  temptation  that  may  be  hereafter,  then  they  fear.    And  when  they  feel 

the  evil  of  their  own  hearts  ^-^  which  the  Lord  lets  them  feel  to  humble  them  that 

they  m.ay  grow  lower,  and  fo  ftand  the  fafier  j  they  fay,  I  fhall  fall,  and  when 

they  have  found  the  Lords  prefence,  oh  if  now  I  fhould  relapfe  after  this  health  / 

Hoi^  [hail  I  know  whether  I  jhallftand  or  m  f 

'Tis  not  only  difcern able  by  perfeverance,  but  by  fom. what  begun,  though  ve- 
ry.difficult  to  be  feen.     As, 

1.  Obferve  Gods  fevcral  and  various  difpenfations  of  himfelfand  his  Grace 
toward  thee,  vvhether  they  iiTue from  his  everlaliing  love  or  no;  forif  fo,  then 
he  will  cverlaftingly  keep  that  v^hich  he  hath  given  thee.  '  Queft.  How  Jhail  J 
know  that  ^  ^j^/h?.  Look  as  "that  iffues  from  eternal  wrath,  that  feparates  the 
foulfromGod,  or  therein *cis expreft ;  fo  that  is  the  exprelfion  of  eternal  love 
I  which  draws  r  hee  to  God  in  Jefus  Chrift.  Obferve  therefore  the  Lords  carriage, 
'      ■  Doth 


ten  Virpns  Opened  and  Applied. 

Doth  ir  dravy  thee  at  h\k  to  him,  nearer  to  him ;  aiid  fo  the  .more  .he  difpenfech 
ofhimfelfjthenearer  thou  arc  brought  to  him  j  here  is  the.  expreffion  of  CLcrnal 
love,  and  the  Lord  will  keep  thee,  fohn6.^j,  ^411  that  are  given  me  jhdl  come  to 
me.  Let  the  Lord  give  his  Spirit,  though  but  little,  they  grow  thankful.  Oh 
he  is  come ,  whom  I  thouohc  would  never  have  returned  again  ! .  Lee  him  deny 
it,  this  keeps  them  humble.  Let  the  Lord  difpenfe  himfelf  in  an  Ordinance 
they  love  him ;  and  one  day  here-,  better  than  a  thoufand  elfewhere.  Let  him  not  do 
fo,  they  feel  the  more  need  of  him.  Let  the  Lord  free  chem  from  temptations, 
and  give  them  conqueft,  Faith  now  rejoyceth.  Let  them  fall  into  many  temp- 
tations, their  F^ith  growes  the  more  purified  than  ever.  Lee  the  Lord  owe 
them  outward  bieiTings,  they  grow  more  vile  in  their  own  eyes,  lejfe  than  the 
leafi ,  with  Jacob,  Let  the  Lord  deny  thera,Hk^.3.i8.  they  rejoyce  in  the  Lord. 
They  get  good  and  arc  more  endeared  to  the  Lord  by  every  carriage  of  the 
Lords,  at  ledHn  the  iffue  it  is  fo.  As  'tis  with  wicked  men,  they  may  for  a  fit 
be  affeited  and  return  to  the  Lord,  but  in  the  ifc  they  forget  the  Lord,  fo  'tis 
here  contrariwife.  There  is  not  any  unrcgenerate  man,  but  fomthing  oroEher 
consumes  him.  The  wicked  ever  are  like Chaffe  driven  from  God.  Gold  that 
ic  01  an  cverlaftiiig  nature,  keep  it,  beat  it,  burn  ir,  you  cannot  confume ,  but 
la'.)  puriiieit,  'tis  not  fo  with  Chaffe.  Let  the  Lord  givehimtafts  of  Grace 
anu  JO  ,  iteftrangeth  his  foul  from.  Chriil,  it  dotb  not  bring  him  near  to 
Chriit. 

1.  Obferve  whether  thou  doft  grow  out  of,  and  live  upon  an  everlafting  Co- 
venant or  no,  ^ow.ii.i.  God  hath  mt  cafiojf  hispeop/e^  vphom  he  foreknew.  Who 
are  zho^o.}  Children  of  the  fromlfey  Rom.9.7,8.  That  are  born  and  bred  of  the  pro- 
m  lie  or  whole  Covenant  of  Grace;  God  hath  treafured  up  all  Grace  inChrift, 
laid  it  up  in  that  ftore-houfe,  Chrift  hath  dropt  it  in  his  promifes.  Now  when  the 
foul  is  rooted  in  the  Covenant,  now  it  fhall  never  die  nor  perifh.  As  'tis  with 
fom_e  trees,  fet  them  in  the  ground,  they  will  grow,  if  they  have  Sun  and  rain,  but 
dieatiait:  Take  another,  and  fet  it  in  a  Stock,  fo  that  it  abides  there,  and 
fercheth  all  its  life  from  thence  by  cleaving  to  it ;  now  it  will  grow  and  become  a 
flourithing  Branch.  Now  then  the  foul  growes  out  of  the  Covenant,  When  the 
wholefoulcleavcstothe  whole  Covenant,  for  the  whole  benefit  of  it,  and  is  ful- 
ly fatisfied  with  it,  2  Sdm.^'^.^t')-  As  take  a  foul  that  feels  a  want  of  all  the  be- 
neEts  of  the  Covenant,  pardon,  peace,  life,  that  the  Spirit  is  ready  oft  to  fail,  and 
hath  no  aflurance  it  fhall  have  any  part  of  that  which  is  the  Childrens  portion  5 
and  looks  upon  his  own  unworthinefs,  never  to  have  any  from  the  Lord,  yet  it 
looks  up  to  the  free  mercy  and  Grace  that  made  it  to  fome,  to  m.ake  it  good  to 
me,  and  fo  pleads  the  promife,  and  folates  it  felf  there,  and  there  reits,  and 
there  looks,  and  here  fucks.,  and  takes  root,  and  the  roo:  fpread?  to  every  part  of 
the  Covenant.  The  Lord  hath  now  rooted  the  foul  in  this  Covenant,  and  it  hath 
received  life  from  hence,  this  is  everiatting,  you  fnall  continue.  And  when  the 
foulefpecially  is  like  a  bough  blown  by  the  wind,  yet  it  ftandsf aft  (till.  If  men 
have  been  in  horrors  and  then  fell  to  reformation,  and  there  refied,  it  will  not 
laft.  If  men  have  bad  fom.e.  workings  and  adings  of  the  Spirit  upon  them,  and 
then  fay ,  God  muft  do  all,  but  they  grow  not  into  the  Covenant,  they  will  die  ,• 
But  here  though  God  keeps  thee  fhort  and  naked,  and  thou  only  pleadeft  the  Co- 
venant, thou  llialt  ftand.  If  you  plead  for  pardon,  and  fome  good,  nor  the  whole 
good  of  the  Covenant,  you  fhall  die  alfo.  If  you  grow  upon  fome  diflemper ,  and 
thevvhole  heart  grow  not  upon  this,  you  will  die  alfo.  Look  as  'tis  with  a  man 
that  builds,  he  will  make  an  ciid  if  the  foundation  be  laid,  but  if  not  puU  it  down, 
fo  here. 

3.  If  the  power  of  Grace  received  and  a£led  by  the  Spirit,  hath  rifen  to  the 
h:iture  of  fruits^  and  not  leaves  only,  John  1-5.3.  And  th.it  is,  when  the  foul  re- 
ceives that  Grace,  as  that  in  everything  its  fcope  is  to  live  to  God,  to  give  his 
(,  he.irt 


131 


Zllf 


Ufe 


-\„ 


TheT  arable  of  the 


heart  coiuenr.  Forfmicis  theeridof  the  cree>  growth,  and  leave-;  arid  fruit  ig 
not  for  the  tree,  butfor  the  content  of  the  owner  of  it.  Iffo  the  Lord  hath  un- 
dertaken to  purge ,thee,though  there  be  much  Self-feeking  in  thee,and  he  hath  un- 
dertaken though  little  at  prelcnt,  to  make  thee  bear  more  fruit.  Many  a  man 
hath  much  alfedtion  and  grace,  but  when  he  hath  it,  what  is  it  but  Iqxvq;  to  adorn 
and  beautifie  himfcif  ?  But  he  livc^  nor  to  the  Lord ;  another  man  will  live  to  the 
Lordin  whaehe  doe>,  the  Lord  15  fo  dear,  and  himfelfio  vile,  as  that  he  doth 
thus. 

4.  If  you  pray  for  it  in  Chrids  Name.  O^jeH.  Many  pray.  ^«/»;.  But  when 
Chriil  and  you  pray  together,  you  will  fpced ;  and  then  Chrift  praies,  when  his 
Spirit  cries  at  the  Throne  of  Mercy,  then  himfelf  is  at  the  Throne  of  JuRice.  And 
his  Spirit  cries,  i.  Notfor  an  unfttpc.fon,  that  hath  fame  llight  change,  butfor 
I  his  Saints,  whofe  hearts  are  endeared  to  him  and  his  whole  will,  2.  Not  for  an 
evil  or  private  end,  batihe  Lords.  3.  Not  coldly,  but  with  groans  unutterable. 
Is  itthus  with  thee  f  Oh  then  howcantt  thou  fall  /  Doft fear  S.itan,  M^t.iS.iS. 
hefliall  noc  prevail  agiinft:  thee,  but  thou  fhilt  give  the  1  aft  blow  and  wound. 
Doft  fear  the  world,  the  deceits  of  it  ?  Mat. 24.2^.  ( Iffofflble  the  eUU  )  Doft 
feir  the  evil  or  good  thing?  of  it,  Jo/j»  17.13  .theuah  In  the  pcorld^yQt  Chrljf frays  yon 
f^  ay  be  delivered  from  the  evil  of  It.  Doft  fear  thy  fin,  that  will  feparatc?  Anfw. 
Rom.6 .2 .  Hoiv  can  we  that  are  dead  live  any  longer  therein^  'Tis  i  ftrong,  but  a 
wounded,  but  a  dying  enemy.  Doft  fear  the  Lord,thou  haft  walked  fe  imwor thy  of 
him  ?  He  will  not  breakjhe  bruifedreedtill judgment  come  to  viBorj,  though  little, 
though  weak.  Oh  therefore  be  comforted  againft,  this  in  thefe  times,  which  are 
apoftatical,  declining  ,  evil  dales,  and  blefs  the  Lord  / 


■"""w'SRSSSSSSiiti; 


S  E  C  T.  V.  ' 

HEnce  we  learn  what  vcrdi6t  to  pafs  and  give  in  concerning  thofe  nien  that 
decay  and  fall  off  from  the  Lord.     They  never  had  Oyl  in  their  Veflel, 
never  had  dram  of  Grace  in  their  heart,  Thus  1  John  2.1 9,  If  they  had  been  ofus^  \ 
they  woald  douklejfe  have  continned  with  us.  Ic  feems  they  were  fuch  men  which; 
were  fo  eminent  and  excellent,  as  that  there  were  no  brands  nor  marks  upon  them  ; 
to  give  notice  to  the  Churches  that  they  were  markt  out  for  apoftae^^  but  were  ; 
only  difcovcred  tobeunfound  by  their  apoftacy  ;  and  this  was  argument  good  | 
enough.     Hence  Chrift,  when  fome  of  the  Jejvs  began  to  believe  m  him  with  a  ^ 
temporary  Faith,  John  8.31.  Jfm^y  Word  continue  inyoti,  ye  are  my  ID  Jellies ;  as  if 
he  fhould  fay,  your  Faith  is  a  Fancy,  if  it  continue  not.    Look  therefore  as  the! 
Prophet  lund,Z«z  J;.  1.5.  Tour  FrophetSywhere  are  they?     Tour  Fathers^  where  are 
they  ?     So  fay  I  to  you  ;  Your  Te.irs,  your  Tendernefs,  your  Groanings,  your 
Heart-breiking,  Prayers,  CTr.  Where  are  they  ? ^  Is  it  wiih  rhem  aswithfhips 
that  are Ojnk  and  wrackr,  fomeof  the  ribs  remain,  which  gives  you  to  fee  and; 
fay,  there  was  a  fair  i"hip,  but  it's  funk,  1  T/W.i.i^p.     MaJ^  fhipjvracl.^ofConfct- 
ence^and^o  lofe  their  Faith  alfo.    Some  men  for  a  time  feem  to  keep  a  whole 
Conference,  wind  and  warer-tite,  they  can  pafs  through  many  ftorms,  yet  atlafl: 
it  breaks,  and  vvhen  that  is  loft,  their  Faith  is  loft  alfo.     Their  Faith  before 
God,- and  Gonfcience  before  men,  both  of  them  break. 

Now  there  are  two  forts  of  Apoft.ues :  i.  Open  In  mens  life,  whofe  falls 
arc  like  the  falls  of  a  mighty  tree,  it  foils  wich  noife,  and  breaks  down  all  the 
under-wood  :  So  their  falls  m.akea  noife  in  all  the- Country  vyhere  they  lived, 
and  by  their  falls  fome  arefadded,  others  offended  and  damned.  2.  Secret, 
when  men  arc  Apoftares  in  heart,  Frov.i^.  14.  which  have  chofen  fome  ftnful 
ways,  Jer.  3.  When  *ds  with  men  as  ir  was  with  SarJ^  there  is  no  commendati- 
on of  him  but  this-' thac -.he  was  higher  by  the  head-  .and  fliouldcrs  then  any  of 


ten  Vtrpns  Opened  and  Applied. 


z 


33 


Jfrael :  So  *cis  with  chefc^in  outward  profdTion  higher  chart  others^  but  their  oyle 
lis  fpent. 

But  do  not  many  of  the  Saints  fall  openly  and  fccretly  ? 

True,  they  may  md  do  tall  exceeding  greatly.  But  as  ^o/fiprophecyirigof  the 
apolhcy  of  y/?W  after  his  death,  D^w.  32.29.  yet' ds  (^id, 'lis  not  the  corruptiQn^ 
mrffot  ofhii  chi/drerijDQut,  32.5.  There  is  a  great  diftererice  between  an  Hy- 
pocrites Apoiiacie  from  his  grace,  and  Saints  from  theirs.  Its  one  thing  to  fall 
from  branch  and  root  too,  another  thing  only  for  the  branches  to  be  broken  off 
and  the  root  not  pulled  up,  JWe  1 2 .  I'here  are  fome  apoftacies  that  argue  there 
was  never  a  cram  of  grace  in  that  foul.  Saints  fall  down,  but  do  not  fall  away  : 
And  of  fuch  Apoftacies  as  argue  want  of  grace,  take  the  following  Difcoveries. 

1 .  When  a  mans  riling  is  the  caufe  of  his  fall  (  or  feals  a  man  up  in  his  fall ) 
or  at  leaftthc  caufe,through  his  corrnptionjf^.^ri  Time  was  a  man  lived  aloofe, 
careleis,  carnal  life^bythe  MinRry  of  fome  Word,  or  reading  of  fosieBook, 
or  fpe.iking  with  fome  Friend,  he  comes  to  be  convinced  of  his  mifery  and  wo- 
ful  condition,  and  fees  no  good,  nor  grace  in  himfelf,  he  hath  been  even  hither- 
to deceived  ;  ac  laft  he  comes  to  get  fome  light,  fome  rafle,  fome  forrows,  fome 
heart  to  ufethe  means,  fome  comfort,  and  mercy,  ^nd  hope  of  life  :  And  when 
'tis  thus  with  him  now  he  falls,  he  grows  full  and  falls,  and  thisrifingis  the  caufe 
of  his  fall,  his  light  is  darknefs,  and  death  to  him,  and  grows  to  a  form  of  know- 
ledge :  His  rihng  makes  him  fall  to  formality,  and  then  to  prophancnef<;,  and 
fo  his  rafting  fatishes  him,  his  forrows  empty  his  heart  of  forrow  for  fin,  and 
his  forrows  for  his  falls  harden  his  heart  in  his  falls,  and  all  the  means  of  recove- 
ring him  harden  him  ;  that  now  if  men  never  had  had  means,  even  S&dom,  they 
would  have  relented  before  now.  This  is  a  fad  token  of  falling  away,  and  ha- 
ving had  only  lighter  work,  it  being  a  plain  evidence  that  at  their  beft:  they  were 
filled  with  their  lufts,  becaufc  a  little  light  and  affe6lion  fatisfied  them,  which 
is  now  turned  by  the  power  of  their  luft  to  harden  them,  Ifai.6,cf.  This 
is  given  as  one  fure  fign  of  a  people  forfaken  of  God,  when  in  feeing  they  fee 
mt^and  hearwg  they  hear  not.  Look  as  it  is  in  difeafes,  if  the  Phyfick  and  meat 
turns  to  be  Poyfon,then  there  is  no  hope  of  recovery,  a  man  is  fick  to -death 
no^.v.  The  Saints  little  meafure  makes  them  forget  what  is  behinde,  Prov.  4. 1 8 , 
He  Qi\mQ%  brighter  and  hrighter  till  the  ferfeEl  day.  So  that  let  him  fall  he 
casnot  be  quiet  there,  but  when  he  remembers  from  whom  he  is  fallen,  if  once 
he  tafted  the  Lord,  this  will  fetch  him  again-,  and  make  him  rcftlefs  till  he  return. 
But  if  it  be  fo  as  now  it  is  with  thefe,  then  the  cafe  is  woful,  when  there  is  fuch 
a  plague  on  men  and  they  know  it  not.      ' 

When  a  m.an  faich  to  himfelf,  as  the  Glutton  faid  to  his  foul.  Take  thy  refi,for 
thoH  hafi  goods  laid  up  for  many  years ^  fo  thou  haft  repentance,and  grace,and  peace 
enough  for  many  years ;  and  hence  the  (oul  takes  its  reft,  grows  fluggifh  and  neg- 
ligent. Oh  if  you  die  in  this  cafe,  this  night  thy  foul  fhall  be  taken  away  to  Hell. 

2.  If  when  men  fall  from  the  Lord,  and  they  rife  up  only  in  Ordinances , 
butf'all  down  conftantly  out  of  Ordinances  without  feeling.  A  carnal  heart  falls, 
but  bethinks  himfelf  is  not  therefore  without  all  grace,  becaufe  in  an  Ordinance 
his  heart  fomctimes  is  affe6^ed,fo  they  were  £«.fj^.3  3.31.  The  Prophets  Mini- 
ftry  was  fweet  to  them,  bm  their  hearts  went  after  their  covetoufnefs,th<dr  Hogs, 
their  houfeSjtheir  lufts,  their  Iocs ;  and  they  joy  in  the  Prophet,  dud  never  mourn 
for  that.  A  precious  heart  alfo  falls  out  of  Ordinances,  but  he  feels  his  falls  .- 
Though  he  falls  from  the  Benefit  of  his  riling,  yet  not  from  the  feeling  of  his  fall, 
But  to  another  man  the  fweet  he  finds  in  Ordinances,  is  but  Mufick  to  his  meat, 
orasamanfalls  from  Mufick  to  his  meat,  Matri*^6^'i'^.  He  that  heareth  mj 
■words  and  doth  them  not^  that  mans  houfe  is  built  upon  a  Sandy  rfhlch  falls,  and  the 
caufe  of  great  falls  is  this:  Lookais  'tis  with  corn-ground ,  if  rain  falls  upon  that, 
though  it  belong  before  any  ripe  fruit  comes ;  yet  it  makes  ic  3!c  laftcome  to  fome 

H  h  ripe- 


O^je^i 
AnfjVt 


34 


iQuefl. 


"The  Parable  of  the 


ripenefs :  But  if  it  falls  on  other  ground,  feed  is  fown  there,  but  ic  brings  forth 
BriarSjthough  it  drinks  in  rain/tis  nigh  to  curring,7J(f^.<5.7,8.  -  Look  as  it  vv^s  with 
Sml'iGedhadferfakenhimy'^  5<?»?.i<^.i4i2  3.anda  Spiritof  S-atan  came  upon  him, 
yet  when  David  played  with  his  Harp,  it  Hilled  the  fpiririn  him,  &  affecled  him 
much^icdidnotcaft  out  the  fpirit,for  when  he  had  done  playing,  f/Jef^7//;./^V 
eame  again  upon  him.  So  'tis  at  this  day,a  rr.an  is  forfaken  of  the  Sprit  ofCod^  and  i 
1  a  mtcdwith  an  evil  fpirit  of  pride,  world,  paffion,  luft,Libertinifm  ;  a  man  prays . 
hears,  and  is  made  much  better ;  tis  lUlled,  not  cait  out ;  for  after  this  a  mian  re- 
turns to  his  old  fpirit  again,  and  in  time  he  cannot  be  quieted  with  preaching, 
nor  praying,  no  more  then  he  could  with  his  harping. 

3.  When  a  man  is  fo  fallen,  as  that  he  returns  not  in  the  feafon  of  rifing  ; 
Look  as  'tis  with  Trees  in  Winter-tim.e,  their  leaves,  their  blowths,  tlieir  fruit , 
their  beauty  is  gone  :  Is  it  then  dry  and- barren,  and  quite  withered,  ?nd  cur- 
fed?  One  would  think  fo  for  the  prefent,  but  'tis  not  fo,  becaufe  the  f^afon  of 
fruit  and  leaves  is  not  now;  if  in  Spring  and  Summer  it  fhould  i)efo,  then  you 
might  well  fufpe(5^  k.  Thus  Jer.  8.  5,7,8.  yet  they  faid  they  were  vyire,anQ  triey 
had  Law  and  Ordinances  among  them  ;  True,  yet  they  djd  not  knovv  their  fea- 


-/ 


j  fon,  hence  fell  with  an  everlafting  backfliding.     Kence  Pfal.  1.5, 4,5.  TZ-i 
like  the  tree  planted  hy  the  rivers  Jide  which  hears  in  feafon, 

What^and  when  is  this  feafon  ?  '  -  _ 

I  cannot  tell  you  the  feafon  of  every  man,  but  I  will  fliew  you  the  ufual  fea- 
fonsof  many  men.  -  ; 

!  I.  When  JefusChrift  the  Sun  of  righteoufnefs  craws  eMcdediisg  iieer  unto 
the  foul,  and  that  to  the  reviving  of  others,  Ifal.  5  5.6.  but  thy  heart  never  a  vvhit 
the  better,  nor  yet  much  troubled  it:  is  fo  bad.  When  J^eter  f^jis,  a  look  reco- 
vers him ;  when  £;?/?f/«x  falls  from  her  firfl:  love,  to  remember  frem  rfhence  fh^e  is 
fdkn  y  h  enough  to  reftore  her  to  herlove  again.  When  the  Difciples  fell  af- 
ter'Chriftsdeatb,yet  when  he  arofe  and  opened  the  Scripture,  their  hearts  burned 
within  them.  But  thou  haft  had  Jefus  Chrift  opening  the  riches  of  his  grace 
from  heaven,  and  thou  haft  heard  a  voice,  but  not  feen  the  fight,  the  glory  of 
the  Lord  in  this  thy  day ;  and  this  thou  haft  donethough  the  Sun  hath  come  to 
his^full  height  fometime  r  This  is  thy  feafon ;  Gofpel,  and  Chrift,  and  promifes, 
are  grown  com.mon  to  you,  &c.  As  it  was  with  the  poiTcffed  man,  Mat.i.'].!'^. 
The  Devil  takes  him  oftyandcafis  him  into  the  vcater  and  fire^  but  if  when  he  come 
to  Chrift  he  have  no  help,  the  Lord  be  m.erciful  to  him.  then  :  So  you  have  b^en 
noiTeficd  and  fallen,  but  when  the  Lord  jefus  comes  hecafts  them  out  i  but  if  the 
Lord  fpeaks,  enlightens,  and  cometh  faying,  llem:emiber  m.e  whom,  thou  haft  abu* 
fed,  my  wet  locks,  m y  watery  eyes,  and  my  for rowful  heart  which  thou  haft  bro- 
ken, here  is  all  my  love,  and  this  prevails  not,  bui  thou  neither  rifeft  nor  defi- 
reft  the  Lord  to  raife  thee :  This  is  fad.  In  the  day  of  Jubilee,  be  a  fetvant  then 
for  ever,  if  your  old  mafter  ftillpleafeth  you;  efpecially  when  all  m.eans  are  ufed  ; 
when  the  laft  of  a  courfe  of  Phyfick  is  taken,  and  is  ineffectual.  ' 

2.  WhentheLordisready  to  depart  from  the  foul.  Somtim.e  Saints  do  not 
m.elt  at  love,,  but  the  Lord  departs,  now  this  recovers  them.  As  a  m.anihiit  hath  a 
friend,  though  they  grow  weary  of  their  company,  and  they  begin  to  carry  avv^w 
Clivers  things,  yet  when  they  come  to  take  their  leave  indeed,  nowthey  recover, 
and  they  cannot  part  now.  Likcjofeph  and  his  Brethren,they  can  neither  of  them 
parr.  Nicodemm  and  pfe^h  cannot  contain,  but  cleave  to  Chrili ,  when  moft 
forfaken.  D^t;/V,  when  God  hides  his  face^  is  trouh/edy  Pfal. 30.7.  "Tis  with 
Siintsas  with  fick  folks,  when  thei^ficknefs  and  fores  come  to  their  height,  now 
they  break  and  recover,  Hof*$''i$*  But  if  Gods  departing  from  thee  makes  thee 
more  vile,  it  makes  thee  apoftatize  from.  him.  *Tis  certain  thou  hadft  never  life 
then.  This  is  a  Sauls  brand,  1  S^?».28.  He  forfakes  the  Lord,  and  goes  to  a 
Witch.  Never  fa w  you  yet  a  Gracious  heart,  but  the  Lord  madecxtremitjtl 
_^_^^  __    ^  fetchl 


ten  Virpns  Opened  and  Applied. 


fetch  him  in.  And  no  furer  fign  of  an  ungracious  heart,  than  to  have  this  blaft 
him  aRd drive  him  from  the  Lord,  Af^/. 3. 1 4.  A  man  hath  Gods  Ordinances, 
he  finds  no  profit,  no  God,  noChdW,  his  afFe6li6n  is  loft,  and  novv  heforfakes 
the  Lord,  Oh  when  Chrift  is  a  rock  of  offence,  wo,  wo,  wo  to  rhat  foul  /  Now 
thou  haft  neither  Summer  nor  Winter-fruit.     Oh  look  to  thy  fail  here  / 

4.  When  men  fo  fall  from  the  Lord,  as  that  their  whole  hearts  make  choice  of 
and  arc  efpoufed  to  fome  luft,  wedded  to  fomc  diftemper.  Fo:  though  the  Saints 
may  fall,  yet  never  to  anocher  Lover ;  for  they  cannot  fall  inro  any  fin  that  breaks 
Covenant  between  them  and  the  Lord,  //i?/.2.i9.  When  men  make  choice  of 
any  thing  in  the  world  to  take  content  in  more  than  in  the  Lord,  or  together 
with  the  Lord,  and  hence  defend,  it  as  lawful,  and  arefully  freeinit.  There 
was  never  Grsce  there.  For  if  any  thing  doth  give  the  Saints  content ,  'tis  not 
their  choice,  butrcfuftng :  But  you  are  wedded  to  your  luft.  D^n'U  could  fay, 
Ihuve  chofe^  thy  Tefiimomes^  ohforfake  me  mt  utterly  !  Others  chufe  fomwhat  eife, 
not  thee,  P/ij/.  1 2  5.5.  Thofe  that  rvalk^in  crooked  jvaies^  the  Lotd  fh all  lead  them 
fmh.  This  is  given  as  a  black  mark  of  men  that  are  broken  off  from  the  Lord, 
Rom^^^'9*  Let  thir  Table  become  afrare.  When  it  may  be  no  unlawful  thing, 
butlawfulisthatwhichbanesthem,  3  P^f.i.^a.  Sheep  may  fall  into  the  mire, 
but  if  they  lie  and  wallow  in  it,  it*saSvvine;  and  all  their  excellencies  are  but 
Pearls  in  a  S wines  fnouti 

Sftt  when  doth  a  mm  make  choice  of  it? 

1.  When  a  mans  heart  is  fet  upon  a  luft,  and  God  blefleth  and  profpers 
him  in  it.  When  God  fills  th^backz/lideria  heart  full  of  his  avon  jvalei*  His  heart 
is  worldly,  and  he  thrives  in  it ;  his  heart  is  ambitious,  and  he  hath  his  Honour. 
This  the  Lord  gives  not  to  his  people,  but  fome  rod  or  other  upon  their  bids, 
Hof^i"]'  Let  him  Atone, 

2.  when  a  man  lies  long  in  his  Fall.  Saints  lie  not  long :  I  limit  no  time , 
but  when  day  after  day,  a  man  lives  in  it,  i^^«?.  11*10.  Let  their  Backs  be  bowed 
dovonahay.  Oh  when  a  mans  heart  and  back  is  bowed  down  alvvay/  Saints  are 
under  Cnrifts  care. 

5 .  When  the  Caufc  of  a  mans  withering  is  a  withering  rost.  Trees  in  winter 
€aft  their  leaves,  as  withered  trees,  but  others  root  is  hurt.  If  the  branches  do 
wither,  yet  if  the  root  remain,  it  will  recover  again.  So  the  Saints  caft  their 
leaf,  and  their  branches  wither  in  defertions  and  temptations,  but  they  preferve 
themfclves  at  the  root.  But  why  do  others  wither?  'Tis  bccaufe  their  Faith 
withers,  jf^^.  1 0.3  p.  &  3.12,14.  Many  a  man  withers  becaufe  of  his  Faith; 
He  feels  many  wants.  Why  lives  he  fo?  Why  dies  he  in  beggary?  Why  fee, 
Mlcah^.ii*  "When  3.  mzn  Is  twice  dead  and pnlled  up  by  the  roots,  fo  that  the  root 
perifVieth  ;  for  him  Is  referved  the  black^^ejfe  efdarknefe  for  ever.  That  the  means 
and  way  of  enriching  Saints  is  a  way  of  beggery,  to  thefe  'tis  very  fatal.  There 
is  fomefaffe  Faith  in  Saints,  but  it  is  not  wholly  fuch. 

Oh  confiderchefe  things/  No  Grace,  What  no  Grace?  I  fay  then  no  life,  no 
God,  no  Spirit,  no  Chrift,  no  Glory.  Oh  mourn  here  I  See  it  now,  thacyow 
maybehttinblcd,  andfofaved*  Elfe  you  will  fall  worfe  and  worfe  fiill,  J^r,3. 
5,5. 


Quefi, 
Anfvf, 


Hh  % 


$ECT. 


%7^ 


"The  Parable  of  the 


SECT.     VI. 

HEnce  fee  how  far  they  fall  fhort  of  faving  Grace,  that  ferve  the  Lord  by 
fits  and  ftarts,  and  whofc  hearts  follow  after  the  Lord,  and  make  much  of 
the  Lord  only  in  good  moods.  Dying  pangs  are  not  eternal  graces  j  Withering 
Grace  is  flourifhing  and  profpcrous  wickednefs.  If  the  Spirit  of  Grace  in  the 
Saints  be  of  an  eternal,  conftanc  nature  ;  that  is  not  the  Spirit  of  Grace  which  ac- 
companies falvation,  which  is  alive  to  day,  but  de.id  to  morrow,  which  a  man  is 
fuUof  t©  day,  but  quite  empty  of  to  morrow.  Hence  the  Prophet  cries  out,  Hof. 
6,^^<^.  Oh  Efhraim  what  jh all  I  do  }  What  more  m.eans  can  I  ufc  for  thy 
good  f  Why,  do  we  not  get  good  by  means  ?  Yes ,  but  thy  good^eJfelsHkethe 
m'orningderv^  foon  lickt  up  by  the  Sun,  and  like  deloud  which  j>ajjethavi>aj,  which 
promifeth  much,  but  is  fcattered  again.  The  Lord  knows  not  what  todov^ich 
iueh  men  ;  yet  how  many  be  there  of  fuch,  that  like  Jo^as  Gourd,  fpring  up  for  a 
time,  and  then  die  the  next  day,  and  they  comfort  themfelves  under  the  fliadow 
thereof.  That  take  them  in  their  Moon,  they  are  as  g©od  as  you  canwifli,  more- 
than  men,  but  out  of  it,  they  are  bruit  beafts,  not  men.  Whatever  is  in  a  god- 
ly man,  thelikenefs  and  fimilitude  of  it  is  for  a  time  in  an  Hypocrite.  Would  you 
have  earneft  prayer  for  a  blclTing  .?  look  upon  Efau^  he  feekj  for  it  with  tears,  and 
mourns  for  it  for  a  time.  Would  you  have  following  the  means,  and  that  the  m.oil 
powerful  and  fearehing,  and  joy  in  it  alfo?  See  Joh»  5.35.  what  went  tkeyem 
into  the  wilderaejfe  to  fee}  a  Prophet  j  a  burning  and  fbining  light,  and  rejoyced 
therein  for  a  feafon.  Would  you  have  hazarding  life  for  P^»/  and  Miniftryof  the 
Gofpel?  v^/^ArW^r  did  thus  for  a  time.  Would  you  have  people  enter  into  Co- 
venant with  God  ?  Look  upon  the  Jfrkelites^DeM,2^.mih^'t,i6.  j  k^owthat 
af ter  thy  death  this  feofle  will  go  a  vekoring.  Would  you  have  thankful  neffe?  Bfal. 
1 0(5.13.  They  fang  his  praife^  they  foon  forgat  the  Lord,  And  thefe  Affections 
are  for  a  time  Itronger  cnan  the  Saints,  liVe  land-floods ;  and  beeaufe  they  be  vio- 
lent and  flrong,  chey  laft  not  long.  But  however,  it  argue?  a  wrerclred  falfe  heart, 
P/rf/.78.37.  Their  hearts  were  M&t  rights  hcczu^Qmtfiedfafi:  iuhis  Covenants 

But  what  man  is  there  but  changeth  ?  What  body  fo  healthful,  that  is  found 
alway  in  the  fame  temper  ?  Do  not  the  Saints  find  their  hearts  foon  cold,  their 
joy  foon  quenchc,  their  affe6tions  foon  fpent  ^  This  therefore  will  difcotirage 
them.  :. 

I  anfwer  toit  twowaies, 

Firft,  They  fometimes  deny  tl-«  coiiflancyof  Grace,  where  conftantly  it  is, 
(for  the  Spirit  of  Grace  in  us  is  like  life,  for 'tis  eternal  life.  It's  ever  aC^ingor 
remaining  in  the  foul  )  and  this  they  do  by  reafon  of  many  miftakes.     As 

I.  They  think  the  Groce  of  God  in  them  periQieth,  when  theav^lceifecb. 
Where.is  a  man  may  be  weary  of  adtions  of  life,  where  life  remaineth,  as  infiek 
men*  A  man  may  have  a  rich  treafure  alway  with  him,  yet  not  alway  fpend  it. 
There  is  a  gracious  frame  of  heart  which  the  Lord  regards  chiefly,  which  is  before 
the  at.'^3&  hence  m^ay  be  without  it.  The  wheel  doth  not  run  that  it  may  be  round, 
but  it  is  made  round  that  it  may  run.  Hence  when  the  adl:  of  running  ceafech,  the 
frame  whereby  its  fkt  to  run  again,  remaineth  •,  And  this  is  the  S^ed  ofGody  i  John 

2.M.my  chink  the  a6lof  grace  cetfedi,  when  it  doth  not  aft  alway  upon  the  fame 
objeft  ;as  fome  thinV,  beeaufe  they  have  not  the  fence  of  Gods  love  alway,  all 
grace  is  bfl:,  when  it  may  be  there  is  fence  of  corruption  at  that  time  ;  fomecime 
God  gives  viftory  over  remptition,  it  rifeth  ag.nn  :  Now  the  foul  thinks  the  ve- 
ry ai^^  of  grace  ceafeth,  when  yet  its  now  warring -agaii^iiithe  temptation  ;fome-  - 

, _   ^  .^time^ 


ten  Virpns  Opened  and  Applied^ 

time  the* Spirit  ofgracemay  leada  man  to  prayer  andfadnefs,  fomecime  to  a 
mans  calling  aivi  chcerfalnefs.     The  adi  of  grace  is  fmall,  its  dominion  large. 

3.  They  think  they  are  not  conftanr,  when  they  are  not  foat  all  time^^,  as  they 
are  at  fomc  times  .•  Asa  man  thinks  he  is  unconttantat  prayer,  becaufe  he  is 
not  all  day  upon  his  knees ;  not  heavenly  minded, beeaufc  he  is  not  all  day  long 
minding  heavenly  things :  Wtiereas  the  SpihE  fliould  be  ready  fo  to  do  and  be 
at  all  times,  and  in  every  worldly  occafion  CO  be  fowingor  reaping  fome  fpiri- 
tuai  good ;  yet  'tis  not  a  feafon  alway  to  be  upon  the  Mount.  Somcime  Alofes 
muli  come  down  to  che  camp.  God  requires  every  fitfeifon  for  his  fpecial  Wor- 
lliip,  not  every  Particle  of  time. 

4.  Many  think  the  power  ofGracc  is  ceafed  and  taken  away,  when  fome  fpe- 
cial enlargements  are:  As  a  Chriflian  lliill  find  at  fometime^^,  having  fpecial 
work  to  do,  fpecial  miferies  to  go  through,  he  hath  fpecial  enlargements  of  the 
Spirit,  of  joy,  courage,  boldnefswidi  God,  love  and  zeal.  Thefe  laftingnot, 
be  thinks  all  is  gone  now.  .  But  look  as  it  was  with  Jonathan^  i  Sam.  s  4.8 .  Then ' 
hg  aUm a»i>  his  Armotir-bemnr  wem  agalnfi  an  Hafi,  yet  i  Sam.lj. 11.  Agaiaft 
GolUhnotz  word.  P^^/ to  his  denth  was  a  faithful  and  able  Minifter  of  the  Go- 
fpel,  thougl^fometime  his  mouth  Hopped,  and  his  heart  ftraitned  :  The  Ship  may 
he  going  to  the  Harbour,  though  fomtime  greater,  fomtime  lefier  winds. 

Secondly,  But  yec  I  confefs  there  is  much  changeablcnefs  in  the  SainE$,3nd  uii^ 
evennefs  in  their  courfe,  and  their  Spirits  are  apt  to  grow  weary  and  faint,  other- 
wife  they  had  no  need  to  be  exhorted  not  to  be  weary,  and  when  they  are  lifted 
up,  theyfoonrinkdown,//'(f^.i3.i.  And  hence  queftion ,  Was  there  ever  grace 
in  this  heart  ?  But  yecthere  is  much  difference  between  the  unconftancy  of  the 
one  and  of  the  other,  in  three  things : 

■   'i,  AjiHypocriesaffe^tiom  when  they  ceafe,  they  are  ra'fed  in  him  again  by 
fome  external  Principles  and  Motives;  but  the  Faithful  when  they  have lo(t 
what  they  had,  they  recover  it  again  by  a  new  nature,  an  inward  principle; 
which  is  an  evidence  there  was  the  being  of  Grace  all  this  while.  Empty  a  Pond, 
it  will  never  fill  ^gain  till  the  Clouds  above  it  poure  down  rain.  Empty  a  Spring, 
though  it  fees  no  Clouds  in  the  Heavens,  yet  it  runs  of  it  felf,  and  will  Ell  it  felf 
again.    So  when  an  Hypocrite  is  left  dry  and  empty,  if  fom.e  clouds  of  difpleafure, 
fears  of  death  and  hell  come,  he  is  filled  ;  but  a  child  of  God  when  no  fear  of 
death  or.  hell,  yet  aiany  times  fomthlng  within  begins  to  work,  as  in  David^^iX* 
39.3.  while  nmjingy  the  fire  kindled^  the  fence  of  fin,  to  lie  out  from  God,  to 
quench  his  Spirit,  the  Beauty  of  Grace,  the  Command  of  God,  the  honour  of 
the  Lord  Jefus  recovers  him.,  Heh.^.io.  Detit.$.29.  They  fpake  as  largely  as  any 
xoulddefire,  ye^tiheir  hearts  were  naught,  becaufe  this  came  from  no  inward 
principle,  but  only  from  external  fear.     JVheft  the  Priefls  feet  touch  Jordan,  the  rva- 
tersJtafidoH  he^psi  hv^t  when  they  are  -pAJfedthrmgh,  they  overflow  all  the 'Banks  ^- 
gain,  according  to  their  nature.    So  when  the  Word  is  preacht  powerfully,  and 
the  Gofpel  with  authority,  and  chePriefe  feet  touch  mens  Confciences,  and 
theycoT:etomakewayfortheArke,  for  the  Lord,  men  in  fits  fall  down  before 
the  Lord  againft  their  natures  ;&  for  aSabbarh  daymen  are  as  full  of  good  purpofes 
and  hearts  as  may  be,  yet  perifli  at  laft,  Jtf^»  8.50,31.  Many  believed  when  thej 
heard  hpstVord',  burthen  are  yoti  my  Dlfclfles,  if  you  comnue.     All  Hypocrites 
pangs  come  from  external  principles ;  and  hence  take  them  away,  their  afie6Hons 
die.  Somcime  the  novelty  of  a  thing  affcds  a  man  ;  the  fight  of  fhore  is  beauti- 
ful 5  at  laft  when  Manna  proves  dayly  bread,  'tis  loathed.    At  firft  Minililers  feet 
areij^autiful,  they  would  pull  out  their  right  eyes  for  £aui,  yet  afterward  caft  him 
off.     AFharaoh  in  Thunder  and  fear  of  deith,  cries,  taj^  an^ay  the  PUgne.  A 
man  in  affii(3:icn  promifeth  much  ;  when 'tis  pift,  his  care  to  find  out  his  fin,  his 
feekingco  be  purged  from. his  finceafeth.  Jonfh  is  good  while  Jehojada  lives.    A 

H  h  3         -  man 


! J I  u-iii-jji.anuw" 


"The^  arable  of  the 


man  is  good  in  quickning  company,  but  vehen  mqulty  abomds^  his  love  waxeih 
cold;  vYhereaswhcn  thefe  fail,  a  holy  heart  grows  better.  That  which  m^kei 
the  one  to  fall,  makes  the  other  to  fear,  and  fo  to  ihnd.  A  Conceit  carries  a 
man  on,  but  When  his  Conceit  is  gone,  he  falls.  Look  as  'ds  with  dc;^d  men, 
they  may  have  heat  and  colour,  bur  'tis  from  the  fire  |  a  living  man  may  be  cold^ 
and  hisbeauty  gone,  yet  he  comes  to  be  hot  agiin,  not  fro  xi  external  hear,  but 
internal  life  within :  He  can  ger  himfelf  heat ,  as  we  fay,  fo  'tis  here.  Or  as 
'tis  with  the  Clock  and  the  Sun,  the  one  moves  by  Arc,  the  orher  by  narure. 

2.  Suppofe  there  be  fomc  inward  Spirit  toraife  their  AiFections,yec  thele  graces 
arife  in  them  without  the  deftru(^ion  of  the  contrary  Corruption.  And  fo  are  like 
toMofes  burninoBufli,  the  Bh^  burmng^  hm yet  mt  burnt.  And  thus  it  was  with 
Balaam^  fuddenly  the  Spy  it  of  God  came  ufon  him,  md  h^  farv  the  beamy  of  Jacobs 
Tms  afid  blejfed  them  ibovQ  2.\[  people  in  the  world,  yet  his  covetous,  malicious 
heart  againft  them  was  not  confumcd :  We  never  read  of  BaUams  mourning  for 
want  of  the  fight  of  their  glory,  and  of  love  to  their  perfons  and  porterity  j^but 
the  graces  of  the  Saints  do  arife  from  the  dying  of  the  contrary  iuft  or  corrup- 
tion which  they  fee  and  are  fenlihle  of ;  and  hence  the  t6t  of  grace  ceafech  fome- 
times,  becaufe  'tis  oppofed  by  corruption,  yet  the  being  of  it  remains  in  full  pow- 

,er,  though  not  in  the  exercife  thereof,  becaufe 'tis  in  fuch  a  Subjedi:  where  cor- 

iruption  is  dying, not  living ;  falling,  not  raigning.     Chrift  dies,  and  (o  lives 

!in  his  people  i  where  Chrirt  is  indeed,there  we  are  firit  buried  with  Chrift  before 

I  we  are  raifed  by  him.    Paul  could  do  great  things  for  Chrift,  yet  iomecime  is 

weak ,  becaufe  his  {Irengch  arofe  from  the  fenfe  of  his  own  infuflficiency  to 

I  think  a  good  thought.The  Saints  fee  great  things  but  'tis  in  fuch  a  yvay,  as  that  they 

that  fee  ^ot,  might  f ee^Joh. 9,  ■^  9,    Paftlis  fometime  fet  at  liberty  from  prickin<^ 

temptations,  yet  he  hath  rhem  fometimes  that  he  may  feel  them,  and  fo  be  rai^ 

fed  again.     Hence  many  people  fuddenly  finde  they  love  the  people  of 

God,  and  love  the  Lord,  but  never  felt  the  contrary  fin  j  fufpedi  'tis  but  a  pang, 

as  CaVernaum  was  much  afFedl:ed,  yet  repented  nor. 

5.  The  continuance  of  the  riiings  of  a  Saint  are  life  to  him,  they  are  his  life  • 
his  coolings,  and  declinings,  and  decayings,  death :  But  e  contra  to  aa  Hypocrite* 
the  continuance  of  his  affeaions  in  Ordinances  are  deaths  and  burdens  to  him  ] 
the  lofs  of  them  his  liberty  and  life,  wherein  he  allows  himfelf. 

As  for  example.  Take  an  Hypocrite  to  prayer,  he  is  arfededfor  a  time,  but  let 
him  be  long  at  it,  he  is  like  a  FiiTiin  a  Ffeaver  fit  out  of  the  water,  Mai,  1. 13 
So  for  fan^ifying  the  Sabbath,  and  being  very  flria,  but  (tay  long  here  \is  death' 
'tisburdenfomcto  him ;  and  hence  we  fhall  fee  his  decays  are  his  life,  and  that 
which  makes  him  walk  loofely  is,  fometime  he  repents  and  beleeves,  and  hath  his 
Canonical  fet  hours  of  prayer,  and  he  thinks  this  is  enough,  and  pleafech  himfelf 
with  this  (who  is  conftant?)  But  "°^X  ?^*n  ^  ^hilde  of  God  when  his  heart  is 
enlarged  for  the  Lord,  that  is  heaven ;  it  is  his  food,  and  now  he  is  in  health    as 
P^«/ faid,  1  Thef.  ?.  7?  8*  ^^  ^'  ^^^f^  ifyopt  continue  fiedfafi :  So  for  others,  fo 
alfo  with  himfelf,  Prov.  4.  ^2.  and  if  it  might  be  ever  thus,  then  happy  ;  and  the 
thoughts  of  this  fvveetens  heaven ;  but  take  away  thefe,  'tis  his  death  ;  and»hence 
he  groans  to  God  for  the  removal  of  it,  Pfal.  i  ip.4,5.  What  good  dorh  ChriR 
mercies.  Ordinances,  heaven  do  me  with  fuch  a  heart?  Be  not  difcouraged  you 
people  of  the  Lord,  nor  encouraged  you  that  are  good  only  in  your  Moods,  as  the 
winde  turns  you  ;  whatever  love  you  have  'tis  vvhorilli,  and  whorilli  tearsjif  you 
follow  the  Lord  and  yet  have  your  h-aunts,  whatever  fervice  you  do  it  is  odious 
toG6d,to  work  all  day  for  another  Mafkr,  and  twice  a  day  come  to  the  Lord 

jfor  bread.    Do  you  think  the  Lord  likes  this,  to  tafie  of  his  grace,  and  make  a 

imeal  of  yoiTlufls  ? 

■       SECT. 


tenVirgins  Opened  am^jipptied. 


SECT.  VII. 

T^Ii-ft,  To  the'P.  thAt  are  fallen  to  begin  again^if  God  Would  but  give.you  ears 
IT  to  hear,  who  like  Grange  Egg=;  being  put  into  the  fame  neft  where  honeil 
men  have  livca,  there  you  have  been  hatcht  up,  and  when  you  were  young,  chere 
you  kept  your  neti:^  and  lived  by  crying  and  x>pening  your  mouth  wide  after  the 
Lord,  and  the  food  of  his  Word.  But  now  your  wings  are  grown  you  h;jye  got 
fome  aftedWis,  fome  knowledge,  fome  hope  of  mercy,  and  are  hicdned  there- 
by to  iij  from  God-  Can  that  man  be  good  whom  Gods  grace  makes  worfe?  And 
that  flies  from  Gods  Ordinances,  and  people,  and  private  prayer  ?  Confider  what 
thou  haft  done. 

1.  You  bring  an  ill  report  and  name  upon  God,  J^r.  2.  5.  j^^hat  mqmj  have 
you  found  in  me.  -  If  a  Councry  be  well  reported  of,  its  no  matter  if  foine  others, 
bring  ian  ill  name  on  i^Wife'mien  will  not  beleeve  them  :  Bucforthefearchers 
of  C<2;2,^.5?;^"tobri-nganill  report  of  O;?^?^;?,  this  is  fad. 

2.  Thoii  haft  lolt  all  thy  prayers,  all  thy  profeflion,  nay  better  never  to  have 
kf^ovfn  fhefe  wayes ,  2  Pet.  2.21.  then  to  foriake  the  Lord. 

3.  No  mens  mifery  is fo  great,  Judei3,i^.  the bUck^sfs  ofdarkpefsisfor  fuch. 
Se.irch-yourfclves,  you  may  fecrctly  depart,  when  you  are  turning  to  the  Lord  j  as 
a  Snail  round  about  the  wheel,  the  wheel  moves  it,  but  it  moves  a  contrary  mo- 
tion of  its  own  from  the  wheel  :  Therefore  begin  again.  Oh  but  will  the  Lord  re- 
ceive me?-  Who  knows  bur  he  may  ?  And  heal  your  backflid'mgs^  Hof.14.  Becaufe 
fallen,-return :  I  know  not  how.  Anfw.  Take  words ;  But  the  Lord  may  not  zq- 
^^^dns^Topi  jhallgroiv  like  the  Lilly's  and  be  as  firm  as  Lebanon . 

Let  them  that  Jtmd,  take  heed  lefithej  fally^tid  you  difcover  your  hypocrihe  to 
all  the  world,  or  be  like  the  Hypocrites  whofe  beauty  foon  fades.  And  here  lee 
mc  comm.end  three  things  to  you. 

1.  Take  heed  that  there  be  not  found  in  your  hearts  a  root  of  bittermfs  to  gwyp 
i  up  and  chodk^ydHy  U^hr.  1^.1$.  If  your  houfe  be  left  empty,  and  yet  one  living 

luft  left  in  it, -feven  Devils  will  enter  again,  Wj(9»r  latter  end  will  be  woy(e  then 
\yoHr  beginning.  You  do  not  know  what  hearts  you  have.  Am  1  adQg^{i\t\i  Ha- 
^tfi?/,ever  to  fall  fo  ?  Let  there  be  a  luft  after  any  creature,you  will  finde  the  fpi- 
rit  of  prayer  die;  then  to  think  them  too  long  in  the  Word,  then  toforfake  the 
affemblies  of  Saints,  then  when  your  luft  is  met  with,  to  oppofe  men,  Minifters, 
&f.  One  reigning  luft  will  bring  all  into  captivity  to  it  felf,  it  will  flay  Tome , 
and  make  others  ferviceAble  to  defend  it  felf,  Pfal.  106.  14,1 5. 

2.  Take  heed  of  taking  on  you  the  profefiion  of  a  Chriftian  coMrfe  without 
finding  the  reft,peice,  joy,fweetnefs  of  fuch  a  courfe,  Prov.  2., 10, 11.  There  is 
a  fatistying  pleafantnefs  in  promifes,'commands.  Ordinances,  you  will  never  hold 
outelfe ;  for  \Vhere-ever  the  heart  finds  reft,  there  it  will  abide,  and  for  want  of 
that  it  dies.     As  In  Creatures,if  it  had  reft  there,  the  foul  would  not  be  unquiet, 
if   in  God,  it  would  never  go  to   the  creature.    Some  fweetnefs  you  may 
finde,  but  look  to  ftnde  full  reft ;  as  men  do   find  fome  fweetnefs  in  crea- 
tures, and  fo  in  Ordinances  jyet  being  ufed  to  them,  they  grow  weary  of  them, 
becaufe  they  tinde  no  God  there,  nofulnefs  of  r^y?,Hebr.  4. 1 1 , 1 2.  and  go  through 
all  the  world  yf)u  fhall  never  have  it  :  Get  all  the  terrors  of  Devils  upon 
you,  you  will  never  ftand  by  that;  conftder  therefore  as 'tis  in  iin,  there  is  the  j 
a6t,  and  there  is  the  pleafure ;  fo  in  every  Ordinance  and  Duty  there  is  both.    All  | 
Apoftacy;  is  from  thi'=:.  Ordinances  arc  too  burthenfome  unto  men  to  be  held  ■ 
unto. 

3 .  Take  heed  you  ncglet^  not  private  prayer,  build  your  houfcs  fit  for  that  pur 

pofe 


Ufe  5. 
Of  Exhort, 


Exhort,  2, 


2-4' 


TTheT  arable  of  the 


pofc,  cheugh  you  fell  fome  of  your  clothes ;  you  will  for  your  Swine  to  lie  in,  and 
will  vou  not  to  meet  God  in  ?  one  hours  meeting  the  Lord  in  private  will  quit 
your'coft  :  And  pray  for  this,  do  it  kaft  you  do  it  in  the  woods,  and  dcfarcs,  and 
dens  of  the  earth ;  So  much  ftrangenefs  from  God,  fo  much  Apoftacie ;  Pray  thoit 
you  may  holdout  in  this  hour  of  Temptation,  that  you  may  with  Davtd^noz 
h  forfaki^iiVpheii  gray-headed. 

Thus  you  fee  now  the  particular  Difference  between  Wife  and  Fpolilh  Vir- 
gins, and  what  is  the  ground  of  the  acceptance  of  the  one,  and  not  of  the 
other  ?  What  then  will  be  faid  ?  Can  it  be,  That  there  are  no  Graces  in 
Saints  :  Or ,  That  there  is  no  Difference  between  the  one ,  and  the 
oeher? 


THE 


OF     THE 


PA 


C  H  A  P.    I. 

Of  Carnal  Security  in  Virgin  Churches. 


;  '  SECT.    IV 

Matth,  2f,y;'  tvhiljt  the  Bridegroom  tarried^  thy  all  Jtumkred  and 
(lep.  . 

N  this  Parable  were  noted  two  things ; 

Firft,  The  Churches  preparation  to  meet  Chrift  front 
verCi.to  5. 

Secondly,  The  Bridegrooms  coming  out  to  meet 
them,  fromverf.5.  to  12. 

In  this  fecond  parr,\\hich  now  we  are  to  open,  three 
things  are  to  be  attended  unto  ; 

I ,  The  delay  of  Ch  rifts  coming,  .  or  the  long-fufier- 
ing  of  Gh rift  before  he  come,  verf.5. 
:  2.  The  preparation  he  makes  for  his  comi'ng,  a  little  before  it,  from  verfe  6. 
toverf.  10.  by  an  awakening  cry,  which  makes  all  the  Virgins  look  about 
,  them. 

^.   The  coming  it  felf;  where  thofe  that  were  ready,  were  with  ioyletinj 
and  thofe  that  were  unready  were  with  fhame  iliuc  out.  ■ 
:■  -.  .  A  a  a  i.  The 


\jii»Vn~r:~~^.*^^i)^^:-^^'^-fM^^^=^i^^:^^~^-i 


_____^ 1  ■ — — —  ■     '    '  '  • 

The  Parable  of  the  Ten  firginSj 


I.  The  delay  ef  Chrifts  coming. 
Whence  note  Firft,  What  happened  in  the  interim  of  his  delay,  and  that  is  Car- 
nd  Security  y  expreffed  and  fet  out  from  the  loweft  and  hi^heft  degree  of  it. 
I. They  Shmbtred. ;  i.  e.  fell  a  nodding  or  winking,  as  the  word  molt  pro- 
perly fignifies.  2.  They  Sk^t  j  /'.  e-.  now  they  were  buried  in  their  fleep, 
overcome  by  it. 
Secondly,  Upon  whom  thefe  fleeps  and  flumbers  fell ;  and  that  is,  They  All 
flxmbered  and  fiep  y  i*e.  though  for  a  time  they  were  both  awake,  yet 
good  and  bad,  wife  and  foolifh  fell  into  this  fencelefs  and  flupid,  dull  and 
clead,  fluggifti  and  fleepy  condition. 

Obferv.  I.  That  in  the  Uft  days  Carnal  Security  either  is  or  will  be  the  nniverfd 
Jin  of  Virgin  Churches. 

obferv.  II.  That  Carnal  Security  falU  by  degrees  upon  the  hearts  of  wen. 

obferv.  III.  That  the  ffirtt  of  floath  and  fecmity  istheUFt  Jin  thatbefals 
the  people  of  God. 

Oblerv.  IV.  That  ChrfJ^^^^^'O^'^^  f^'^^^^^^  Churches  y  i  s  the  general  occajion 
if  all  ftcurity  in  the  Churches  ',  or  the  not  coming  of  the  Bridegroom  when  the 
Saints  expeli  him^  is  the  general  caufe  ofthatfecurity  rvhtch  doth  befall  them. 


SECT.  II. 

Obferv.I.'Tr*  H^f  i^  the  la^  days  Carnal  Sccutrity  either  is  or  will  be  the  univer" 
X  fal  fin  of  Virgin  Churches  :  When  the  Churches  are  purged 
from  the  grofs  pollutions  of  the  world ,  and  Antichriftian  fornications 
and  bondage,  then  either  there  is  or  will  b- general  Security:  For  thefe  Vir- 
gins ,  when  they  firft  made  prcfeflion  of  their  Virginity  by  their  burning  lamps , 
were  for  a  time  all  awakened,  but  at  laft  they  all  flumbered  and  flept :  This  is  the 
temper  of  the  body  of  the  Churches. 

Matth.24.38.  Asitwasinthedaysof  Noahy  fg  (hall it  be  in  the  days  of  the 
coming  of  the  Son  of  man. 

Luk.l  8.8.  when  the  Son  of  man  cometh,  fhall  he  find  faith  in  the  earth  ?  i.e.an 
awakening  faith. 

Hence  the  Lord  forewarns  his  people  of  this,  1)eHt,6.i2.  When  thou  come Jt 
to  fHch  alandt  beware  leji  thou  forget  the  Lord  thy  God. 

Queft.  But  what  is  tJois  their  general  Security  ? 

Anfw.  Look  as  it  is  in  our  ordinary  fleep,  foit  is  in  this  general  Security: 
There  are  thefe  fix  things  in  it. 

1.  A  man  forgets  his  buiinefs ,  his  work  he  was  about,  or  is  to  beexercifed 
about ;  fo  in  a  carnal  fecurity,  men  forget  the  Lord,  his  works,  and  his  will ; 
that  which  we  moft  think  of  while  we  be  awake,  v\e  leaft  think  of  indeed 
whenwebeafleep  :  Take  a  man  awakened  indeed,  G  then  the  worfi  remem- 
ber the  Lord  and  his  Covenant,'P/^/.78.47.  But  when  afleep,  the  Lord  and  his 
errand  is  leaft  thought  of;  and  hence  fecurity  is  expreft  by  forgetting  God, 
T/k/.^o.  21.  And  hence  Jtrufalems  fecurity  was  in  this,  they  remembred  not 
their  latter  end. 

2.  A  man  in  fleepfears  no  evill  until  it  be  upon  him,  awakening  of  him  j  fo 
this  is  another  ingredient  into  carnal  fecurity,  cheuf  h  (in  lies  upon  them,  they 
feat  not  till  evil  comes  ;  zsjofephs  brethren,  though  wafningis  given  them, 
they  fear  not :  Like  them  in  the  days  of  Noah  and  Lot.  And  hence  Job  21. p. 
their  houfes  ars  free  from  fear ;  the  mifery  for  the  fame  fin  is  lighted  upon 
another ;  yet  the  fecure  foul  fears  nor,  as  in  Se!fhaz,ary  Dan.  5.2a. 

3.  In  fleep  all  the  fences  are  bound  up  ,  the  outward  fences  efpecially,  the 
.        .  eye' 


opened  and  J f plied. 


eye  warchifh  not,  the  ear  hears  not,  the  tongue  talks  not,  the  body  feels  not ; 
fo  this  js  an  ingredienc  of  carnal  fecuricy,  it  binds  up  all  the  fences,  as  it  did  the 
Prophet  Jo-^ah  his  in  the  ftorm ;  when  mifery  was  upon  him,  he  heard  nor,  he 
faw  nor,  he  felt  not ;  fo  when  mifery,  outward  or  fpiritual,  is  upon  a  man,  he 
that  had  quick  fences  before,  his  eye  fees  not,  watcheth  not ;  Chriftians  ne^- 
Ie6l  their  watchfulneis  for  their  friends,  the  Lord,  and  his  Spirit,  and  coming- 
nor  watch  againlt  their  enemies  that  daily  befiege  them  ;  the  ear  hears  not  the 
voice  of  the  Miniftry,  the  voyce  of  Providences,  the  voyce  of  the  fpirit  with- 
in ;  the  foul  fmels  nor,  taftes  not  the fweet  of  any  promife ,  any  Ordinance, 
no  r.or  of  the  grace  of  the  Lord  himfelfj  hence  it  commends  them  nor;  nay  the 
foul  feels  nothing,  no  evil,  ho  good  the  Lord  doth  him ;  that  look  as  the  Lord 
there faid, //"<?. 29.p,io.  The  Lord  hath  poured  ttpon  you  a  jplrit  of  [leep^  and 
ha:h  chfed  your  eyes ;  fo  the  Lord  clofeth  up  all  the  fences,  that  a  man  is 
nowftupid,  when  he  is  fallen  afleep  in  fecurity. 

4.  In  fleep  there  is  a  cefTation  from  fpeaking  and  motion :  there  a  man  keeps 
filenceand  lies  flill;  fo  in  carnal  ^fecurity,  the  fpirit  of  prayer  is  filent,i7^. 
64.7.  PfaL  3  2J ,  2 , 3 .  David  calls  it  a  keeping  of  filence  j  up^  why  Jleepeft  ttjou} 
feek^  to  thy  God,  fay  the  Mariners ;  indeed  men  may  talk  in  their  fleep,  fo 
men  may  pray  in  their  deep  fecurity,  yet  not  throughly  awakened :  And  there 
is  a  lying  ftill,  no  progrefs ;  fo  in  carnal  fecurity  the  foul  flands  at  a  (iay,  goes 
not  backward,  grows  not  worfe,  but  goes  not  forward ;  fuch  a  one  is  compared 
to  the  door  on  the  hinge. 

5.  In  fleep  the  fences  being  flupified,  and  motion  ceafed,  a  man  falls  a 
dreaming ;  fome  dreams  he  forgers,  fome  he  remembers,  and  in  his  fleep 
fully  and  firmly  believes  them  ;  fo  in  carnal  fecurity,  now  a  mans'mind  dreams 
of  that  which  is  not,  dnd  of  that  which  never  fliall  be ;  a  mans  mind  is  grown 
vain,  and  full  of  fancies  and  dreams ;  thofe  things  which  never  entered  into 
Gods  thoughts ,  fomething  a  man  dreams  of  the  Lord  that  this  is  his  will  and 
mind,  which  is  not ;  of  the  world,  that  it  is  a  goodly  thing ;  of  things  to  come 
which  fliall  never  be. 

6.  In  deep  fleep,  though  a  man  be  awakened,  yet  he  preferitly  is  overcome 
by  his  fleep  again ;  fothat  is  another  ingredient  into  fpiritual  flumber ;  fleepi- 
nefs  is  predominant  over  his  watchfulnefs ;  and  thus  it  was  with  the  Difcipies  in 
the  garden,  they  flept ;  the  Lord  came  once  and  twice,  and  awakens  them  , 
yet  they  flept  till  temptation  furprized  them ;  fcarceany  Chriftian  fo  fecure  in 
the  chambers  of  Chrift,  but  he  hath  fome  knocks  of  confcience,  fome  cries  of 
the  Miniftry,fome  vvoundingsfrom  the  Lordjand  they  do  awake  him,but  yet  he 
falls  to  fleep  again. 


SECT.    IIL 

E  fliall  now  fliew  the  Reafons  why  Virgin  Churches  in  the  laft  days  are 
or  will  be  overcome  by  fecurity. 

Firfl-,  Becaufethat  in  Virgin  Churches  there  are  the  ftrongeft  provocations 
to  this  fin:  which  are  chiefly  three. 

I.  Ref^:  and  places  of  peace,  and  freedom  from  hard  bondage;  J acoh  msiy 
fleep  with  his  f^one  under  his  head,  but  much  more  eafily  under  his  own  Vine 
and  Figtfees.  A  man  may  be  fecure  in  the  times  of  trouble ,  but  much  more 
in  times  of  peace,  whsri  we  have  our  beds  made  foft  for , us,  and  eafie  pillows. 
Friends  can  boldly  defire  us  to  reft,  where  there  is  lodgings  for  us :  The  world 
thrufts  ns  out  of  lodging:  While  the  prick  is  at  thebreit  the  Nighcrngaie  a- 
wakes  and  fings,  but  when  that  is  taken  away  it  fleeps  in  the  day.  In  times  of 
A  aa  2  perfecution 


Reafift,  I. 


n 


4 


The  F arable  of  the  Ten  Ptrgins ;, 


ReafoH,  3. 


perfecution  Paul  is  preaching  till  midnight,  and  the  Lord  is  reaierr:bred  in  rhe 
fongs,  and  fighs,  and  prayers  of  rhe  night-feafon  ;  bur  in  rimes  of  peace,  peace 
like  j^^/^  milk  and  butter  ftupifies  all  the  fences,  though  deftrua:ion  be  near; 
Hence  ©?^/?.6.i  2.  77?^;^  forget  not  the  Lord.  Do  you  think  that  Koah  in  the 
Ark,  when  the  waters  fwelled  above  the  mountains, was  fecure  ?  no,  but 
vvh  en  the  waters  ceafed,  and  he  had  his  Vineyard  planted,  now  hefleepsin 
his  drunkennefs,  becaufe  he  knew  not  the  ftrength  of  wine.  In  the  Virgin- 
Church,  where  this  fleep  is,  we  fuppofe  this  freedom  irom  evil. 

2.  Becaufe  there  men  are  moft  free  from,  inward  pain  ,*  for  where  there  is 
much  grief  and  pain?  there's  no  reft,  though  all  the.  houfe  about  be  ftill;  but 
I  when  the  houfe  is  ftiil,and  the  bodywel},now  tis  hard  but  there  may  be  reft; 
Whiles  the  Chrifiian  doth  live  under  Antichrifiian  pollution,  his  Confcience 
hath  no  reft,  and  hence  'tis  awake  there  ;  here  (faith  rhe  foul)  I  want  the 
Ordinances  of  God,  Oh  that  I  had  them  1  Here  I.  fee  fm  and  vyickednefs  a- 
bounding,  thatm.y  childe  islike  tobe  poifoned  therewith ;  here  are  fuch  and 
fuch  fuperftitions  that  my  Confcience  cannot  bear :  Hence  Confcience  is  kept 
waking.  But  in  Virgin-Churches,  where  rhe  houfe  is  fweptof  thefe,  now 
Confcience  is  quiet  and  at  reft;  nowl  havegotaLevire  into  my  houfe,  God 
is  now  bleflfmg  me,  &c.  Now  Confcience  hath  laid  down  its  burthen,  it  falls 
down  to  fleep ;  now  they  cry,  The  Temple  of  the  Lord.Scc. 

5.  Becaufeinfuch  Churches  there  is  moft  aptitude  in  men  to  fpiritual  ful- 
nefs,  viz..  plenty  of  the  nafeans  i  there  is  all  the  Ordinances ;  in  this  mountain. 
If a.2^.i.  Gods  feaft  is  made,  and  fulneCsof  fpiritual  gifts  and  graces,  becaufe 
they  have  now  efcaped  the  pollutions  of  the  world,  conquered  the  enmity  of 
the  world  J  now  have  come  to  a  good  meafure  of  grace,  and  conquered  the 
way  of  their  enemies,  got  the  better  of  them  ;  hence,  as  the //r^.-Z/V? j  made 
peace  with  the  Camamtesy  not  when  they  were  too  ftrong  but  too  weak  fbr 
them:  So  now  the  Soul  comes  to  be  at  reft,  to  lay  down  its  Warfare,  and  to 
yield  to  a  truce,  to  a  league  to  his  lufts  and  diftempers  for  a  time.  When 
men  are  kept  fhort  of  food,  now  they  awake ;  fo  when  the  Word  of  the  Lord 
and  his  Ordinances  be  rare,and  precious,  and  hard  to  finde,  now  a  Chriftian 
can  trudge  after  them;  but  when  m&i  are  full,  now  they  deiire  reft;  fo 
'tis  here. 

4.  Becaufe  in  Virgin- Churches,  there  men  are  moft  apt  to  be  overtaken 
with  wearinefs  ;  A  man  that  never  walkt  on  in  a  holy  way,  may  at  firftfet- 
ting  Out  delight  in  Chrift ;  but  after  h?  hath  done  walking  in  it,  now  he  is  apt 
to  faint ;  ef^ecially ,  if  he  fows  much ,  and  reaps  for  the  prefent  but 
little.  And  hence  (Jal.  6.  9.  Tom.  fhall  reapm  due  feafon^  if  )oh  faint  not ; 
Now  in  Virgin-Churches,  thefe  Virgins  are  fuch  perfons  as  have  begun  to 
make  a  profeftion,  and  have  made  a  fair  progrefs ;  O  how  difficult  now  is  it 
not  to  be  weary  !  it's  ftrange  to  fee  what  iLort  fpirits  after  the  Lord,  what 
large  after  the  Creatures  we  have. 

1 1.    Becaufe  they  are  the  more  eafily  overcome  by  this  fin,    than  by 
any  other. 

I. Becaufe  it's  a  fin  which  a  man  leaft  forefees  or  fears:  The  Apoflle  faith,?!^^ 
that  are  dmnlij^and  that  jleef^flee-p  in  the  niah  ;,indyet  here  men  fleep  in  the  open 
light  ;  Why  fo  ?  Men  fee  it  not,  men  know  it  not ;  fleep  fteals  upon  a 
man :  It's  lawful  to  fleep  5  carnal  fecuricy  arifes  chiefly  from  the  ufe  of  lawful 
things,  on  which  a  mans  heart  and  thoughts  are  fpenr  ;  they  eate,  drank,  gave 
in  marriage,  they  could  fee  no  hurt  therein.  When  a  man  is  had  before 
Councels,  now  a  man  fears  to  fin,  he  knows  he  fhall  be  tempted  unto  fin; 
but  when  the  Lord  brings  the  ilioulder  from  under  fuch  burdens,  now  to  fear 
our  Tables,  our  Beds,  our  Wives,  our  Children,  our  Callings ,  our  Profeffi- 
I  om  and  the  fnares  of  thefe ,  Oh  it  is  exceeding  hard  I 

2.  Becaufe  1 


opened  and  Jfflied. 


5 


2.  Bscaiife  Security  is  fo  fvveet  a  fin  ;  O  fleep  is  fweec ;  meat  is  fweec,  but  j 
men  may  be  ibon  full  of  that;  but  when  lleep  comes,  many  hours  are  little  ( 
enough  ro  entertain  than :  Some  fins  are  fweec  for  a  time,  as  a  fhort  m.eal  and ' 
away  ;  but  floth  is  a  fweeter  fin  than  any  elie  befides.  Let  a  Chrifiian  ask  his  \ 
heirt,  when  he  can  take  no  content  in  Pots,  or  loofe  company,  or  Queans,  j 
andean  find  none  in  the  Lord,yeL  this  will  give  him  eafe,  viz,.hls  (loth :  When  j 
he  is  weary  of  the  Wold,  and  of  walking  with  God  alfo,  yet  floth  is  his  de-  ! 
light  i  and  hence  he  crys,  >4  I'nt/e  more  jhmh  r  and  pep  ,  antill  deBri^lon  j 
cmcs  ,ts  an  armed  mmi :  When  a  man  delights  not  in  his  Wife»  Children,  Piov.<j.  9,10. 
Riches,  Honors,  yet  is  he  fometimes  contentedly  fvvallovvedup  vvithhii 
fleep  and  refl:. 

:?.Becaufe  Satan  doth  make  hi^'  firongefl  forces  ready  alvvay  to  bring  a  man  ! 
firft  into  this  fin ;  becaufe  this  m.akes  way  for  the  entrance  of  all  fin  and  mife- ! 
ry  ;  no  people  fo  happy  as  the  l^raclitiS^  while  they  were  awakened  and  up 
with  God  ;  no  mifery  could  hurt  them,  J^r.2.i,",V  but  when  they  forgot 
him,  all  m.ifery  came  in;    nh'ile  the  ftrong  man  heefs iheTalace^  hi^ goods 
be  at  pace ;  it's  his  care  to  keep  men  fecure  and  fiill. 


w 


SECT.    IV. 

l^z  us  therefore  now  examine  whether  this  fin  be  not  our  fin  in  this 
Country  ,  if  it  be  not  begun  among  us  ;  if  we  be  not  fleeping,  yet  are 
notflumbering?  if  we  are  not  Virgin-Churches,  why  have  we  the  name  of 
if  ?  if  we  be  Virgin-Churches,  then  make  fearch  if  this  be  not  our  fin ;  we  have 
all  our  beds  and  lodgings  provided,  the  Lord  hath  made  them  eafie  to  us ;  We 
never  looked  fiQr  fuch  (iy^^m  New-England^  the  Lord  hath  freed  us  from  the 
pain  and  anguiui  of  our  Confciences;  'we  have  Ordinances  to  the  full,  Ser- 
mons too  long,  and  Lectures  too  m.any,  and  private  meetings  too  frequent, 
a  large  profeffion  many  have  made,  but  are  you  not  yet  weary  ?  if  weary,  not 
fleepy,  not  flumbering  ?  it  may  be  on  you  before  you  are  aware,  and  you  not 
know  it;  and  when  fo  it  is,  it  may  be  fo^lweec  that  you  may  be  loth  to  fee  it,  that 
fo  you  may  forfake  it.  Let  m.e  knock  again,  is  it  not  fo  ?  Letme  come  to  every 
mans  bed  fide,  and  ask  your  confciences. 

1.  Have  you  not  forgot  your  God,  andforgot  your  work  alfo?  rhebufinefs 
for  which  you  made  this  great  undertaking  ?  'T[aL  1,06.12.  When  they  were 
faved  from  the  Sea  they  foon  forgat  the  Lord  :  Hath  not  the  Lord  by  a  firetched- 
outarm  brought  thee  and  thine  through  feasand  dangers,  arid  delivered  you 
wonderfully?  are  not:  all  his  kindneffes  forgotten  ?  all  your  promifes  forgot- 
ten? When  the  Lord  had  brought  the  Iiradues  out  of  their  captivity,  and  ' 
fome  hopeful  beginnings  were,  they  came  for  the  Temple ;  the  duft  was  preci- 
ous, but  Gods  houfe  did  lie  wafl:e,  H^g- 1  .%^6.Conftder  ymr  ways ;  no  man  pro- 
fperedfcarce  in  hiseftate;  God  did  blow  upon  their  corn  becaufe  they  forgat 
their  end.  What  was  your  end  of  com.ing  hither  ?  the  Ordinances  of  God,  the 
prefence  of  God  ;  and  oh  one  day  there  better  than  a  thoufand  elfewhere  ;  hath 
it  been  fo?  No,  but  as  it  is  verf.9.  Every  man  ttims  to  Ins  even  houfe:  Every 
manforhimfelf,  to  their  own  houle,  lot,  accommodation,  provifionfor  chil- 
dren ;  and  in  the  mean  while  the  Lords  houie  lies  vvafle,  you  build  not  up  that; 
the  Souls  of  thy  Brethren  in  Church-fellowlliip ,  yea,  of  thy  family  are  not 
built  up  ;  the  Lords  houfe  is  defpifed  now  ;  and  it's  like  the  Schools  of  the 
Prophets,  and  much  more.  Oh  thought  we,  ifwehadfuchpriviledges,  how 
would  we  improve  them  /  but  when  we  have  them,  have  we  the  fame  thoughts  ? 
do  we  not  forget  them ,  like  men  that  come  to  a  place  for  gold,  and  find  it  not 

without 


V, 


6 


The  Parable  of  the  Ten  firgim^, 


without  digeing,  they  fall  to  hde  their  fliip  with  wood  or  coal,  tha:  which  it 
will  bear. 

2.  Have  we  not  ihaken  off  all  fear  almoft  of  fin  and  mifery  ?  G0  to  the 
(>y4nithoH  jlnggard^^he  fears  mdfrovides  aga'mft  a  winter  :  Do  not  men  think 
that  we  have  fled  too  far  for  the  crols  to  finde  us,  or  as  if  the  Temple  of  the 
I^ordwas  fuch  a  Den  as  no  Foxes  or  Wolves  could  follow  us  into?  efpecially 
when  there  are  caufes  of  fear,  when  War  is  proclaimed,  and  the  caufes  known, 
and  yet  they  are  never  feared  :  How  many  men  have  the  hand-writing  of 
death  in  their  Confciences  againft  them  !  this  they  confefs  is  naui^ht,  they 
have  lived  carelefs,  fluggifh,  and  have  had  fome  fence  of  it,  yet  no  awakening 
fear  of  the  terror  of  the  Lord ;  when  a  Prince  is  nigh  us,  now  to  commit  a  little 
lewdnefs  is  great  wickedne^ :  where  is  the  man  that  trembles  at  the  nearnefs 
of  God  to  us?  when  a  breach  is  made,  then  fear  enemies.  Divifions  and 
breaches  go  before  falls  of  Churches ;  where  is  that  fpirit  of  Jehofaphat ,  that 
feared  and  proclaimed  a  faftj'  When  God  hath  begun  to  fmite,  whatcaufeis 
thereto  fear!  we  have  been  hurt,  and  yet  not  laid  it  to  heart;  the  Lion  roars, 
fliall  not  the  people  fear  ?  I  believe  we  lT:\ould  not  hive  had  thofe  Pequoc  fli- 
ries  upon  us,  but  God  faw  we  began  to  fleep :  Where  is  the  man  that,  with  J^aft/, 
knows  the  terror  of  the  Lord,  and  hence  perfwades  men  ?.  when  the  enemy 
is  ever  about  us,  there  is  always  caufe  of  fear,  and  yet  we  fear  but  now  and 
then. 

3.  Are  not  our  fences  bound  up  ?  look  upon  men  in  their  fields  and  con- 
veriings,  buyings  and  fellings ;  where  is  a  daily,  weekly  warchfulnefs  over  our 
thoughts  and  tongues  ?  Look  to  mens  ciofets,  do  men  there  call  themfelves 
to  account?  can  they  finde  leifure  or  need  of  it?  are  not  mens  eyes  clofed 
up,  that  the  glory  of  God  in  the  Scripture  is  a  fealed  thing?  Men  have  eyes 
but  fee  not ;  are  not  mens  ears  fealed  up  ?  Some  Sermons  men  can  fleep  them 
out;  mans  voyce  is  heard,  but  not  the  voyceof  the  Son  of  God  :  Oh  how 
many  men  are  there  that  become  quite  Sermon-proof  now  adays!  Are  not 
menblockifh,  dull,  fencelefs,  heavy  under  all  means !  they  tafte  not,  fmell 
not ,  whereas  elfewhere,  O  how  lively  and  fpiritual  are  they  1 

4.IS  not  the  fpirit  ©f  Prayer,that  lamp  going  out  in  the  Church  of  God  ?  the 
bleffednefs  of  all  flourifhing  Plantations  in  the  world  bsgan  by  means  of  that, 
and  fhall  not  continue  but  as  it  continues ;  and  if  ever  caufe  to  feek  for  profpe- 
rity  of  Plantations,  thefe  have  need.  If  God  fliould  take  away  this  generation 
cf  Magiftracy  and  Miniftery,  what  would  thisdefpifed  Country  do?  and  what 
would  become  of  your  children?  then  no  Schools  for  them,  when  no  Gofpel 
left  among  them ;  then  every  mans  fword  fliall  be  againft  his  brother,  and  God 
fpreading  the  place  vvith  darknefs,  which  through  his  prefence  is  made  light ; 
what  little  hope  of  a  happy  generation  after  us,when  many  among  us  fcarce  know 
how  to  teach  their  children  manners  ?  How  apt  are  we,  like  to  thofe  ^/ia^ 
Churches,  to  fall  into  thofe  very  fins  vYhich  overwhelmed  them,  and  ruined 
them  ?  how  many  fall  off,  and  in  time  break  forth,  that  it  would  make  men 
fick  to  hear  of  their  pranks?  what  place  more  open  to  temptations  of  perfecu- 
tion  and  worldly  delfcjfion  ?  go  up  and  down  the  Plantations,  where  is  the  man 
that  lays  things  to  heart?  who  hath  the  condition  of  the  Country  written 
upon  his  heart,  and  prefenting  it  before  the  Lord,  rather  than  his  own  good  ? 
Oh  men  are  filent  becaufe  aflcep  !  How  do  fins  run  thorough  men  as  water 
thorough  a  mill,  and  men  regard  it  not  ?  what  means,  what  deliverances 
have  we  had  /  but  oh  what  little  thankfulnefs  ?  2.  Do  we  make  progrefs ;  nay, 
is  not  our  fhadow  gone  back?  I  Jleep,  bmmj  heart  wakethi  it  fliould  befo, 
but  it  is  not  fo  indeed. 

5.  Have  we  not  fallen  a  dreaming  here  ?  what  meanetheffe  thedelufions 
of  mens  brains?  what  a  fwarm  of  flrange  opinions,  which  (likefliesj  have 

eonef; 


opened  and  Applied. 


SECT.   V. 

HEnce  fee  the  reafon  why  men  are  worfe  in  Virgin-Churches,  than  in 
polluted  places ,  and  wny  in  i^  fo  generally  ;  Becaufe  here  are  more 
temptations  to  make  them  all  (lumber  and  deep ;  here  their  beds  are  made 
foft,  here  the  ftorm.s  are  part,  here  they  are  under  the  iKidow,  and  out  of  the 
fun,  and  fecurity  opens  the  door  for  an  enemy :  No  wonder  if  the  City  be 
taken  though  never  foftrong,  if  it  grow  oncefecure:  no  wonder  if  the  world 
be  entred,  and  men  are  grown  more  worldly;  and  if  Satan  be  entred,  and 
men  grow  more  palTionate  than  ever  before;  no  wonder  a  mans  work  be 
negleSed,  if  hebeafleep,  Ordinances  more  flighted  than  ever  before  :  Ne- 
ver fhall  you  fee  Security  fall  upon  a  man  alone,  but  it  brings  its  train  with  it ; 
when  the  Husbandmen  fleep,  tares  will  be  fown,  and  when  the  Difciples  fleep, 
temptations  will  enter ;  This  is  that  which  the  Lord  teftiiies  of  his  people, 
7^^.2.2,3,4.  I  remember  what  thou  didft  in  times  of  freights,  in  a  land  not 
fown;  everyone  that  touched  you  did  offend  ;  but  in  the  feventh  and  eighth 
verfes,when  brought  to  a  plentiful  Country,  they  did  not  fo  much  as  fay.  Where 
is  the  Lord  that  hath  done  this  for  us !  But  yet  the  Lord  queftions  his  people 
for  this,  what:  Iniqmty  have  you,  fonnd  tn  me  ?  which  quelUon  you  cannot 
anfwer  without  grief  here,  or  confulion  another  day.  Yop  that  are  the  Lords, 
often  have  heard  this  complaint  ffor  this  maybe  your  conditi:)nas  well  as 
Noah's  and  Lot's)  but  now  fee  the  caufe  of  it,  how  hard  to  awake  on  hour  ? 
how  hard  to  walk  with  God  one  day  ?  fhort  awakenings  you  have,  but  long  fleeps 
( this  may  be  your  condition  for  a  time  )  but  you  car.not  continue  fo  for  ever  if 
you  are  the  Lords.  But  if  you  do  continue  fo,  efpecially  without  bemoaning 
thisunio  the  Lord,  'tis  a  queftion  vshether  ever  there  was  that,oyl  in  your 

veflel 


gone  to  the  fores  of  mens  heads  and  hearts,  andthefeare  believed  alio?  and 
more  dreams  men  have  that  are  never  fpoken ;  every  man  hach  fome  drunken 
conceit  that  rocks  him  afleep ;  dreams  are  quite  contrary  to  the  truths,  what 
meanech  thefe,  if  men  are  not  fleeping  ?  Firli,  Drunken  dreams  of  the  world. 
Secondly,  golden  dreams  of  grace  ;  that  thefe  things  advance  grace  which  in- 
deed deitroy  grace  ;  that  there  is  no  grace  in  the  Saints,  no  grace  in  Chrift,  no 
humane  Nature,  no  promife  to  evidence  grace;  no  Law  to  be  a  Rule  to  them 
that  have  received  grace:  Who  would  think  that  ever  anyfhould  fofall  by  a 
{implevYoman?  But  if  this  be  not  general ;  yet  look  how  do  men  be^into 
dream  concerning  the  world?  fcarce  a  man  but  finds  want,  oris  well;  if  he  . 
wants,  Oh  then,  if  Ihadfuchalot  about  me,  fuchan  eftate,  how  well  then 
were  I  ?  and  e  contra ,  They  that  have  it,  and  now  they  take  their  reft :  Take- 
heed  ^  faith  the  Lord,  )OMr  hearts  he  not  overcome  with  cares ;  So  fay  1  to 
you. 

6.  Doth  not  the  Lord  oft  awaken  us,  yet  we  fall  to  fleep  again  .>  the  Lord 
awakened  us  by  the  Pequot  Hornet,  yet  what  ufe  is  there  made  of  that  ?  doth 
not  the  Lord  oft  meet  us  in  an  Ordinance,  but  he  is  foon  loft  and  gone  again  ? 
Is  there  a  man  that  hath  not  had  his  crofsflnce  he  came  hither,  as  lofsin  car- 
tel and  eflate ,  a  dear  Husband ,  Childe,  Wife  dead  ?  a  fore  and  fliarp  flck- 
nefSjCTT.  he  hath  been  exercifed  mt\\y&c.  but  do  we  not  fleep  ftill?  if  it  be 
notthus,  it  will  come;  fear  it  for  time  to  come;  but  if  it  be  thus,  then  I  fay  no 
more,  but  know  it,  you  are  in  your  enemies  band  ;  and  in  fuch  an  enemies 
hand  ,  that  if  you  mourn  not  under  it ,  will  open  the  door  either  to  the  en- 
trance of  fome  grofs  fin  and  temptation,  or  for  fome  heavy  and  fudden 
wrath.    It's  fufficient  for  me  this  day  to  fliewyou  where  your  hurt  lyeth. 


tlfi 


Tbe  V arable  of  the  Ten  PtrginSy 


Ufe^. 


veflal,  which  others  have,  when  not  only  a  mans  a£ls  grow  worfe,  but  the  very 
ipiric  of  a  man  degenerates ;  when  not  only  the  leaves  of  the  Vine  fall,  but 
the  Vine  it  felf  groweth  degenerate,  and  hence  continueth  fo  ;  this  is  a  fore  evi- 
dence of  a  wofiil  ftate^  Jer.2,20^1iWhen  the  yoke  Tvas  ujicnthy  mcl^^  thon  faid//, 
Then  wo.'  laj}  not  tra-/;fgrefs  i  bm  the  Lord  hath  broken  thj  bands  i  afid  r.ow  thoH 
an  becom:  a  ftrmge  Vine :  Remember,  it  will  be  an  heavy  indidment  againft 
thee,  CO  be  good  in  Mejheck^y  but  bafe  in  Sio?i;  to  be  then  wor(l  when  the 
Lord  IS  beft. 

Ufe  3.  Hence  fee  one  reafon  why  the  Lord  purfueth  many  a  Soul  with  in- 
ward terrors  and  outvvard  forrows.  Thofe  that  are  faft  afleep ,  becaufe  foft 
fpeechs  cannot  awaken  them,  hence  we  lay  our  hands  upon  them,  and  fome- 
'  times  knock  them,  becaufe  this  is  the  way  to  awaken  them,  and  then  they  hear ; 
fo  the  Word  and  Spirit  fpeak  to  a  man,  but  fuch  foft  ftill  winds  rock  them  a- 
fleep  rather  than  awaken  them;  hence  the  Lord  layeth  his  iron  hands  upon  a 
man,  and  knocks  by  blows,  and  now  when  aflfli6i;ion  is  upon  you,  now  you 
can  hear ;  When  as  the  winds  and  water  were  ready  to  tear  the  fhip  in  pieces, 
now  they  enquire,  Why  were  they  fent?  And  the  lot  Jell  ufo-a  J<?«^/?,who\vas 
then  fleeping ;  itiseafieto  awaken  out  of  natural  fleep,  but  very  hard  out  of 
fpiritual  fecurity :  All  the  terrors  of  God  on  Jonah  within  and  without  are 
little  enough  ;  but  at  laft  he  could  hear ,  and  run  on  his  errand.  TfaLi^o.e-j. 
Why  did  God  hide  his  face  from  T>avid}  he  [aid  In  frojperity  he  ^ouldnot  be 
moved ;  this  was  the  reafon  of  it ;  the  Lord  fees  you  have  need  of  it ;  feldom 
iliall  one  fee  an  awakening  Chrirtian  without  inward  temptations  and  ter- 
rors, or  outward  forrows :  Oh  confider  then  if  the  Lord  do  meet  with  thee  / 
confider  thy  own  fecurity  thou  hafl  been  in,  or  art  apt  to  fall  into  !  This  is 
the  fin  you  muft  enquire  after  and  finde  out ;  and  do  not  account  it  hard,  though 
long,  though  bitter ;  for  never  greater  mifery  than  for  the  Lord  to  fay  Sleep  on-, 
it  is  one  of  the  heavieft  Judgements,  for  the  Lord  to  let  a  man  go  on  in  a  fe- 
cure  condition  without  blows  ,•  mark  therefore  unto  the  end  of  thofe  blows,  to 
be  throughly  awakend  by  them  :  For  fometimes  when  the  Lord  fends  them,  a 
man  f  if  they  be  not  very  bitter,  if  he  hath  any  tell  j  lays  them  not  to  heart, 
y/k.42.25.  Fire  burnt  about  him;  and  in  this  Country  I  know  not  what  curfe 
befalls  men  ;  peace  makes  men  fecure,  and  forrow  makes  men  difcontented, 
and  funk,  and  difcouraged,  which  may  be  for  a  fit  in  a  Saint  j  but  to  conti- 
nue fo,  this  is  that  Jhab :  Oh  when  as  thou  feeleR  the  blow,  look  now  that 
thou  doft  awaken,  and  be  thankfull  for  it,  that  you  met  with  that  you  did 
never  reckon  upon,  'viz^.  to  be  frighted  out  of  fecurity  thereby. 


SECT.    VL 

Of  Exhor-  Tp  O  watch  over  one  another,  by  exhorting  me  another  while  It 
tatlony  x  ^^^c^//f^  fe>  ^^7,  Heb.  3.1  :j.  Let  both  the  Watch  men  and  Mem- 
bers of  Churches  do  this ;  for  this  is  one  means  appointed  by  the  Lord  to  pre- 
ferve  the  foul  from  fleeping,  i  Thef.^.i-,$y6.  Exhorting  one  another;  as  it  is  in 
Cities,  when  the  Watch  is  apt  to  fleep,  they  have  the'ir  companies  that  are  paf- 
fing  up  and  down  the  walls  the  -greateft  part  of  the  night,  and  fo  they  are 
kept  waking;  and  we  lliall  finde^  that  as  it  is  in  a  Town  where  men  are  all  a- 
fleep,  one  Bell-man,  one  waking  Chriftian  will  keep  life,  and  fpirit,  andthe 
power  o-f  godlinefs  in  many ;  and  when  he  fleeps,  all  are  fart.  Nothing  in  the 
world  brings  fecurity  fooner  upon  men  than  fleepy  company :  Officers  of 
Churches  watch  not  over  members,  nor  they  one  over  another,  exhorting 
_____  and' 


Ofened  and  Jpflied. 


and  crying  one  unto  another  to  their  work,  while  it  is  called  to  day  :  Oh  then 
let  every  man  get  up,  and  fall  to  this  work  of  mutual  exhorting  !  ^o  and  vifit 
one  another,  go  and  fpeak  oft  to  one  another ;  and  if  thou  be  a  childe  of  the 
light,  fee  that  thou  endure  not  thy  fellow  fervants  to  fleep  in  the  open  day  in 
one  duty  or  another.  Know,  if  God  liirs  thee ,  thou  wilt  awaken  others  , 
2  (^'or.  -j-io.  ^<? knovp'wg  the  terrors  of  ih?  Lord  -^ir^wAde  m  n, 

2.  Confider  thy  labor  cannot  be  in  vain  herej  the  befi  mettalled  horfe 
needs  fpurs;  orhersareafleep. 

You  will  lay  it  I  knew  fuch  a  fin  I  would  fpeak,  but  I  dare  not. 
An\\v.  It  is  the  cafe  of  all  the  Virgins,  they  have  need  of  it,  Jude  23.  So^ne 
fave  With  fear^pilllng  them  out  of  the  firt'y  Matth.  3. 

3.  Confider  this  is  one  part  of  your  Warfare,  to  keep  your  watch  whereby 
you  may  be  made  conquerors ;  You  complain  you  have  many  fins  and  tempta- 
tions arihng  and  prevailing  ;  never  do  they  ufu ally  prevail,  but  when  you  are 
lecure  ;  firit  the  Watch  is  taken,  and  then  the  Gity  is  fuddenly  taken;  now 
look  ^sPaal^  zTim.^Ay'].  he  hath  jinifhed  his  conrfe^  and  fought  his  figkt^ 
find  mwexpcSls  the  crown;  how  can  You  end  your  days  in  peace,  that  can- 
not in  fome  meafure  finde  and  feel  this ;  The  Church  is  the  City  of  the  living 
God,this  is  taken ,  and  every  man  in  it,  unlefs  you  be  watchful,  and  exhort  one 
another  dally ^  while  it  is  called  to  day  :  And  that  I  may  not  fpeak  in  the  clouds, 

4.  Their  fin  will  be  yours. 

Firft,  Labor  to  know  the  ftate  o{  thy  Brethren  whom  thou  art  to  exhort; 
what  their  fleepy  negle6^s  be,  and  fins  are ;  it  may  be  thou  haft  known  one 
hath  been  very  humble,  tender,  affeded  under  Ordinances,  made  many  fair 
(hews  and  promifes  of  growing,  and  thriving,  and  fenfibly  complaining  of 
his  own  vilenefs ,  and  now  he  is  in  a  filent  fleep ;  Dolt  thou  know  this,  and 
wilt  not  fpeak  a  word  to  awaken  him,  for  whomChrift  fhedhis  blood,  who 
it  may  be  will  do  thee  as  good  a  turn,  aijd  make  many  a  prayer  for  thee  ?  Bar- 
nabas wh:;n  he  f aw  the  grace  of  (jod,  exhorted  them  with  fHli  iffrpOiS  of  heart 
to  cleave  tinio  him  ;  much  more  fhould  you  when  you  fee  grace  dying , 
2  TheJ. :? .  1 1 .  Faul  heard  that  fome  were  idle,  them  he  exhorts  to  work  ;  what 
good  might  one  word  Mo  ? 

Secondly,  if  you  do  not  know,  enquire  with  a  fpirit  of  much  love,  hc^yv 
it  is  with  them;  as  David  of  his  Brethren  when  they  were  gone  into  the 
fields ;  do  you  noa  decline,  do  you  not  ftand  ftill  ?  how  have  you  found  your 
heart  fince  laft  Sermon,  Sabbath,Fafl:,  Affli6tion  ?  have  you  gqt  any  ground  a- 
gainft  that  fin  you  complained  of  laft  year .?  &c.-  Suppofe  you  cahnot  do  this  to 
all,  yet  why  not  to  fome  ?  Suppofe  you  have  no  other  place  than  when  you 
meet  them  in  the  fields,  do  it  there,  J«:i3?(-  20.  BtiUdupyoar  fehes^^c.  Now' 
here  a  man  muft  know  the  height,  how  high  they  are  built  already,  how  can 
they  lay  their  ftones  elfe  ?  It  is  one  of  the  heavey  curfes  of  God  upon  the 
Idol  Shepherd ,  He  jhall  not  vijit  ths  hidden ,  •  nor  feek^  the.  young ,  Zach. 
II.    16.  ;    a. 

Thirdly,  If  tbouknoweft  nothing  from  them,  then  relate  thy  own  cofi-- 
dition,  this  is  a  molt  lovely  provocation,  and  exhortation  unto:  another  frame  j 
for  one  great  caufethat  hardener h  men  in  their  fecurity,  is  becaufethey  feg 
no  fuch  living  Chriftianity  in  the  world:  But  when  they  do,  now  (Zach.S.) 
many  fh  all  taks  ^^'^^^  of  the  skjn  of  a  Jew,  for  they  fhall  fay  ^od  Is  with  you ', 
Agrippa  was  almoft  perfwaded  and  awakened  when  he  heard  Paul  relate  his 
converfion  ;  although  there  be  many  impoftors  in  the  world  that  dofo.  Tell; 
me,  arc  all  things  in  peace  with  you?  the  Devil  isin  you  then:  What.?  haft 
no  temptations  ?  yet  many ;  Doit  not  obfervelhow  they  prevail  ?  yes ;  dofi  ne- 
ver get  firength  againft  themf  yes ;  haft  no  good  days  after  them?  yes,  much 
peace  and  life,  and  prefence  cf  God !  Hath  the  Lord  given  thefe  talents  to 

B  b  b  thee 


A(as  11: 2$. 


I  Sam.  J  7.1^. 

Chriftiansarc 
to  give  up  ac- 
counts one  CO 
another  of 
their  gains  and 
lofles. 


lO 


The  Parable  of  the  Ten  PirginSy 


thee  to  be  hid  in  a  Napkin ,  this  treafure  to  keep  and  not  to  fpend  ?  who 
knows  but  that  the  fpeaking  of  thefe  may  awaken  others  ?  thefe  temptations, 
and  this  condition  is  mine,  thefe  fins  I  find  he  makes  a  greac  matter  of  them  5 
Lord  what  will  become  of  me  that  am  hardned  under  them  >  this  peace  they 
finde ,  my  Soul  is  a  ftranger  to  it ;  Confcience  will  work  thus  :  Women 
fhould  fpeak  thus  to  women ,  and  men  to  men  -,  others  were  provoked 
by  the  example  of  the  Corinthians ^10  help  others;  fo  there  is  a  provoking  power 
here. 

Fourthly ,  If  this  prevail  not ,  {peak  often  to  them ,  of  the  fins  of  o- 
thers ',  in  condemning  others  you  condemn  them;  and  this  will  make  them  look 
about  them ;  view  the  fields ,  and  fhew  them  the  tares  that  are  grown  up 
by  fecurity ;  and  laying  down  thefe  fins  you  ftrike  at  the  root  of  theirs ; 
It  may  be,  you  cannot  tell  certainly,  AUs  2. 40.  The  Lord  made  this  one 
means  to  awaken  a  BelJhazjZ,ar,  Da».  >^.Z2.  God  turned  thy  Father  into  a  bead, 
d^e.  to  live  in  the  vyoods,  yet  thou  humbledli  not  thy  felf,  &c.  How  many 
ProfelTors  doth  God  deal  fo  withal  ? 

Fifthly,  Enter  into  Covenant  and  brotherly  promifc  to  exhort  one  an- 
other, as  David  and  Jonathan;  If  any  hurt  be  toward  I>W^,  Jonathan  mil 
fpeak  of  it,  i  S^m.io.  Some  may  in  Church-fellowfliip  be  more  nearly  knit 
than  others,  to  call  one  another  to  account,  to  tell  one  another  their  fears, 
to  know  of  one  another  their  progrefs.  Canft  not  give  an  account  to  man  ? 
how  wilt  thou  give  an  account  to  God  of  it  f  I  am  perfwaded  many  a 
man  lies  fmoothered  to  death  by  means  of  this.  Canft  not  come  to  the 
light  of  a  candle  ?  Oh  how  then  canft  thou  appear  before  the  light  of  the 
Sun, 

Sixthly,  Provoke  one  another  to  frequency  in  Ordinances,  Hf^.io.23,24. 
and  therein  confider  one  another ;  doft  fee  thy  Brother  in  doubts  or  com- 
plaints ?  call  him  to  pray  with  thee ;  doft  fee  things  go  ill  in  Churches , 
and  men  bite  the  bit  ?  call  to  fafting  and  prayer ,  three  or  four  together, 
as  *P<?«/,  when  he  faw  the  fhip  finking,  then  he  exhorted  them,^^.27.22. 
Efpecially  when  you  fee  danger  near  mens  hearts,  ready  to  be  loft  in  the 
World :  In  thefe  times  fuppofe  only  two,  or  three,  or  four  fhotild  go  and 
pray  one  half  hour  together ,  and  tell  one  another  their  wants ,  now 
help  here ;  in  our  times  it  hath  been  fo,  one  living  Chriftian  helps  others 

But  yet  how  is  this  negle£led ,  as  if  men  were  refolved  not  only  to  dye 
fleeping  themfelves  but  to  let  others  fleep  alfo  ?  No ,  you  will  fay,  not  my  felf ; 
yet  it  may  be  in  your  family  it  is  fo,  and  before  the  Lord. 

What  art  alive  to  God  and  family,  where  thou  canft  do  but  little  common 
good,  and  art  dead  to  thy  Brother?  it  is  made  a  fad  fignofamanforfaken  of 
God,  if  when  he  thinks  he  fhall  fleep  his  laft,  and  be  damned  himfelf,  yet 
he  would  have  others  damned  alfo.  Tell  me ,  would  you  have  all  Nev? 
England  |ye  in  fecurity  as  well  as  your  felves  ?  No  !  do  you  not  defire  it 
when  you  ufe  not  the  means  that  prevent  it;  and  that  is  mutual  exhorta- 
tion ;  Oh  therefore  do  it ;'  Minifters  m.ay  preach ,  and  every  man  fleep 
ftill,  unlefs  fomc  awake  and  roufe  up  the  reft  (asfome,  when  others  are  abed 
and  faft  afleep)  that  lye  a  dreaming :  Some  there  be,that  though  Doomfday  were 
to  morrow  ,  they  would  fleep ;  Oh  therefore  let  me  perfwade  fome  one 
ot  two  to  fall  to  his  work ,  left  their  fecurity  prove  your  undoing ;  there- 
fore fpeak  oft  one  CO  another,  forfakenot  your  aflembling,  vifit  one  another, 
pray  one  for  another,  warning  one  another,  that  you  may  awake  with  thi 
Lord  one  hour, 

SECT. 


opened  and  Applied. 


ii 


SECT,    VII. 

Et  every  man  not  only  exhort  his  brother,  but  fear  this  himfelf;  You 

hive  a  race  to  run,    many  enemies  to  conquer,  deep  not  left  you  fall 

illiorc    ileepnot  left  you  be  taken  captive:   left  in  exhorting  others,  your 

'lelvcs'proves  Reprobates:   1  will  not  tell  you  what  I  fear,  but  Z^^.21.  take 

^.e^d  left  your  hearts  be  overcome  ^  be  not  drunk  with  fome  delight,  be  not 

filled  with  vain  cares;  Hence,  prevent  it,  as  Noah  moved  with  fear  made 

Firft"  Set  a  hi-h  price  upon  thofe  awakenings  and  revivings  of  heart  that 
God  fometimes  eivethyou  ;  I  am  fare  you  finde  thefe  fometimes.  A  man 
thuhath  nothing'to  lofe,  will  deep  with  his  doors  open  in  the  night;  when  a 
man  hath  a  treafurehe  will  be  watchful  to  keep  it;  all  fscurity  comes  from 
an  undervaluing  of  the  Spirit  of  grace,  and  its  prefence  among  us,  T'rov. 
keep  her,  for  it  is  thy  life  j    and  when  it  is  loft,  what  are  you  but 

Secondly,  Confider  thy  contiiiual  danger ;  if  enemies  be  at  the  gates,  all 
the  Town  is' watching;  one  would  not  think  the  depth  of  fecurity  that  is 
in  a  carelefs  heart,  P[d.  30.  6.  /  fad  I  (honld  never  he  moved;  he  had 
crood  days  and  a  thankful  heart ;  then  God  did  hide  his  face:  A  man  would 
Think  Sampfon  fliould  awake'  when  the  Philiftmes  ate  upon  him ;  but  here 
Devils  be  upon  thee,  i  P^f.5.16.  If  all  be  well  now,  yet  remember  evil  days , • 
would  you  know  when?  even  then  when  men  fay  peace.  ^ 

Thirdly  Know  the  work  you  have  to  do,  and  make  it  your  mam  bufinefs ; 
when  men  have  weighty  bufinefs  of  the  world  in  hand,  they  cannot  fleepin 
their  beds;  and  as  the  wicked,  Tro-z/^.i^,  They  fleepnot  wtthom  doing  mlf- 
c/?/^f;  and  fo 'tis  their  main  work.  ^ 

Fourthly,  Call  thy  felf  to  account  daily ,  let  not  thy  Soul  long  go  on 
without  refleaing ,  \A/hat  do  I  do  ?  Harts  and  Hawks  kept  from  fleep  lofe 
their  wildenefs,  but  they  muft  be  conftantly  tended  and  kept  watching :  S6 
confider  the  account  you  muft  give  to  God ,  2  Cor:  5. 9.  with  i  i.  Hence 
Hai  I  <.  Sins  were  upon  them ,  and  they  repented  not ;  miferies ,  and 
thofe  vvere  not  removed;  becaufe  they  confidered  not  their  ways,  efpeci- 
ally  before  the  great  Tribunal  of  God.  I  am  perfwaded  the  reafon  why 
men  walk  in  their  fleep ,  and  §0  dreaming  up  and  down  the  world,  is  this, 
they  confider  not,  nor  reflea  upon  themfelves  to  anypurpofe;  what  do  I? 
whether  ^o  I  ?  n'o  Sermons  awaken ,'  you  confider  not  of  them» 


Ufe 


Bbb  i 


CHAP, 


iz 


The  Tar  able  of  the  Ten  Pirgins, 


Obfervati- 


on  2. 


mm^m^^M^W^^^^^i^ 


CHAP.    1I« 

Carnal  Security  comes  by  Degrees* 


i 


SECT,    i 

HiHt  Carnal  Security  falls  ufon  the  hearts  of  all  men  by  degrees ; 

for  all  the  Virgins  here  firft  (lumbered  before  they  flept;  they 

firftfall  a  winking  and  nodding  (as  the  word  fignifies)  (horc 

flefeps,  and  then  ftartle,  and  awake  again,  before  they  fall  a- 

jQeep  for  a  longer  time:  aChriftianisa  (lumbering  Chriftian 

before  he  is  a  fleeping  Chriftian. 

The  truth  of  this  may  be  feen  not  only  in  thefc  Virgins,  butalfo  in  other 

Examples  of  fecurity  in  the  Scripture :    As  the  old  World,  Gept.6.2.  Thty  faw 

the  "Daughters  ofmen^  they  let  their  eyes  wander ,  and  their  hearts  luft. 

2. 1)^trithey  took^them  wives  iox  10  folace  their  hearts  in,  t®  pleafe  them- 
felves  only,  and  not  the  Lord ;  they  ate.,  drank^^  gave  in  marriage ;  they  came 
not  to  that  height  of  wickednefs,  to  commit  Adultery,  or  to  live  in  Whore- 
dom. 

3.  Then  they  became  flejh/y  and  fenf fiat  i  fpiritual  things  are  f out  of  tafte 
and  relifh  with  them. 

^.Noah  Preacheth,  and  they  (light  him ;  he  condemns  tiiem,and  they  regard 
not  him. 

5.  Then  God  fets  a  time ;  no  (Wronger  means  to  awaken  than  this ;  and  yet 
they  goon;  and  now  they  were  come  to  their  height. 

Secondly, The  Ifraelites.  Dem,S.i  2.  ^  i.They  ate  and  grew  full ;  here  is  firft 
fpiritual fulnefs.  z,hleffingthemfelves^inihs\tc,^3X.tSy  nerds,  flocks.  ^.Then 
prmd  in  heart-,  verf.14.  4.Then  they  forget  the  Lord,  and  all  that  ever  he  did 
for  them,verf.i4.  5.  Then  men  afcripe  all  which  they  have  to  themfelves 
and  creatures,  verf.  17.  though  onely  in  their  heart.  6,  Ihtn cleave  too- 
ther gods  ^  verf.  1  p.  and  here  lyefo  faftaflecp,  till  plagues  came  dotvnupn 
them. 

Solomon  faw  the  Jluggards  Garden  over-grown  ;  now  as  it  is  in  fields, 
the  weeds  do  not  over-grow  all  the  ground  in  one  day ,  but  they  are  a 
long  time  a  growing,  but  by  degrees  they  overgrow  all ,  that  when  he  a- 
wakes  ( all  is  fo  over-grown  J  he  knows  nos  where  to  begin :  So  it  is 
here. 

Be  foher^  be  vigilant ;  fecurity  is  a  kind  of  fpiritual  druakennefs ;  a  man 
is  not  for  that  time  his  own  man,  not  a  fober  man ;  now  this  is  by  frequent 
and  often  fipping;  a  man  he  is  half  gone  firft,  and  then  he  is  wholly  gone; 
he  hath  nor  prefently  drunk  out  all  his  fences,  not  dead  drunk  j  So  it  is 
here. 

SECT. 


opened  and  Applied. 


^ — ^ 


S  E  C  T.    II. 

IN  regard  of  the  quicknefs  and  power  of  the  life  of  Confcience  -,  whether  it 
be  a  natural  Confcience  awakened,  or  a  fpiritual  Confcience  awakened ;  it 
is  with  Confcience  as  it  is  with  a  prifoner  in  a  houfe;though  all  in  the  houfe  deep, 
yet  he  is  bonnd,he  cannot,  and  hence  he  is  fpeaking,  and  will  awaken  the  houfe; 
fo  Confcience  hath  known,  Thefe  fins  I  have  watched  againft,  and  been  hum- 
bled for,  thefe  duties  I  have  done ;  but  now, Now  faith  Confcience,  you  neg- 
k6l  them,  now  you  are  worfe,  now  fallen  ;  now  a  man  {lartles,  efpeciaily  when 
one  ftandsat  the  door,  and  calls  to  Confcience  it  will  awaken ;  fo  when  there 
is  a  word  to  call,  Confcience  will  be  crying  ever  and  anon  within,  efpeciaily 
when  any  hope  or  leifureto  fpeakwith  any  as  they  pafsby;  fo  it  v\ill  take  men 
fometimes  in  their  fields ,  and  talk  with  them ,  and  chide  them  :  Security 
grows  up  eafily,  bat  the  awakening  light  of  confcience  cannot  be  fooa  done 
out  in  any  man ;  hence  fometimes  a  man  fleeps ,  and  then  awakens  again  ; 
Hence^£/»?.2.i5.  Though  tbey  had  many  fins,  yet  it  would  accufe  and  excufe ; 
as  thofe  that  are  come  out  of  their  own  Country  to  dwell  in  another,  or  from  a 
great  eftatCiin  a  mean  condition,  they  cannot  eafily  forget  their  friends 
and  relations,  but  in  time  it  wears  away,  Frov.z-o,ij.  Confcience  is  Gods 
candle,  it  will  fhuie,  and  is  not  eafily  put  out. 

2.  Becaufe  the  Lord  doth  never  depart  from  men  but  by  degrees,  and 
hence  fecurity  falls  upon  men  by  degrees;  when  God  is  near  unto  men,  then 
ufually  they  be  awakened,  as  the  Ifrae/ites  before  the  Mount.  Now  the  Lord 
to  fhew  the  riches  of  his  patience  and  long  fufFering ,  he  will  not  depart 
fuddenly,  and  leave  the  Soul  in  a  dead  and  fluggifli  eftate.  And  hence  the 
Cherubims  glory  ^z,ek^.  g.  io,ii.  departed  by  degrees.  Ifa.zg.io.mih.  13. 
God  doth  not  fo  ddal,  as  prefently  to  clofe  their  eyes  quite  up,  but  they  are 
awakened  to  draw  nigh  to  God  with  their  lips,  which  is  of  God,  andthen^the 
Lord  clofeth  up  their  eyesjnever  can  a  man  be  c^l^  into  a  deep  fleep,till  thel!ord 
faith  Sleep  on,  or  till  God  clofe  his  eyes ;  and  that  he  doth  not  prefently ;  as 
to  the  Diiciples  he  comes  a  fecond  and  third  time . 

3. Becaufe  this  is  the  moft  ready  way  and  method  for  fin  and  Satan  to  bring  the 
Soul  into  a  deep  fleep,  nay,to  make  them  give  themfelves  to  fleep,which  is  that 
fee  aims  at ;  look  as  it  is  with  thofe  that  fell  things,  their  fcope  is  not  to  put 
off  their  commodities,  but  to  put  them  off  fo  as  they  may  have  money  or 
moneys  worth  for  them  j  fo  it  is  here,  the  fcope  of  Satan  is  not  only  to  bring 
men  into  fecurity,  to  give  them  eafe  and  peace,  Z/^/^.i  1.2 1.  but  to  have  his 
money,  that  the  Soul  may  give  it  felf  to  it :  Now  as  it  is  in  buying  of  Fruits, 
Sugars,  Wines  or  Strong-waters,  they  will  not  buy  all  prefently,  nor  buy 
before  they  fee  and  tatte,  they  know  not  whether  tis  good  or  no,  or  whe- 
ther they  fhall  need  it  all  or  no :  So  here ,  to  lie  in  fuch  a  fecure  condition,  as 
to  neglect  all  means ,  to  be  hardned  after  all  fins,  this  Satan  will  not  offer, 
nor  will  men  buy,  or  give  themfelves  to  t&is,  they  know  not  whether  this  be 
good  or  no,  lefs  will  ferve  them  ;  and  hence  tafte  firft  a  little  flumber  and  fleep, 
and  fo  call  for  a  little  and  a  little  m.ore  until  a  man  is  a  beggar,  Prov.6.to.  as  at 
firft  in  Paradife ;  firftlbok,  then  tafte,  then  eat;  fohere» 


SECT.    IIL 

DO  not  think  you  are  out  of  a  ftateof  carnal  fecutity,  becaufe  you  have 
many  times  fome  quickenings  and  revivings  of  heart ,  bacaufe  they  may 

be 


Remfon 


'a  on 


Reaffjn 


I-b 


The  F arable  of  the  Ten  firginS:, 


hz  onely  awakenings  between  thy  flumbers,  which  like  flaflies  fuddenly  come 
and  fuddenly  go  again,  which  make  thee  ftartle,  and  rub  thy  eyes,  and  flir  up 
thy  felf,  but  down  you  fall  again  J  vvhereever  life  isin  a  Chriftian,  it  is  ever 
ailing  for  fpiritual  ends;  a  man  will  awaken  firft  with  God  in  the  morning, 
and  go  firft  to  him  in  prayer  _  f  extraordinary  occafions  not  preventing  )  and  he 
vvilloo  from  his  prayer  to  his  work,  not  as  doing  his  own.  work,  but  as  doing 
the  Lords  work,  howing,  plowing,  fowingfor^  him,d"c.  Now  when  the  life 
of  Chrift  doth  not  ad:  in  men,  and  a6i:  men,  it  is  either  becaufe  there  is  no  fife 
at  all,  but  onely  the  awakening  of  Confcience  which  foon  dieth,  or  qKq  that 
living  Chriftian  flumbereth  at  leaft  then ;  flumber  is  upon  thee  though  fleep  is 
not ;  make  it  out  elfe  any  other  way. 

Object.    If  fo(  you  will  fay  )  who  u  not  then  fieefing  ?  ^ 

An[yp.  Take  hot  whilft  vexed  with  the  Sodomites^  he  awakens ;  take  Faul 
while  tolfed  up  and  down  in  difgraces  and  reproaches,  his  inward  m.an  is  re- 
newed day  by  day,  though  the  outward  man  die.  The  Saints  have  fome  kinde 
of  fleeps  when  they  are  at  their  beft  ;  butthefeare  Tick  deeps ;  but  thine  are 
fweet  fleeps  to  thee.  IknowChrift  mayfaytohis  Difciples,  r/atch  and  pray  ^ 
temp  atiens  may  be  near  ^  but  their  eyes  may  be  heavy;  the  Spirit  maybe  wil- 
ling, the  fiefh  weak ;  and  that  it  is  infinite  mercy  the  Lord  will  awaken  them , 
a  firft  and  a  fecond  time  it  may  be  by  Sabbath  awakenings,  &c.  Many  cannot 
idl  what  to  make  of  themfelves,  becaufe  of  their  drowfinefs  and  Gofpel-flum- 
ber :  Methinks  this  may  break  thy  heart ,  Cannot  you  awaken  one  hour  ? 
know  therefore  your  (in ;  It  is  a  hard  thing  to  be  fully  avvakened,  to  have  all 
heavinefs  to  fleep  taken  away;  the  Lord  hath  taken  you  here  alone  to  himfelf, 
you  do  by  fits  watch  and  pray,  but  it  is  onely  as  men  afleep,  not  awake :  The 
Son  of  man  is  betrayed,  Chrift,  and  Gofpel,  and  Ordinances ;  and  can  you  find 
in  your  heart  now  to  fleep? 

Oh  therefore  ftiake  off  your  flumbers  and  fhort  fleeps,  left  you  fall  to  fleep; 
and"  for  fleeping,  be  awakened  by  fome  direful  blow ;  Look  upon  thofemen 
ffa.2g.10.  Ged  hath  chfed  their  eyes,  that  is  a  fearful  thgng ;  lookup6n  many 
profelTors,  all  their  favor,  and  heart,  and  life  is  gone  almoft,  and  ^liey  know 
not  that  they  be  afleep,  nor  all  means  cannot  awaken  them,  or  unfeal  their 
minds  again ;  God  knows  how  far  you  may  fall,  if  you  give  way  to  a  little ; 
efpecially  if  God  takes  away  Minilfers  from  you ,  and  that  the  Elders  that 
have  known  the  works  of  God  be  gathered  to  their  Fathers ;  efpecially  if  you 
know  it,  and  yet  go  on  in  your  flumbers ;  if  you  will  nor  awaken  when  God 
crys  and  calls,  you  fhall  flumber  and  fleep;  like  the  Smiths  dog,  the  harder 
the  Mafter  ftrikes,  the  fafterthe  dog  fleeps,  being  ufedto  it.  I  knew  a  man 
of  great  eftate,  oftquicknedby  the  Word;  but  he  loft  all  life  and  heat  again, 
and  he  prayed,  and  delired  the  Lord  to  keep  him ,  and  yet  decayed,  but  he 
could  not  tell  the  reafon  thereof ;  at  laft  the  Word  began  to  grow  common, 
and  he  flept  there  alfo;  Confcience  told  him  there,  was  fome  evil  toward  him 
which  he  feared,  yet  ftill  flept,  and  continued  fo;  notwithftanding  his  fears 
would  thus  awaken  him  oft ;  at  laft  an  affiidion  came,  he  regarded  not  that, 
but  was  impatient  and  froward  under  it ,  till  at  laft  all  he  had  was  gone , 
and  then  he  looked  about  him;  when  bis  houfe  vras  burnt,  he  was  a- 
fleep ;  he  prayed ,  but  loft  all  by  fleeping  when  he  lliould  watch  ;  fo  fe- 
curity  grew  upon  him ;  and  hence,  no  wonder  mifery  met  him  :  Oh  !  take 
heed  therefore  of  giving  way,  liberty,  or  toleration  to  a  fleeping  profeflion, 
and  your  flumbering  Religion  ••  as  men  will  not  tolerate  Ceremonies,  becaufe 
they  are  the  fruitful  feed  of  the  body  of  Popery ;  fo  here,(^c. 

SECT.  IV., 


Ofened  and  Jilted. 


»5 


SECT.    IV. 

Queft,  \X7^*^^  ^^^  th  firfl:  degrees  of  this  fpirimal  ^tOnher  ? 

VV  AMfvf.  I.  When  men  have  loll  the  fatisfying  fenfeof  the 
blelled  face  and  love  of  God ;  when  hypocrites  have  loft  the  imaginary  fight 
of  it,  and  Saints  the  real  enjoyment  of  it,  Tfal.  ij.alc,  I  fhall  be  fdtisjied 
whin  I  awake  with  thine  image ;  deep  firft  (hews  it  felf  in  clofing  up  Of  a  manS 
eyes  that  he  feeth  not  any  thing  about  him;  hence,  fomethirtg  elfe  contents, 
and  mutt  do  it  when  you  feed  not  daily  on  the  Lords  love ;  and  wbea  that, 
then.4^ain  cares  and  thoughts  (  Lul^  21.  54.)  overcome  a  man,  and  then  he 
groweth  a  very  worldling,  as  if  he  had  hope  of  no  other  portion  ;  hence  no 
mind  after  f^iritual  good  things ;  hence  he  fleeps  at  Sermons,  hence  he  fall^ 
out  into  palfion  ,  and  difcontent  with  his  prefenc  condition ,  nay ,  with 
every  other  thing  when  any  crofs  comes.:  Becaufe  thefe  things  are  fvv^et  to 
you,  and  God  is  not,  when  difcontented ;  the  Lord  iceep  my  foul  from  en- 
tringinto  thy  fecrets ;  Oh  confider  it  if  you  have  had  fence  of  the  Lords  I0V6 
in  Sacraments !  and  fome  new  doubts  arife,  and  you  are  not  fatisfied  with  it  j 
now  look  to  your  felves ;  it  is  impofllble  a  Chriftian  fhould  do  any  work 
without  rert.  Now  as  bodily  feeding  caufetb  reft,  fo  doth  fpititual  feeding, 
fpiritual  reft ;  feed  and  reft  here,  and  it  will  make  you  fall  to  your  work;  feed 
not  here,  reft  not  here,  an??  you  will  in  fomething  elfe ;  and  carnal  reft  will 
bring  carnal  negleft. 

2.  When  men  have  loft  all  fear  of  the  wrath  to  come,  and  the  terror  oT 
God  another  day ;  not  always  a  fear  that  I  fhall  bear  ,  but  a  dreadful  ^,ppre^ 
henfion  what  it  is.  Many  Chriftians  lofe  the  fenfe  of  Gods  love,  yet  the  Lord 
keeps  them,  in  the  fenfe  of  his  anger,  and  fo  they  are  aw^tke ;  but  vvhcri  both 
are  gone,  or  this  is  gone,then  there  is  and  cannot  but  be  the  lirft  fecurity.  For 
as  it  is  with  children,  when  their  eyes  are  open  to  fee  and  confider  the  things  of 
the  world  ,  now  they  are  begun  to  be  awakned ;  I  never  look  upon  a  Chriftian 
fully  awakened  till  now,  that  the  Lord  lets  him.  fee  the  things  of  another  world j 
and  when  this  is  loft  he  begins  to  fleep,  2CV.  5.9.  with  ii»  2  'P<??.^.  11,12. 
Somefecurelings  thought  all  things  were  paft;  No  f  faith  he)  then  Is  a  time 
acemingwhenall  things  ^allbe  dijfahedy  what  manner  fff -perfdus  then  fho'Hd 
TV2  he  t  Hence  this  being  loft,  men  fear  not  lin,  men  prize  not  mercy,  men 
I  wonder  not  if  ever  they  efcape ;  hence  men  live  and  hang  between  doubt  and 
fear,  never  make  fure,  becaufe  they  know  not  what  Gods  wrath  is :  Nay, 
laftly,  hence  nothing  awakens  them,  that  though  they  know  their  mifery,  yet 
they  will  go  on  f  the  hig' eft  degree  of  fpiritual  fectarDsy  )  Oh  then  keep  thefe 
thoughts  awake  I  what  it  is  to  be  forfaken  of  God  1  vvhit  it  is  to  grapple 
with  him  i 

5.  When  men  have  loft  their  forefight,  andhence  provide  not  agnnftan 
evil  day  ;  when  Chriftians  keep  their  profeffion,  and  go  on  fweetly  in  their 
courfe,  but  to  lay  up  for  after-claps,  that  they  do  not,  when  Chriftians  fike 
Grafshoppers  ling  all  the  fummer,  but  what  have  they  to  live  upo-n  in  the 
winter  time .?  the  Ant  can  learn  them  that,  T*ro'v)6. 6.  G&  to  the  Ant  thou  jlng- 
gard,  that  frovideth  her  m?at  in  the  fummer ;  the  Ant  by  a  fecret  inftindt 
(though  ft mple  and  little^  confidereth  there  will  be  a  winter,  and  that  (fum- 
mer is  her  gathering  time ;  fo  a  Chriftian,  if  awakenad  ( though  fimpls  )  will 
be  taught  to  do  fomething  which  may  fervehim,  not  only  now,  but  hereafter 
tlfo :  when  men  in  times  of  peace  and  enjoyment  of  Ordinances  never  fear, 
muchlefs  provide  for  that  time,  that  all  thefs  trevifures  (liall  be  taken  aWay  and 
.carried  to  the  Kin^  of  Bai'e/^Ifa,^^,  when  men  in  thdrlifc  time  think  not  of 

.  i  fettins 


i6 


The  Parable  of  the  Ten  Virgins, 


fettin^  the  houfe  and  heart  in  order  before  the  evil  day,  when  men  are  not  ihat 
now  which  they  would  willi  themfelves  to  be  another  day,  v\ihen  me  ^  lay  not 
up  treafures  of  tears  and  prayers  in  heaven,  nor  are  provideutfor  eternity,  nor 
think  this  will  be  my  peace,  nay  my  glory  another  day,  though  Ilofenowj 
men  will  lay  up  treafures  on  earth,  and  provide  for  themfelves  and  theirs ; 
hence  their  hearts  are  loft  here,  and  lay  in  nothing  fpiritual  for  the  future, 
?rov^o.$.  he  that  gathereth  inharveft  doth  right  (bat  a  fluggard  will  not  J 
his  heart  and  mind  is  taken  up  to  provide  this  and  that  for  future;  and  hence 
'tis  that  the  Chriftian  is  full  of  forrovv  and  tears  in  times  of  peace ;  but  when 
the  day  of  trouble  comes,  he  can  lift  up  his  head  (now  redemption  draws 
nioh)  when  another  in  times  of  trouble  hach  moft  terrors,  becaufe  the  one  was 
not  laying  up  againtt  another  day,  as  the  other  did. 

4.  When  men  go  to  prayer  without  receiving  any  anfwer,  now  a  man  begins 
to  {lumber,  Prov.i^.^.  menthacarefaft  afleepfpeaknotall,  but  when  awake 
a  little  they  fpeak  a  little,  and  then  fleep,  and  then  awake,  and  fleep  again ; 
fo  men  pray  and  fleep  again ;  it  is  a  deep  flamber  alfo  when  men  lliaJl  beg  for 
bread  and  money,  and  then  fall  a  fleep  conftantly,  and  fo  lie  down  fatisfied :  Oh 
take  heed  of  this  I  Hence  comes 

Firft,  Snarling  at  God. 

Secondly,  Heartlefnefs  to  the  duty. 

Thirdly,  Formality  in  it. 

Fourthly,  Prophanefs  of  courfe  at  la{K 

5.  When  men  do  gain  fomething  from  the  L(3Kf  in  the  ufeoF  means,  but 
now  ftand  ftill  they  go  no  further ;  they  lofe  not  what  they  had,  but  they  gain 
no  more  J  theygrownot, -^^/3f//'.25.2  6.  Thou  evil  and  jlothfHlfervant:^  that 
hid  his  talent,  and  did  not  imployit;  and  here  isufually  the  beginning  of  a' 
mans  fall,  when  (like  one  in  a  journey  j  h^goes  not  forward  or  b.ickward, 
but  ftands  ftill,  and  fo  falls,  Frov.  1 8.9. 

6.  When  men  do  duties  that  are  eafle,  but  when  any  difficulty  is  in  them, 
now  they  fall  down  afleep,  Pr!7'Z/.2o.4.  and  12.27.  and  hence  beg  the  fweet 
and  gain  of  Chriftianity :  it's  fown  in  difficult  duties ;  when  the  Soul  denies 
it  felf  moft :  But  when  men  not  breaking  through  the  difficulty  finde  not 
the  fweet  of  it ,  Lord  !  what  a  tattered  profeifion  is  there,  that  men  come  to 
be  the  fliame  of  Chrift,  not  his  glory  1  It's  eafie  to  pray,  and  outwardly  to  faft, 
but  yet  to  have  a  whole  heart  in  the  vvork  is  hard:  iris  eafie  to  cleave  to  the 
Lordwl^en  quickened;  but  when  God  forfakes  you,  now  more  than  ever  to 
cleave  to  him,  is  difficult. 

7.  When  men  fear  not  the  danger  of  little  fins ;  they  are  not  afleep,  yet 
foasnot  to  fear  great  fins;  but  in  a  flumber;  and  hence  however  they  fear 
not  lefferfins,  hence  come  to  commit  them,  hencealfotobe  hardned  under 
them  :  Many  complain  of  hard  heartSjbut  confider,  is  not  this  the  reafon  of  it  ? 
you  fear  not  finful  thoughts,nor  carelefnefs  in  your  Chrifiian  courfe;  your  flum- 
ber is  now  upon  you;  thy  Confcience  ffartles  at  Whoredom,  but  not  at  a 
wanton  word ;  or  playing  upon  the  Sabbath,but  impreparednefs  for  it  that's  no- 
thing ;  fin  in  a  manner  with  thee  ;  the  reaion  isjbecaufe  fpiritual  flumber  is  ap- 
on  thee. 

8.  When  men  are  deceived  and  deluded  by  appearances,  or  colours,  as 
the  IJraelites  when  the  Glbeonites  came  to  them  ;  confident  of  themfelves,  but 
deceived  as  the  men  of  ^»  by  ftratagems ;  if  ever  your  Souls  be  hurt,it  will  be  by 
appearances;  if  ever  this  Country  receive  a  blow,  it  will  be  by  appearances ; 
error  will  creep  in  by  appearances ;  the  moft  vile  wickednefs  hath  been  found  to, 
be  hatcht  under  fairefi  colours  :  If  ever  any  fhall  come  under  an  appearance  of 
piety,  and  promife  of  protection,  fafecy,  liberty,  onely  your  Government 
I  mufl-  be  a  little  altered  \  flumber  here,  and  you  liall  fleep  in  your  enemies 
'  arms : 


opened  and  Af -plied. 


arms ;  Grace,  and  the  love  of  Chriftand  theS|3iric  (the  faireft  colours  under 
■  the  fun  )  may  be  pretended ;  but  if  you  fhall  receive  under  this  appeara,nce,  that 
;  God  vvirnellerh  his  love,  firft>  by  an  abfolute  promife,  where  neicher  grace 
\  nor  life  is  feen  ^  take  heed  there  ;  for  under  this  appearance  you  may  as  well 
i  bring  in  immediate  Revelations,  and  from  thence  come  to  forfake  the  Scri- 
ptures :  and  then  no  wonder  if  men  fall  to  deny  all  foundations  in  Chri^ianity, 
and  Scripture  alfo ;    take  heed  of  meer  appearances  of  repentance  in  evil 
members,  be  not  deceived  there :  Never  was  the  world  m.ore  full  of  craft ;  be 
rot  laid  afleep  with  appearances  of  ttuth :    Thus  you  fee  the  point  opened. 
Stop  fecuritywhen  itisrifen  to  your  anckles,  lett  you  be  drowned  in  it,  and 
perifli  in  it  afterward. 


mmmm^^^} 


w^ 


€  J 


\^ 


CHAP.    III. 

Security  the  laJiSin  of  good  and  had. 

SECT.    L 


Hat  carnal  fecHrity  is  [ometimes  the  Ufi  (in  fvhlch  doth  ffir- 
prife  and  overcome  the  hearts  of  good  and  bad^  wife  and  foolifh 
m  p^ir^ln-Churchts, 

That  as  it  is  faid.  That  the  lafv  enemy  that  fhall  h  deftroysd  is 
death ;  fo  this  death,  like  fleeping,  li  one  of  the  laft  eneoiies 
that  furprifcth  the  fouls  of  the  wife,  but  Chrift  doth  deftroy 
it  t,  and  of  the  foolifh,  but  it  deftroyeth  them :  Thus  it  was  here  with  rhe  Virgins'; 
whac-was  their  fin  that  were  ready  with  their  Lamps  burning,  waitingforthe 
Bridegroom?  you  fee  the  wife  polluted  with  no  fin,  till  they  fell  down  by  Se- 
curity f' the  foolifh  were  wanting  to  get  oyl  in  their  velfels  before)  but  this 
they  fell  laii  into  :  What  into  open  prophanefs,  or  other  foul  corruptions  ? 
No,  hnt  they  all  fiumbered  and  Jlept,  and  We  read  of  no  fin  after  till  the  Bride- 
groom came  ;  many  fins  indeed  there  be ,  which'  like  branches  bud  from 
the  root,  butthisis  the  main:  And  therefore  look  upon  the  next  Parable, 
you  iliali  fee  this  again  confirmed,  to  fhew  the  certainty  of  this  point ;  the 
fervantthat  hid  his  talent,  wr/. 2(5.  is  called  an  evil  fervanti  why,  whan  evil 
did  he?  he  did  not  lavifh  it  (as  the  prodigal)  upon  others,  norlofeic;  but 
he  did  not  ufe  it ,  fluggifhnefs  was  his  fin  j  hence  ( faith  Chrirt^  thoHevilland 
Jlothful  fervant.  And  hence  the  thorny  ground  fiouriihed  and  grew,  and  fuffer- 
cd ;  all  perfecutions  could  not  confume  them ;  what  was  theijr  fin  ?  Mark^^.12, 
j  compared  with  Lnk;!  1.^4.  it  was  the  cares  of  the  \yorld ;  they  began  to  dream 
(  ftrange  fancies  came  before  fleeping)  and  the  piilovvjDf  their  fecuricy  was 
fome  worldly  content:  And  this  is  the  reafon  why  dnrifi  andthcApoftleS 
j  are  alfo  exceeding  prefiing  to  watchfulnefs '-  becaufethis  is  the  fin  that  Saints 
i  are  ready  to  fall  into  after  they  have  feen  Ghrifis  love  .and  care  •  andbecaufe 
I  this  is  the  fin  the  wicked  will  fall  into,  and  their  lafi  fin ;  it  will  be  juft  pre- 
i C  c  c  ceding 


Ohferva' 
tion 


5* 


,8    I 


The  Parable  of  the  Ten  Pirgins^ 


I  ceding  their  laft  plague;  and  hence  the  Apoftk  exhorts,  Oh  pep  not  yo^^^c. 
Lee  me  open  this  thus ; 


SECT.   II. 

\7\JB  muft  know  that  the  Lord  in  fubduing  a  (inner  to  the  obedience  of 
V  V  himfelf ,  it  is  with  him  as  with  an  enemy  in  a  City  ,  there  are  many 
ftrong  holds  of  fin,  to  which  he  retires  and  refills,  zCor.io,^^%.  and  when 
one  is  down  he  fliethfor  flicker  into  anotiier,  and  maintains  that  as  long  as 
he  can;  fo  it  is  with  men  ;  Qr  as  it  is  with  divers  fruits,  they  have  their  feveral 
feafons  of  growing,  and  then  of  withering ;  fo  it  is  here;  according  to  the  feveral 
feafons  of  a  mans  life,  fo  are  his  lufts  growing  and  decaying ;  there  are  the  firft 
and  the  laft  ripe  fruits. 

Firtt,  Take  a  man  that  is  born  and  bred  up  to  fome  years ,  man  is  a  foci- 
able  creature,  and  it  is  a  mifery  to  live  and  be  alone ;  hence  the  firft  evil  he  ufu- 
ally  chufeth  is  evil  and  loofe  company  ;  his  lufts  are  grown  up  to  fome  years, 
and  now  he  defireth  a  match  for  them,-  and  firft  he  chufeth  a  companion ;  and 
Satan  hath  a  mighty  hand  in  this ;  becaufe  as  the  Lord  when  he  firft  fends  to 
do  his  work,  he  fends  two  by  two  to  animate  and  ftrengthen  one  another  in 
the  work ;  fo  Satan  doth  firft  joyn  hand  in  hand  together  that  men  might  cor- 
rupt one  another,  and  harden  one  another  in  wickednefs ;  this  (I  fay  )  is  the 
firft  ufually  i  hence  Efhef.z.i.  And  Prov.  2. 12,  Wifdom  firft  keeps  from  the 
evil  man  ;  and  this  fin  is  for  a  time  the  deareft  fin ;  for  here  he  meets  with 
fome  paftimes,  mirth,  andfo  much  love  from  them,  that  he  loves  this  laft 
more  than  all  the  friends  he  bath  (  though  they  diffwade  him ; )  more  than  all 
the  Sabbaths  of  God,and  hence  he  prophanes  them ;  more  than  Chrift  himfelf, 
and  hence  when  he  hath  many  times  purpofes  of  turning  to  God,  his  company 
with-holds  him. 

Secondly,  Continuing  long  in  this  fin,  at  laft  he  comes  to  fall  into  the 
fin  of  luft*  and  from  men  he  looks  to  women,  and  this  is  as  dear  to  him  as  his 
right  eye ;  it  may  be  God  keeps  him  from  the  aft  of  Whoredom,  but  wanton 
looks,  lafcivious thoughts,  fpeculative  uncleannefs,  feif-pollution  (which  he 
commits  when  the  candles  are  out,  and  none  but  God  kcs)  and  yet  Cod  fpares 
him;  and  this  follows  him  to  the  Church,  to  thettreets,  whiles  he  is  awake, 
nay,  when  afleep,  and  thinks  it  is  no  fin  for  a  time,  or  if  he  doth,  Oh  the 
horror  tfeathe  hath  fometimes  for  it !  Scholars  of  mjlminfler  have  been  de- 
tefted  from  twelve  or  fourteen  years  of  age  to  live  in  this  fin.  This  is  thefo- 
cond-  Hence  ^Proz;.!,!  6.  firft  wifdomkeepcs  from  the  eviil  man,  next  from 
e\Hl  women. 

Thirdly,  It  may  be  a  man  marrieth,  and  then  this  fin  is  ©ut  of  feafon ;  now 
therefore  another  comes  in  its  place,  and  that  is,  immoderate  love  of,  and 
dropfiedefires  after  the  world,  an^  the  wealth  of  it,  for  now  charge  is  like  to 
encreafe,  and  it  is  a  fhame  to  walk  in  rags ;  and  hence  now  a  man  begins  to  look 
upon  the  eftates  of  others,  and  to  admire  at  them,  and  then  he  looks  upon  what 
he  hath,  and  what  labor,  care,  and  providence  in  a  faving  way  may  bring  him 
unto;  and  hence  burieth  himfelf  alive  in  the  earth,  and  feeds  upon  clods  of 
earth,  and  uncertain  hopes.  And  this  is  the  next  fin  which  grows  up  {^though 
I  know  fome  men  will  not  come  to  this)  butlfpeak  of  them  that  goon  in  the 
faireft  way;  hence  Hf-^.l  3.4,5.  whoremongers  God  will  judge  ;  then  let  your 
cofiverfatim  he  without  covetoufne^,  that  follows. 

Fourthly,  It  may  be  at  laft  God  terrifies  this  mans  Confcience,  and  he 
beging 


opened  and  Applied. 


hz'^WiSto  izzy/ hat -profiteth  IV  me  to  win  the  whole  worida^dto  lofe  my  ote>nfoHl  ? 
hence  falls  novV  to  take  up  another  profelTion,  to  hangout  anather'flag,  and  to 
I  lead  a  new  life ;  and  now  pride  in  fpiritual  excellencies  is  his  (in ;  when  glory  in 
i  worldly  wealth  dyes,  pride  in  fpirimal  glory  lives :    There  were  divers  of  the 
I  Heathen  contemned  the  world,  yet  puft  up  with  pride  in  their  morality ;  hence 
;  Chufe  nomvice  Bifhop^  lejit  he  be  pnjfedup^  and  fci^lnto  the  condemnation  of  the 
i  'Devil.     Now  Lets  of  mind  "come  in  when  he  performs  duties  publickly,  dpen- 
j  Vj  \   and  now  he  hungers  after  the  honor  of  men,  and  fetshimfcif  rofalefor 
lit:  Oh,  faith  5;««/,  honor  me  \   when  he  had  confeflfedhis  coveting  of  the.  car- 
tel ;  but  pride  ftuck  in  him  ftill  -*   And  when  he  doth  duties  privately,  he  refts  in 
them,  and  accounts  highly  of  himfejf  for  them,  though  they  neither  bring  him 
to  Chrirt,  but  eftrange  him  from  Chrift.  Hence  Chrift  chargeth,  when  joudo 
almsy  do  not  onely  do  it  not  to  be  feen  of  men^  but  let  not  thy  left  hand  know  what 
thy  right  hand  doth ;  take  no  delight  in  this  :  This  was  Simons  fin,  AB.  8.  he 
feeing  the  gifts  of  the  ApofHes,  would  give  any  money  for  them;  thefe  gifts 
are  fweeter  no>v  than  money ;  hence  fuch  fall  to  fome  foul  opinions  and 
crotchets  j  they  can  interpret  Revelations,  and  afcend  to  the  Miniftry,  and 
be  the  forwardeftin  a  Town,  butwhentodopublickfervice,  refped  is  gone, 
their  love  is  gone. 

Fifthly,When  this  is  dying  in  the  Saints,and  fallen  down  in  Hypocrites,  now 
floth  is  the  laft  thing  that  takes  hold  upon  them,  and  this  is  fweet;  What  is 
the  honor  of  men?  what  is  this  bafe  world?  now  floth  and  fleep  is  fweet. 
Now  a  man  firft  ceafeth  String,  and  this  gives  reft ;  and  riow  being  here ,  Se- 
condly, it's  death  to  com.e  out  of  this  fluggifti  eftate;  when  the  hand  of  God  is  up- 
on men,  andthefpursbeat  their  fide  and  in  their  heart,  it  may  be  it  will  be 
ptherwife  ;  but  elfe  not  j  they  will  not  awaken,  floth  is  lb  fweet  to  them,  though 
fins  yet  be  to  be  fubdued ;  timeisfhorc,  Gods  wrath  is  great ;  yet  that,  as  it  is 
faid.  He  that  ef capes  the  [word  of  Jehu  (hall  Elifhafiayi  fo  it  is  here,  he  that 
efcapes  one  fiii,  another  fliall  flay  him;  but  at  laft  floth  fhall  flay:  Hence 
let  a  man  look ,  what  joyeth  my  heart  ?  God  doth  not,"  wealth  doth  not  ; 
floth  doth. 


SECT.    III. 

EEcaufe  it  is  the  beftfand  moft  fit  feafon  for  thi^  fin  to  arife,  when  all 
the  reft  are  fallen  indeed  in  Saints,  and  feem  to  be  fallen  in  Hypocrites ; 
as  the  temptation  is,  fo  mens  fin  is ;  when  there  is  the  fitteft  temptation  without, 
it  broaches  corruption  within,  and  it  runs  not  out  befo'e ;  for  it  is  here  as 
in  War ;  v\hen  the  enemy  (never  feen  before  j  is  feen  in  the  field  ( very  dange- 
rous and  veryftrong)  is  it  now  a  feafon  to  fleep?  no.  Arm,  arm  nbvy;  but 
when  he  hath  driven  and  routed  an  enemy,  and  is  enriched  with  fpoils,  and  la- 
den with  prey,  now  it's  a  feafon  to  reft.  Hence  the  Poet  notes,  JVhen  all  the 
World  could  nop  conquer  themy  their  peace  after' concjue ft  hath  ;  now  they  have 
themfelves  fan  enemy  within  j  to  conquer;  So  here.  Hence  if  they  Jliould 
have  defired  the i/r^i?//V«  to  be  ac  peace  with  the  Canaanites\  when  theyfifft 
came  in  and  had  the  land;  No,  they  will  cut  our  throats  in  time ;  but  when 
they  had  conquered  them,  now  J'^j^.i  5-63.  it  is  faid,they  could  not  do  it ;  had 
they  not  had  Gods  promife  for  it?  yes,  and  he  could  make  it  gocd,  but 
they  could  not,  becaufe  now  they  had  no  lift  to  do  it,  they  were  flothful, 
Exod.  2^.29.  : 

Secondly,  Becaufe  it  is  the  ftrongeft  fin ;  No  bonds  fo  ftrong  as  the  bonds 
of  dear.h  ;  it  is  a  kindeof  j  fpiritual  death,  Ephef.^.i^.  though  in  the  Saints  if 
i  C  c  c   2  is 


Reafen  i. 


Reafon  t. 


QO 


%eafon  3. 


Ufe  I. 


The  Tar  able  of  the  Ten  Virgins, 


is  not  death  eternal.  Now  as  it  is  with  the  Lord,  he  referves  the  beft  mercy 
till  the  laft,  fo  Satan  referves  the  ftrongeft  temptation  till  the  lali;  and  in 
manymenitis  floth:  Now  it  receives  a  double  ttren^th  : 

1.  From  the  ftrengthof  natural  corruption  which  will  remain  when  o- 
ther  (ins  dye,  and  in  a  great  meafure  in  the  Saints,  when  the  power  of  fm  is 
taken  from  the  Saints ;  for  taice  the  beft  man  and  this  remains ;  it  is  the  ficknefs 
of  the  Soul  which  will  cleave  to  it :  Hence  as  'tis  with  fick  men,  when  no  mind 
to  meat,  yet  oh  a  little  reft  I  it  is  greateft  pain  to  walk,  and  hence  the  greateft 
pleafureto  lie  Hill:  ftcknefs  bindsa  man  to  reft,  makes  him  love  his  reft  j  fo 
carnal  corruption,  to  carnal  reft. 

2.  The  ftrength  of  pleafure.  in  fome  lawful  thing ;  for  floth  and  f]eep*s 
beft  pillow  is  ever  fome  delight  in  lawful  things,  that's  the  fhadow:  hence, 
when  a  mandelightsnoc  in  grofs  evils,  yet  in  health,  and  peace,  and  freedom 
from  dangers;  and  here  he  wallows,  zslffachar. 

Thirdly,  Becaufe  (not  onelyfo,  but)  it  is  the  leaft  fufpe<aedfin.  I  have 
known  them  that  have  been  gracious,  and  long  it  hath  been  before  theLorc( 
hath  made  them  know  that  they  have  had  this  (much  lefs  loved  this)  fin* 

For  I ,  It  is  but  a  neglect  or  ceffation  from  adt ;  it  is  no  fin  that  doth  openly 
war  againft  the  foul,  but  lives  within  like  a  friend. 

2.  'Tisanegle<a  which  the  beft  have  j  an  infirmity;  All  Jlnmbrnd  and 
flept. 

Thirdly,  The  main  work  is  wrought ;  it  is  not  therefore  any  dangerous  in- 
firmity, men  think;  and  hence  the  Apoftle,  Rom.n^.  11.  would  have  them 
an>fike  ;  why  ?  we  fhall  be  faved,  might  they  fay,  and  had  peace  long  ago ;  but 
(  faith  he)  becaufe  your  [alvat'ion  is  nearer. 

4.  Becaufe  he  fees  many  difficulties  before  him  to  break  thorow,  which 
unlefs  God  gave  him  more  ftrength,  he  doth  not  fee  that  God  calls  him  unto ; 
and  hence  faith,  that  there  arc  Lions  In  the  way ;  after  a  long  timeof  profellion, 
then  God  prefents  greateft  difficulties ;  and  hence  now  floth  reigns  in  a  fpecial 
manner. 


SECT.    IV. 

HEnce  fecthe  reafon  why  many  Chriftians  at  their  firft  beginnings  grow , 
and  thrive,  and  abound  in  the  fruits  of  Righteoufnefs ;  but  aftenvard  fo 
poor  and  ragged;  Oh  the  two  or  three  firft  years,  how  frequently  in  prayer, 
meditation  !  Oh  what  forrow  and  peace !  but  after  this,  now  they  can  find  little 
good  they  can  get ;  little  growth  they  make,  unlefs  it  be  downward  ;  little  life 
they  have,  and  what  ado  to  keep  it,  or  to  get  a  good  fpiritual  meals  meat ! 
this  is  the  reafon  of  it ;  when  they  firft  began,  then  the  enemy  was  out,  and 
they  were  up,  and  now  they  conquered  and  had  the  fpoils ;  but  fince,  they  have 
grown  fecure,  and  loved  to  fleep,  I  fay  love  to  fleep ;  and  hence,  little  to  be 
fecn  about  them  but  rags  ;  hence  (  Tn  v,6.i  i .}  lefl  thy  poverty  come  as  an  ar- 
medwany  Prov,2o.i  5.1 1.  truly  this  is  it,  and  hence  no  wonder  you  are  ever  fo 
full  of  complaints  in  midft  of  means ;  where  God  gives  you  matter  of  ful- 
nefs,  joy,  peace,  everhfting  glory  ,  -^t  you  find  nothing ;  fo  that  fometimes 
you  think  there  is  no  grace,  or  are  almoft  of  the  mind  that  there  is  no  grace  to 
be  lookedfor  in  us ;  if  not,  yet  finding  fo  little,  there's  no  evidence  for  it :  Oh 
your  floth  it  is  the  caufe;  hence  'tis  you  marvel  at  the  Lord  he  helps  not;  Oh 
you  do  not  awake,  to  awaken  the  arm  of  the  Lord;  you  fhall  know,  if  you 
follow  on  to  know  the  Lord,  but  that  you  do  not;  and  hence  the  pricks  and 
I  vexations  you  made  your  peace  with,  and  are  again  vexed  by  them,  this  is  the 

reafon! 


opened  and  Jfflied. 


21 


reafonof  ic:  Oh  therefore  go  infecrec  aiidfay,  I  complain  of  my  fins;  the 
Ordinances  and  God  thac  I  feek,  and  have  noc,  when  my  heart  iliculd  be  o- 
therwife  j  but  oh  ic  is  not  becaufe  I  cannot,  bucbecaufe  1  care  not;  it  is  not 
becaufe  of  the  ftrengch  of  my  enemy  without,  but  becaufe  of  my  iiegle(^  of  watch 
and  diligence  within.  I  know  it  was  a  fin  for  Tharaoh  to  charge  Ifrael  with 
idlenefs,  becaufe  he  commanded  work  without  means ;  But  is  the  Lords  work 
fo  f  look  up  to  him  fotltrength,  he  gives  it  them  that  have  none;  put  forch 
that  ttrength  thou  hall,  he  will  accept  thy  will,  but  will  never  allow  thee  in 
thyfloch,  butyoulTialltobeggery  atthelaft.  Hence  men  roaftnot  what  they 
take  in  hmtiyja^  {^rov.iz.ij.)  after  Ordinances;  Oh  there's  world  there; 
never  llialijou  fee  a  Soul  careful,  but  he  finds  every  Sabbath  fomethin'^. 

Hence;  we  may  learn  thereafon  why  many  ChrifUans,  when  the  Lord  be- 
.ginsrowork  uponihem,  have  many  combats  and  fore  confliils  with  various 
temptations,  and  one  corruption  after  another,  and  fcarce  any  breathing  time 
wherein  they  are  freed  from  fuch  ;  and  then  many  ftrong  crys,^r.  but  after- 
ward they  are  freedfrom  all,  and  even  thefealfo;  and  they  find  nothing  ei- 
ther within  or  without  that  greatly  troubles  them  ;  but  they  go  on  fmoothly  in  a 
courfe  of  profeflTion  alfo,  without  very  much  ado  with  their  own  hearts;  their 
Gonfciences  are  at  peace,  their  dirtempers  are  at  peace,  and  lye  not  heavy  up- 
on them ;  and  they  think  God  is  at  peace  with  them,  and  hence  they  are  quiet ; 
the  reafon  is  becaufe  they  are  quiet,  and  fall  aileep,  and  let  their  fin  and  Satan 
alone,  and  hence  they  let  them  alone:  A  (luggardfaith,  f/?tfri?/V4Z./o»»;7r^^ 
way^  ami  it's  a  hdg'  ef  thorns  '^  many  difficulties  God  fets  before  him;  now 
if  a  man  meets  with  no  Lions,  no  thorns,  preifed  with  no  great  difficulties  in  / 
his  courfe,  it  is  certain  (loth  hath  feifed  upon  thac  Soul,  and  he  is  carried  away 
captive  by  it,  Troz/.  22.13.       For 

Look  upon  men,  why  fhould  they  be  quiet  .>  is  it  becaufe  fin  and  Satan  are 
quite  vanquifhed,    that  they  have  no  agonies  and  wref^lings  wich  them  ?  the  A- 
poriledeniesthat,  £/>/?f/.6.i2.  Indeed  while  he  keeps  the  Palace  then  he  is  alls 
peace,  and  it  is  a  fign  he  is  encred  again  if  you  have  this  peace  ;  But  elfe  Paul 
himfelf,  and  all  that  are  in  the  field,  are  oppofcd,  and  will  have  fiery  darts  ;  and 
hence  the  Apoflle  exhorts  to  fnt  off  the  workj  oi-  darknefsy  anA  f<n  on  the  whole 
armor  of  light  \  why  not  works  of  light?  becaufe  then  a  Chriftian  will  find 
many  ^^^\Ax.s,^Rom.\  3.12.  Or  it  is  becaufe  they  are  men  of  fuch  a  refined  faith, 
and  fuch  pure  mettal  that  there  needs  no  knocking ,  nor  melting  ,  nor  temp- 
tations? I  confefs  the  Lord  doth  not  fee  at  all  times  the  like  need,  but  gives 
his  fervants  many  fweetfeafons  ;  but  yet  i  fetj..6y-^%,  ihey  were  begotten  to  a 
a  lively  hope^-  and  they  did  rejoyce  greatly  in  that  hopr;  yet  they  had  their  fea- 
fonsof  zi'nXs J  manifold  temptations^&c.  It  may  be  they  thought,  did  the  Lord 
ever  love  us,  when  fuch  defertions,  fuch  fierce  oppoiitions?  &c.  I  know  the 
Lord  may  leave  1)^^^ thus,  T[aL-;o.6.  but  then  God  was  angry,  and  he  faw 
it  before  many  days :    No,  no,  there  is  both  reafon  for  it, .  and  need  of  it ;  and 
why  are  you  at  peace  now?  icis  becaufe  of  your  (loch,  Jer^^^.ii.  UHoab  is 
at  rejf- ;  and  hence  fetled  on  her  Lees,  chat  they  neither  feel  nor  know  their  fin, 
and  their  fcent  is  in  them*,  though  none  is  fmelt  or  runs  out ;  hence  never  flir- 
ted by  any  word  they  hear,  nor  by  any  blowunlefsit  be  very  heavy  ;  they  are 
now  at  peace  with  Sin, Death  and  Hell,  and  are  at  league  vyich  them,  Ifa.2%.i  5. 
And  hence  as  it  is,  where  there  b:  two  Kingdoms  met,  what's  the  reafon  that 
there  is  no  hurt  that  the  one  do  to  the  other?  the  reafon  is,  becaufe  there  is  a 
peace ;  why  fo  ?  becaufe  War  was  fo  troublefom,  and  reft  was  good  :   So  it  is 
here ;  Why  are  men  never  troubled  ?  but  only  becaufe  they  are  at  peace  with 
their  fin;  and  why  fo?  becaufe  reft  is  good:  Oh  they  love  to  fleep;  Ifhall 
never  overcome  it,  or  I  have  other  work  to  follow,  fay  men,  and  hence  they 
^  fpiritually 


Ufe 


e  2» 


22. 


The  F arable  of  the  Ten  Virgint. 


fpiricually  war  no  more ;  and  hence  Satan  and  Sin  are  at  peace ;  this  is  the  guife 
of  men,  they  think  the  main  is  fure :  they  maintain  a  name  to  live  before  men, 
keep  duties  upon  the  wheels  before  God,  and  have  comfort  often ;  and  though 
a  world  of  vanity  is  in  their  hearts,  yet  it  never  opprefleth  them,  becaufe  they 
oppofe  not  it,  and  fo  are  quiet. 


S  E  C  T.    V. 

Ohjc^.TJVt  is  not  Chrifi's  yoke  eajle  and  his  burden  I'lgbt^  full  of  fweet- 
D^efsy  &c  ? 

^fjfw.  There  is  a  life  of  faith,  and  a  life  of  floth ;  a  reft  which  Faith  gives, 
and  Chrift  gives ;  and  a  reft  which  a  mans  own  floth  and  fecurity  gives :  but 
there  is  a  wide  difference  between  them, 

Firft,  a  believing  heart  cleaves  tb  the  Lord ,  and  fo  findes  reft  in  the  Lord, 
and  that  with  purpofe  and  decree  of  heart,  to  cleave  to  him  in  one  thing  as 
well  as  in  another ;  the  heart  is  not  at  peace  with  Satan,  and  at  war  with  God, 
but  joyneth  to  the  Lord,  and  ftands  armed  with  a  ftrong  refolution  againft  every 
temptation;  and  hence  peace  with  Chrift  is  maintained,  not  with  floth:  as 
Barnabas^  ^Slsil.2^.  exhorted  with  full  pnrpofe  &f  heart  to  cleave  unto  the 
Lord^  when  he  f aw  the  grace  of  God;  feeing  you  find  fuch  mercy  from  him, 
oh  cleave  unto  him:  Bat  now  a  fecure  heart  cleaves  to  the  Lord  infome  de- 
fires  I  and  if  he  be  refolved  of  any  thing,  it  is  only  of  tha  t  which  he  can  do  with 
eafe,  and  will  not  be  what  he  would  be;  he  would  be  better,  and  know  the 
Lord  more,  and  this  quiets  him  ;  but  he  will  not  be  what  he  would  be,  becaufe 
his  compad  and  covenant  of  peace  is  made  with  another ;  he  will  be  fluggifti 
and  fecure,  and  not  ufe  the  means;  ohfleepis  fweer,  Proz/.  12.27.  ^^^  i^^l" 
gard  roafis  net  what  he  took^in  hmuingi  he  will  not  roaftit,  there  is  trouble 
there. 

Secondly,  A  believing  heart,  or  Faith,  finds  and  feels  its  reft  by  trouble. 
Untof  he  righteoHs  there  arifeth  light  oHt  of  darkle (?-,l?[2i\.-^j,  Aper  yot^  have  fnf- 
firedy  God  fettle  youy  l  Pet.^.io.  Not  as  the  world  gives  peace^  give  I  it  unto 
youy  Job.  14.27.  For  the  life  of  a  Chriftian  is  a  life  of  faith ,  which  is  a  life  con- 
trary to  fence  andreafon.  When  the  Lord  kills,  what  doth  he  intend  then  to 
faveme?  and  when  he  blinds  me,  doth  he  intend  to  teach  me?  yes  that  he 
doth,  and  by  their  warfare  they  find  peace.  Hence  Vml  at  the  end  of  his  life 
makes  his  triumph,  I  have  fnifhedmy  courfe^  2Tim.^.6^j^S.  this  makes  pro- 
mifes  precious ;  when,  though  a  man  feels  the  ftrength  of  fin,  yet  fees  the  Lord 
will  fubdueit ;  when  a  man  findes  guilt  of  fici,  yet  fees  the  Lord  will  pardon  ic 
for  his  own  names  fake:  It's  a  ftjange  place  2  Cor.  1.8,9.  ^i?  ^^re  opprejfed 
without  reafon  y  why?  thatwe  might  not  truft  in  opir  [elves  ^  (why,  was  there  no 
way  but  this  ?  )  why,  this  is  the  life  of  faith,  to  find  life  in  death,  peace  in  for- 
row  :  .But  a  flothful  heart  finds  not  reft  by  denying  i^  ^.If,  and  walking  through 
trouble;  but  by  pleafingitfelf,  andeafingit  felf  of  trouble,  becaufe  it  is  at 
league  with  it :  One  that  hath  broken  league,  finds  peace  by  war,  and  then  takes 
fpoils ;  but  another  e  contra^^c. 

1.  A  man  denies  the  power  of  godlinefs,  that's  a  burden;  his  f|othfuI 
heart  will  not  bear  that,  that's  too  hot;  for  the  world  carries  a  condemned 
carriage  of  them ;  and  hence  he  keeps  a  name  to  live,  and  thereby  hath  peace 
with  the  world. 

2.  He  wreftles  not  againft  Satan,  and  bis  lufts ,  purfuing  them  daily,  carries 
not  the  fence  and  feeling  of  them ;  and  hence  being  luke-warm,  hz  thinks  he 
is  rich^  and  wants  nothings  whenpoor^and  blind^  and  naked. 

^..  Hence 

rn  Mil  ■iim  II, I  i  in  '  ■'  ii  man  iiiii  W »■  ■         i —— .Bgqg'. JJtii;ju- ,   '        .'        '         ,         I    "«   ■         I         I  ■' 


opened  and  Jfplied. 


25 


3 .  He  nee,  not  wreftling  againft  fin,  he  feels  not  fin,  and  fo  confcience  is 
it  peace  with  him  ;  f^t  is  dive  vpithom  the  Law, 

4.  Keeping  a  conftant  courfe  of  private  dudes,  he  thinks  God  is  at  peace 
alfo,  and  fo  his  peace  gives  him  reft,  and  floth  makes  him  make  a  league,  be- 
caufe  he  loves  reft  --^  and  hence  we  finde,  a  Chriflian  mott  oppreffed  in  times 
b^  trouble,  many  times  hath  moft  peace ;  and  e  contra:  Becaufe  as  it  was 
with  (jidesHy  he  had  his  peace  by  trouble,  they  had  their  peace  by  reftwhofe 
flelli  he  toiiewich  thorns,  y«%.8.7.  oh  therefore  fear  and  tremble  at  their 
condition. 


SECT.    VI.  , 

rjl  Ence  fee  the  reafon  why  many  a  Chriftian,  after  he  hath'feen  and  felt  the 
.CI  work  of  Gods  grace  in  his  heart  and  foul,  and  hence  hath  been  filled  with 
peace  and  joy  unfpeakable,  chat  yet  aitcr  long  profeflionlofeth  the  fight  of  it', 
and  knows  not  whether  there  be  any  dram  of  grace  in  his  heart  or  no ;  and  con- 
fequently  hath  no  affurance ;  but  ask  him,  nave  you  not  known  it  ?  yes  i  but 
'tis  a  queftion  whether  ever  it  was  immortal  feed  or  no,  for  then  it  would  not 
dye,  as  I  fee  it  hath ;  the  reafonof  this  is,  a  man  falls  tea  fecure  condition, 
fail  afleep,  forgets  Cod  and  himfelf ;  and  hence  though  there  be  grace,  yet  it  is 
notexercifed,  Mauh.2^,26.  and  hence  not  feenat  all,  2Pet.i.S,g.  and  one 
gracp  to  another,  and  then  an  open  entrance  is  made ;  this  makes  calling  fure  ; 
if  this  they  do  nor  j  they  will  not  fee  a  far  off  j  why?  becaufe  they  forget  the 
Lord,  which  is  one  part  of  fecurity  i  Hence  we  fhall  find  in  times  of  perfecuti- 
on ,  never  fucb  affurance  as  then,  Zach.i  3.^/?.  becaufe  grace  is  never  fo  exerci- 
fed  as  then ;  and  hence  men  much  in  prayer  abound  with  much  affurance  (when 
Chrift  was  in  his  agony  he  prays  more  fervently^  becaufe  then  a  man  is  watch- 
ful, and  grace  moft  exercif^d  ;  when  a  man  dyes  in  prayer,  and  grows  fecure, 
and  hath  little  exercife  of  grace,  now  it  is  a  queftion  whether  there  is  grace 
at  all  or  no ;  and  hence  when  men  come  to  Sacraments,  how  oft  are  they  put 
to  it  whether  the  Lord  be  theirs  or  no  I  and  hence  when  men  come  to  the 
Word,  they  lofe  all  comfort,  becaufe  they  know  not  whether  theie  promifes 
are  theirs  or  no,  becaufe  they  are  afleep,  and  not  waking  with  the  Lord.  Oh 
-.  thererefore  lay  no  blame  upon  the  Lord,  but  thy  felf;  I  have  had  grace,  but 
I  have  not  exercifcd  it ;  I  have  lived  a  life  of  (loth  and  fecuriry,  had  I  lived  a 
lif^  of  ihankfulnefs,  prayer,  watchfulnefs,  and  been  ever  awake,  I  ftiould  have 
feen  my  own  heart,  and  what  the  Lord  hath  done  for  my  foul :  Here,  here  lies 
the  fecurity  of  aChriftian,  not  in  lofing  all  grace  he  had,  but  in  lofing  the  ex- 
ercife of  it. 


SECT.    VIL 

Queft.fTOw  fhall  I  do  this  ? 

n  Anfw,  I .  Look  that  your  eye  be  fingle,  that  the  Lord  be  your  laft 
end,  and  that  with  an  infinite  love  you  cleave  to  that,  and  then  the  wholebody 
will  be  full  of  light ;  but  if  your  eye  be  donble,^c.  Matth.6.2^.A  ftiip  that  hath 
but  one  place  to  go  to,  will  getltnitherward  in  open  fea  with  every  Wind.  Who 
is  fo  great  as  the  Lord  ?  who  minds  thee  but  the  Lord  ?  doth  he  provide,  pro- 
te<5t  and  pity  thee,  when  thou  feekefttby  felf?  will  he  not  do  it  much  more 
when  thou  art  fet  for  him  ? 

2.  Confider 


M»<«apMaataifaes&^ 


24    t  The  F arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins, 

I  2.  Confiderthefweetnefsofthis  life,  j,  lnzhisli£Q>,i Cor, i^.ub.l^e ever 
Abounding  ;  why  ?  oh  you  know  joht  labor  Jh^ll  not  he  m  vain.  And  what  will  it 
be  when  you  come  to  dye?  //"<?.  3  8.1, 2, 5.  Rememher  I  have  walked  wkh  thee: 
And  2.  After  death, '^R^fi/.  14.13.  it  ma^beyou  account  them  nothing,  but 
they  {hall  follow  thee ;  do  you  not  find  bicternefs  in  the  end  of  another  life  ? 
you  will  find  your  pillow  hard  enough  before  you  dye ;  oh  therefore  get  fome- 
thing  to  make  it  eafie. 

3 .  Take  heed  of  forgetfulnefs  of  the  Lord,  for  this  is  the  reafon  why  many 
a  man  is  not  ever  up  in  walking  with  the  Lord,  becaufe  he  forgets  the  Lord  ;  It 
isnotbecaufe  he  will  not,  or  becaufe  he  cannot,  but  he  remembers  not  the 
Lords  love,  the  glory  of  his  ways,  what  an  evil  thing  and  bitter  it  u  to  depart 
from  the  io?"<^,Pfal. 22.11.  They  (hall  remember  and  turn^  Jer.2.1,6,  The  Lord 
complains  of  Aportacy,  they  ^ald  where  is  the  Lord}  I  remember  thee^&c,  Sol 
fay  to  you,  the  Lord  of  glory  remembers  you,  thou  art  written  on  the  palms 
of  his  hand,  and  like  fhew-bread  before  the  Ark,  fo  thou  doft  ever  ftand  be- 
fore the  Lord ;  hence  every  moment  he  is  pardoning ,  purging ,  preferving 
and  devifing  how  to  do  thee  good  i  nay  he  remembers  thy  love,  prayers  ,feek- 
ings  after  him,  nay,  thy  houfe  and  walls  of  it  where  thou  dwelleft ;  Oh  there- 
fore forget  not  the  Lord,  that  fo  you  may  be  ever  feeking  after,  and  cleaving  to 
the  Lord. 


SECT.  vm. 

HEncefeethe  reafon  why  men  after  long  profeffion  fall  into  manyfloth- 
ful  opinions,  becaufe  their  hearts  ai=e  furprifed  with  this  enemy  of  floth 
firft;  and  it  isGodsjuft  judgement  upon  men,  that  feing  they  love  their  flee£^ 
and  lazinefs,  th6y  fhall  be  lazy  by  rule,  and  fo  be  for  ever  hardned  in  it. 

Queft.  M^hat  are  thofe  flothfnl  opinions  ? 

Anfw,  Firft,  What  is  this  but  one,  To  make  the  Law  no  rule  to  a  Chrifli- 
ans  life  ?  as  though  a  Chriftian  fliould  be  like  a  man  at  Sea,  and  carried  by 
the  wind,  but  he  muft  have  no  Compafsto  failbyalfo:  Inthefe  laft  times 
Chrift's  Kingly  Office  is  chiefly  oppofed;  men  arc  ghd  of  Chrifts  righceouf- 
nefsand  death  to  fave  them,  but  when  he  comes  to  plant  his  Laws  (as  all  Con- 
querors do  amongft  men  )  they  do  then  fhake  them  off,  and  under  a  colour 
of  love  to  their  Prince,  make  his  Laws  no  bonds  to  binde  them;  fo  thefe 
think  this  is  the  liberty  of  a  Chriftian,  the  liberty  of  a  Prince  to  be  lawlefe, 

2*Pff.2.Ip. 

Secondly,'  That  there  Is  no  activity  of  Grace  received,  no  power  to  fiir  till 
ftirred ;  and  therefore  leave  all  upon  Chrift,  they  can  do  nothing ;  if  he  gives 
nothing,  they  cannot  help  it ;  if  he  doth,  then  all  is  well,d~'r.  k  is  true,  till  the 
Lord  doth  help  what  can  we  do  ?  But  there  is  an  immutable  alTiftance  of  Spirit, 
whereby  the  Lord  doth  enable  his  to  a6t  more  or  lefs  like  himfelf ,  when 
ftirred  up :  And  if  you  finde  none ,  becaufe  you  fall  fhort  of  Chrift ,  do 
not  think  that  the  Lord  will  be  a  cover  to  fuch  a  cap  j  nor  a  pillow  for 
a  flothful  heart ;  there  is  a  ficknefs  in  the  beft ,  and  muft  be  followed,  elfe 
we  dye. 

Thirdly,  That  Minifters  muft  not  exhort :  Why  ?  what  can  men  do  ?  If 
fervants  cannot  abide  tobefpoken  unto  when  there  is  need,  from  what  can  it 
come  but  idlenefs  ?  What  can  words  make  better  ?  yes,  the  Lords  words  have 
a  power  to  help  or  ruine,  when  youftiallfay,  oh  the  exhortations,  oh  the  in- 
retaties  I  have  bad,  &c.  one  main  means  of  reconciliation  is  now  abolifhed, 
a  Cor.  5. 20. 

^^ Fourthly. 


opened  and  Affiled. 


25 


Fourchly,  That  Chriftians  muft  gather  no  evidence  from  San6lificacion  ;  we 
I  lliall  finde  the  root  of  ic  to  be  difficulty,  which  is  never  floths  bed-fellow. 
!        I.  It  is  difficult  to  be  holy  always ,  but  there  will  be  many  weaknefles  and 
I  hns,  &c.  _  _        . 

I        2.  When  we  do  fo,    it  will  be  hard  to  difcern  what  holinefs  it  is,  whether 
<  counterfeit  or  not. 

3.  When  we  do  fo,  'tis  hard  to  keep' it,  but  you  will  lofe  it  again,  and  be 

.  put  to  farther  fearch,  and  To  off  and  on :    I  believe  Chriftians  maki  them  more 

difficult  than  indeed  they  are  ;  but  yet  it  is  the  Lords  way ;  Scripture  is  plain  for 

ic ;  and  if  avoided  becauie  difficult  (which  to  many  is  fvveet)  what  is  this  but  an 

invention  of  floth  > 

Fifthly ,  That  what  a  man  cannot  do,  is  always  a  weaknefs  which  the  Lord 
will  pardon  i  Sometimes  it  is ;  but  not  here?;  for  a  mans  chief  Cm  may  be  kept 
unfubdued  from  this  ground,  which  flbth  makes  warrantable. 

Sixthly,  That  if  once  the  main  be  wrought,  though  he  never  grow  better, 
yet  he  is  to  keep  his  peace  and  confidence;  Ohintreatthe  Lord  to  keep  your 
heads  found  (^though  hearts  be  fluggifh)  foasyou  may 'not  love,  and  defend 
your  fecurity,  and  then  go  and  leave  Chritt. 


L 


SEC  T.    IX. 

Et  this  be  3  warning  to  all,  that  there  is  fuch  an  enemy  to  be  flain  ;  truly  I 
had  thought  if  I  could  have  got  my  heart  broken ,  if  I  could  feek  the  Lord 
till  I  had  gotten  a  promife,then  Ifhould  be  well  enough;  Oh  nOjthere  is  a  floth- 
ful  heart  yet  continueth ;  and  let  it  be  encouragement  to. war  againft  it ;  oh  'tis 
the  laft  enemy,  and  then  comes  your  crown,  and  then  your  warfare  is  ended; 
and  therefore  do  as  Sampfon;  Lord^  help  this  one  tlme^  that  I  may  be  avenaedfor 
my  two  eyes ;  fo,  thou  hafl:  been  made  a  flave  to  it  in  private  duties,  and  God 
hath  neglected  thee;  Inpublick,  at  meetings  you  have  been  forced  to  jQeep, 
that  an  Indian  it  maybe ,  if  he  had  flood  by  would  have  jogged  thee  •,  there- 
fore pray,  Oh  help  Lord  this  one  time  (though  I  dye)  againft  fhisioneene- 
m  y ;  Thus  Vanl  1  Cor.gMt,  Is  an  immortal  crown  nothing  ?  will  it  be  no  for- 
row  to  you  when  you  awake ,  to  lofe  eternal  reft  in  God,  for  a  little  reft  in  thy 
floth  ?  Oh  therefore  beat  down  thy  body  ;  it  is  the  laft,  hence  the  worft  ene- 
my ;  fay  as  Jtidg,g.  54.  What  {hall  I  fall  by  a  woman  }  iliall  I  fall  by  the  worft  ? 
why  did  I  oppofe  luft  and  pride  .>  oh,  becaufe  vile;  why,  thisisworfe;  it  is 
the  laft,  and  hence  Chrift  hates  it  moft ;  and  hath  he  given  ftrength  againft 
any  fin,  and  will  he  not  againft  this  ?  Oh  therefore  pray  God  that  you  fall 
not  here. 


Ufe 


JudgVi^,28, 


B  d  d 


e  M  A  p. 


i6 


Ohferva- 
tion  4. 


The  V arable  of  the  Ten  Pirginfy 


CHAP.    IV. 

Chrijls  ah  fence  the  caufe  offecurity  in  his  Churches. 


SECT.    I. 


H^t  Chrtfis  r^h fence ,  or  tarrying  long  from  the  Churches  ,  Is 
(::n  cccafion  ( through  mans  corruption )  of  all  fecurity  m  the 
Churches. 

While  Chrift  delays  the  Bride  fleepeth  ;  look  as  it  was  with 
the Ifrael'itcs^sH\\zw  Mrfes  went  firft  from  them,  up  to  the  mount, 
they  had  no  fpeechof  making  a  Calf;  but  when  he  ftaiedl6ng 
from  them ,  now  they  make  it,  and  make  mer  ry  with  it ;  fo  it  is  here,  Exo'd.s  2.1. 
The  holy  Apoftle  notes  this  to  be  in  thelatt  days,  2  P^/-^^.;,^.  Men  (hall  fay 
where  ts  the  promife  of  hu  coming  ?  all  things  rem^Jn  as  they  were;  znd  hence 
fcoifers  (it  may  be  with  the  tongue  j  at  leaiUn  the  heart,  and  fo  walk^g  after 
their  own  hfts;  hence  Matth.i^.^g.  you  fee  an  evil  fervant  fmite  his  fellow 
fervants  (^what  is  the  reafons  of  divifions  between  men  ? )  one  fmites  with  the 
tongue,  the  other  with  the  hand,  and  the  other  fufifers ;  {and  to  eat  and  drinkjoith 
the  drunken)  it  is  a  fign  of  a  fecure  man  when  f  though  he  falls  not  into  a  pro- 
phane  courfe,  but  j  he  can  bear  with  it  in  othersjto  fit  by  and  fee  others  fin  with- 
out check ;  what  is  the  caufe  of  this  ?  he  faith  ("not  with  his  tongue,  bat)  in  his 
hearty  My  Lord  delays  his  coming :  The  very  fcope  of  the  paraSie  is  to  (hew 
the  iin  of  men  herein,  and  to  prevent  it  by  watchfulnefs. 


SECT.    II. 


Qiiett.' 


Oiv  and  why  doth  this  occafion  and,  breed  fecurity  ? 
^Anfw.i.  In  that  Chrifts  abfencefrom  the  world  makes  him  to  be 
much  forgotten  in  the  world  (out  of  fight  outof  minde)  cfpecially  at  thofe  times 
when  men  are  ready  to  be  overcome  by  {loth  ;  now  forgetfulnefs  of  God  is  the 
beginning  of  all  the  deepeft  fecurity  that  can  fall  upon  men,  Ttem.^z.  1 8,1 9,20. 
whencethe  Lord  faith, /w/7//)?(S^^?wv  face  fromthem^  fo  as  they  jha/lmt  fe^fme^ 
'htt  fwilljee  them  a-^id  what  their  end  fioall  he  ^  andhence  this  is.  made  the  begin- 
ing  of  returning  to  the  Lord,P/^.22.27}2  8.^//  Nations  (hall  rememb.  r  and  tum^ 
for  the  Kimrdom  is  the  Lords. 

Secondly,  Becaufe  the  abfence  of  Chrifl:  keeps  thofe  things  from.,  bing  feen 
which  fliouid  awaken,  and  which  fenfibly  do  awaken  ;  that  as  it  is  within  the 
night,  when  there  is  little  noife,  and  darknefs  over-fpreads  all  things,  ic  is  hard 
now  to  be  k^pt  from  deep,  when  the  curtains  are  drawn ;  fo  while  Chrili  h  ab- 
fent,  it  is  a  kind  of  night  (his  coming  is  called  the  day,  and  the  day  of  the  Lord ) 
; becaufe  the  things  of  the  Lord  are  hid  from  men:  And  thofe  are  thefe  two 
chieSy,  ■     ■     -  ■  ^    i.The 


opened  and  Affiled. 


\     27 


1.  The  terror  of  the  Lord  and  the  wrath  to  come;  why  did  men  fleep  all 
the  Sermon  long  (which  lalted  one  hundred  andtWenty  years  j  whenTVo^/? 
preached?  becaufethey  knev\  not  of  the  flood;  fo  fhall  it  be  In  the  days  of 
Chrifts  eowingy  men  know  not  what  wrath  is ;  the  thoughts  of  this  kept  T^auls 
eye  waking,  2 Cor.^. 9,10)11,12. 

2.  The  exceeding  riches  and  weight  of  glory  that  fhall  crown  all  the  Saints; 
I  hence  all  the  faithful  have  been  abundant  both  in  doing  and  fuffering  forthe 
j  Lord  •  {zCor.^.)  It  is  net  worthy  the  glory  which  /ball  be  revealed  :  Hence, 
\  Heb.10.1/^.  They  took^  joyfttHy  the  jp oiling  of  their  goods^  becaufethey  had 
I  in  heaven  a  more  i^biding  fubfl-ance  j  they  overlooked  all  things  here  when  they 

faw  that.  When  thefe  two  things  are  feen  f  which  are  the  laft  things  that 
lliall  continue  j  it  would  awaken ;  but  painted  fire,  and  a  painted  Kingdom 
never  draws  a  mans  heart  much  ;  fo  neither  do  thefe  work  upon  fecurelings ; 
or  if  they  do  fee  them,  they  foon  are  hid  from  them  again,  their  light  de- 
caying, being  not  like  the  morning  but  declining  Sun  ;  and  though  the  Saints 
do  fee  them,  yet  they  are  very  ape  tolofe  (for  a  time)  the  fight  of  them,efpe- 
cially  if  the  Lord  tarrieth ;  and  hence  Heb.io.  they  had  need  of  patience  ^  but 
Tvhen  the  day  comes  who  can  fleep  ? 

Thirdly,  In  regard  of  hisabfence,  do  the  things  of  the  world  prefent 
and  keep  their  glory  before  the  eyes  of  men ;  for  what  is  the  reafon  that  world- 
ly things  (which  men  in  their  judgements  fay  are  vain  )  yet  they  are  of  fuch 
price  with  men  I  It  is  with  them  as  it  is  with  Glow-worms  and  Stars  that 
keep  their  fhining,  and  are  very  glorious  becaufe  the  Sun  is  fet;  fo  ChrilHshid 
in  his  glory,  and  whilft  men  are  led  more  by  fence  than  by  faich,  men  doat 
upon  thefe  things ;  they  know  nothing  more  vain,  yet  nothing  more  glorious  : 
When  Chrirt  comes  a  man  Ihall  fee  all  the  world,*the  honor,  comforts,weakh, 
crowns,  greatnefs  of  it  buried  before  his  eyes;  and  when  an  end  of  thefe 
things  {hall  be  feen,  now  the  Lord  will  be  precious;  as  doubclefs  when  they 
faw  the  Ark  floating  upon  the  water,  happy  are  they  that  are  there  might  they 
fay;  and  hence  c-^^/.  3.  ^^/^  thofethat  hid  the  proud  were  happy,  what  was  the 
reafon  of  ir  ?  but  becaufe  of  this,  The  day  of  the  Lord  was  not  yet  cnme  to  make 
up  his  Jewels  ?  Now  !when  once  the  eye  is  bewitched  with  the  glory  of  the 
world,  nothing  caufeth  fecurity  fooner  _;  as  ftrange  fancies  in  the  head  work  a 
manfirft  afleep:  Ffal.jT,.  WhenZ>/!jw'^beheld  theprofperityof  the  wicked, 
he  began  to  diflike  all  Religion,  and  to  account  it  limpiiciry  to  be  holy,  until 
at  latt  he  faw  the  end  of  thefe  things. 

Fourthly,Becaufe  in  Chrifts  abfence  men  feel  not  the  evil  of  fin  which  doth 
befall  them  in  their  fecurity,  nor  yet  the  evil  of  their  own  hearts ;  for  if  men 
fhould  be  prefentlypuniflied,  andfmitten  by  fome  revenging  invifible  hand  of 
God  upon  them  after  every  fin, and  as  foon  as  firft  they  begin  to  fleep,you  fh^uld 
never  fee  the  heart  fecure ;  and  hence  the  Devils  live  in  horrors  daily,  in  ap- 
prehenfion  of  the  judgment  of  the  great  day ;  thus  it  will  be  at  Chrifts  coming, 
then  the  fecret  things  of  darknefs  ^all  be  brought  to  light ',  but  now  is  a  time  of 
forbearance ,  hence  a  carnal  heart  is  fa  to  do  wickedly  ^  and  to  go  on  fecurel^ 
Ecclef.^.ii, 

Fifthly,  Becaufe  while  Chrift  is  abfent,  confcience  lyes  ftill  moft  common- 
ly, and  feldom  is  throughly  awake ,  and  hence  a  man  ileeps ;  for  confcience 
is  the  Lords  wirnefs,  accufer,  and  notary ;  now  the  witnefs  then  fpeaks  moft 
fully  and  clearly  when  the  Judge  is  come:  Now  however  God  doth  awaken 
fome  mens  confciences  throughly  in  this  life,  yet  it  is  no:  univerfal,  but  in  few, 
.to  be  thorowly  awakened,  and  hence  men  are  very  fecure,//^.33.i4.  fvho  fhaU 
dws^  with  everlafiing  burningy  &c  f 


Odd    2 


SECT. 


[8 


Vfe 


Vfe  2. 


The  Parable  of  the  Ten  Virgins ^ 


SECT.    III. 

HEnce  we  fee  the  vilenefs  of  the  hearts  of  men,  that  Chrifi  his  abfence(which 
time  is  given  to  us  to  make  us  watch)fliould  make  us  fecure^that  men  fhould 
tnrn  day  into  night,  a  day  of  forbearance ,  into  a  night  of  forgetfulnefs ;  for 
if  theLo  rd  (hould  not  delay  his  coming,  how  many  rhoufands  would  be  fwepc 
away  before  any  peace  made  with  God,  or  before  any  work  finiflied  for  God  / 
now  he  in  pitty  gives  fuch  days ,  delajjs  his  coming  for  this  end,  and  do 
we  thus  requite  the  Lord  ?  2  Fct.^,p.  Chrift  himfelf  doth  his  work  while  it  is 
light;  the  mght  eometh  wherein  m  man  can  rvork^^  J^^«i2.35,36.  Now  what 
a  croffingof  the  Lord  is  this?  If  he  fliould  come  thou  fhouldft  be  confumed 
by  him  ;  and  if  he  doth  not  come,  you  will  growfecure  before  him. 

Kencc  fee  the  reafon  why  the  hearts  of  men  are  fo  fecure  in  times  of  health 
and  peace,  but  then  cry  out  and  look  about  them  in  times  of  licknefs,  and 
when  the  approach  of  death  is  Efear,  becaufe  Chrift  now  begins  to  come,  and 
Chrifts  prefence  is  near  in  great*  terror ,  and  fevericy ,  and  glory ;  but  be 
thefe  are  afar  off;  now  the  foul  bagins  to  fee  Chrift,  and  how  he  muft  fhortly 
ftand  naked  alone  ( ftript  of  all  comforts  and  friends )  before  an  all-feeing 
God ;  and  now  they  look  about  for  evidence ;  but  before,  the  Lord  would  not 
come  as  yet,  he  delays  his  coming,  I  may  live  many  years  and  provide  thus 
and  thus  for  my  children,  &£•  Oh  men  complain  of  fecure  carelefs  hearts,  and 
the  caufeisthis,  they  fee  not  this  day  a  coming. 

Hence  fee  one  fpecial  way  to  prevent  and  remove  feturity  when  it  is  fallen 
upon  the  hearts  of  any,  and  that  is  by  daily  fettin^  before  you  the  coming  of 
the  Lord ;  the  Apoftles penned  this, and  Saints  believe  this,i  Thejf.i.uh.  I  am 
perfwaded  fome  men  have  had  in  their  dreams  the  vifions  of  the  Almighty, 
of  which  Job  fpeaks,  and  have  been  awakened  in  terror  and  fear,  even  with 
the  dream  of  it ;  but  how  would  this  awaken  if  feen  and  beheld  whilft^ndeed 
you  are  awake  1  Many  Monkifh  fpirits  have  been  much  awakened  iii  their 
fuperfiitions  way  by  this;  but  the  fpiricof  a  PWwill  be  much  more;  for  by 
this  means  he  awakened  all  the  world  to  look  about  them,  2  Cor. $.11^  And 
for  himfelf,  this  did  make  him  exercife  himfelf,  y^t^j  24. 15,16.  fo  it  will  be 
with  you ;  you  will  not  only  be  awake  yourfelves,  but  keep  all  awake  about 
you ;  and  this  is  not  legal  neither  thus  to  do.  It  is  certain  if  you  complain 
of  fecurity ,  I  dare  complain  againft  you  ,  that  this  is  the  caufe ;  you  look 
upon  the  comming  of  the  Lord  as  a  long  time  off,  and  fee  it  not  daily; 
it  converted  fome  in  fcoffing  eAt  hens  to  the  Fith«,  much  more  (if 
converted  J  doth  it  awaken.  Let  us  therefore  commend  Three  things  to 
you. 


SECT.    IV. 


Firil, 


MAke  the  coming  of  the  Lord  real,  fee  it  real,  and  fet  it  really  (as 
itfhallbe)  before  your  eyes :  Htl.^.nh.  to  them  that  i  ol^  for  himy 
&e.  Why  do  not  men  look  for  him?  truly,  very  few  do  look  for  him  really  ; 
it  is  only  a  report,  a  noife  with  many  men ;  where  there  is  the  power  of  grace, 
it  prefents  things  as  they  are,  which  fhall  be  fo;  Faith  is  the  fnbftance  9f\ 
things  mt  fee»  ^  it  puts  them  in  their  being  j  it  is  the  evidence  of  things  not  feen, 

for 


opened  and  JppUed. 


23 


jfor  ocherwife  ic  will  never  work  upon  you.  Efpecially  think  on  thefe  Four  things 
ac  that  day.  '  ^ 

I  I .  The  confuming  of  all  things  here  in  the  world,  which  your  hearts  are  fo 
ready  to  doat  upon,  and  of  all  carnal  and  flellily  excellencies  which  you  truft 
unto,  2  Tet.  3.1 1.  Seeing  thefe  things  fh  all  beconfnmedy  what  manner  of  perfons 
oHgkweto  be\  If  a  man  that  is  to  make  a  fea  voyage,  did  know  that  what- 
ever he  brought  to  lliore  befide  Gold  and  Pearls,  fhould  be  confumed  as  foon 
as  he  comes  to  Ihore,  he  would  not  fraught  his  fhip  with  thofe  things :  if  men 
were  alHired  here  is  a  houfe  where  you  and  yours  l"hall  be  burnt,  they  would 
fetitelfewherej  meneome  from  one  Country  to  another,  becaufe  fin  will 
confume. 

2.  The  amazing  glory  of  Chrid  Jefus  (  when  Chrift  fhall  come  as  a  deli- 
verer to  refrelh  thy  fad  heart)  and  all  his  Saints  at  that  day ;  look  upon 
Chrift  as  fitting  on  the  clouds  of  fire,  raifing  the  dead,  then  them  thiic  are 
alive  changed  in  the  twinckling  of  an  eye,  coming  with  all  his  Angels,  Heaven 
jlefc  empty  of  them,  andSainrs  fitting  at  his  right  hand  (hining  like  the  Sun, 
To  that  all  the  word  fhallrtand  amazed  at  them,  and  then,  when  Judgement  is 
done,  up  they  go  to  Heaven  ( the  third  Heaven  J  with  a  fhout,  and  fo  be  ever 
with  the  Lord.     And  then 

$.  Ccnfiderthe  fierce  wrath  upon  Reprobates,  who  fhall  rife  like  Toads 
coming  out  of  their  holes  in  winter  time,  ftanding  before  Chrift's  Tribunal , 
crying  out  of  the  day  that  ever  they  were  born,  and  receiving  their  final  doom ; 
imagine  the  filence  while  the  Lord  is  pronouncing  the  fentence  1  and  when 
paft,  aery;  and  then  Chrilt  to  depart,  and  lliut  up  himfelf  in  Heaven  with  bis 
Saints,  the  Reprobate  never  to  fee  him  nor  his  face  any  more ;  are  thefe  things 
tales ,  fables,  notions  ?  if  they  be^  blot-  out  the  Scripture  ;  but  if  real,  oh 
then  who  can  but  awake  1  If  God  intends  mercy  to  you,  the  thoughts  of  thefe 
things  will  awaken  you;  you  fhaUfee  them  really,  if  not,  they  mall  awaken 
you  by  feeling  of  them. 

4.  Confider  how  many  will  be  found  tob  light  at  that  day. 
Secondly,  Make  this  day  prefent :  Opnick  glaffes  will  take  within  them 
the  prefent  image  of  things  afar  off  ;  a  Mud-wall  cannot  give  the  form  of 
them;  foby  Faith  look  at  thefe  things  that  be  to  come  as  near:  for  if  we  fee 
really  the  Lords  coming,  but  we  look  upon  itas  a  thing  that  is  afar  off,  it  will 
not  affect:  Now  a  thing  may  be  prefent  to  Faith  which  is  not  to  fence;  it 
maybe  the  laftatid  great  comitig  of  the  Lord  is  not  very  nigh  (although  we 
are  doubtlefs  in  the  laft  times)  but  the  beginning  of  thisj  thy  Petty-Seffi- 
ons  before  that  general  Affize^  may  be  nigh.  Ob  therefore  make  it  pre- 
feat^. 

O^eft.   UoT»  Jhall  we  r^aks  it  prefent  ?  "- 

^nfrv,  I.  By  ponderitig  that  fpeech  cf  Chrifl,  fpokeft  to  that  end,  Af^f?^. 
24.44.  ^"^*f^oHr  yoHthinkinot  of  he  comes  \  fo  that  either  thy  time  is,  when 
thou  thinkeft  it  is  nigh,  and  then  you  attain  the  thing  ;  or  when  far  off,  why 
then  is  the  time,  and  that  he  will  not  come  prefently  is  more  then  you  can  fay ; 
you  fee  with  wrong  eyes,  and  wrong  the  Lords  patience. 

2.  Bycomparingthc  prefent  time  with  eternity  to  come;  for  look  as  it 
i$  with  bafe  and  little  things,  look  upon  them  in  themfelves^  they  are  not  bafe, 
but  compared  with  things  excellent,  as  the  prophet  fhewerh,  Ifa.^o.i-j.  fo 
the  time  of  this  life,  grant  it  be  never  fo  long,  look  upon  it  in  felf,  it  is  long ; 
b»t,£ompafed  with  eternity,  it  is  exceeding  fliort  ?  Set  a  prick  alone  and  you 
may  perceive  it,  but  when  made  at  the  beginning  of  a  line  it  is  fcarce  percep- 
tible ;  this  time  of  life  upon  which  we  fit  is  but  a  point  of  eternity  :  Oh  eter* 
nitywill  amaze  you,  and  make  this  timefliort,  yea,  nothing;  (JHofes  hence 
forfook^  Pharoahs  honor  y  becaufco/  the  pleafuresoffin  for  a  feafon;  and  Paul 


I 


5 


o 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins, 


Ufe 


cx.haptihns  (hort,  when  he  h\^  the  eurnal glory  voh'tch  [hetfld he  revealed :  Oh 
that  you  could  chink  this  time  to  be  as  the  delivery  ©f  3  chiJde  by  many  pangs  in- 
to the  world,  foyou  by  many  forrows  are  pafling  a  fhorcpaflage  to  eter- 

nify. 

'  -.  By  making  earthly  things  nothmg>  or  not  asgre.it  things :  A  mans  friend 
is  ni' h  to  hiai ,  "but  there  be  trees  and  hills  between  them,  and  if  thefe  were  1 
down,  or  he  could  get  above  them  ,  he  would  eafily  fee  and  fay.  Oh  I  fee  him 
coming,  he  is  even  at  the  door,  J^w^/  5.8.  SoChrift  is  nigh  unto  us,  and  we 
to  him  ',  but  the  things  of  the  world,  mountains,  and  hills,  and  catcel,  and 
ground,  this  and  that  ttands  between  us  and  oar  fight,  that  we  cannot  fee  the 
Lord  J  thefe  things  are  fo  great,  tbat  the  Lord  is  little,  that  though  near,  we 
cannot  f;:ehim;  now  when  God  cuts  down  thefe  things  at  ficknefs,  or  when 
we  can  get  above  the  world,  now  we  can  fee  them  whiles  we  look  at  them  as 
they  are,  zCo'-^^.  Tro-z/.iS.ii.  The  rich  mans  wealth  u  a  tower  in  his  conceit 
( all  things  are  I  wayed  by  conceit)  pull  down  that ,  now  you  make  all  naked  be- 
fore  you  to  fee  the  Lord  nigh. 

Thirdly,  Do  thus  daily  ;  elfe  you  will  grow  fecure  by  little  and  little:  Oh 
that  I  could  prevail  with  you  to  fee  before  you  once  a  day  this  time  !  how  would 
it  keep  your  hearts  from  dreaming  and  doating  upon  thefe  things :  When  any 
forrow,  that  day  will  refrefh;  2.  When  any  duty  done,  that  day  willrecom- 
pence  ;  5.  When  in  want,  yet  full  at  that  day ;  4.  When  in  mifery  now,  blefled 
then.  When  a  man  is  ready  with  light  and  lamp  at  all  watches  of  the  ni?ht , 
oh  bleffed  then  !  you  can  hardly  keep  from  fecurity  and  carelefnefs  by  this,  how 
will  you  then  do  without  it  ?  you  will  die  in  fecurity. 


SEC  T.    V. 

LEc  this  be  a  warning  to  allthofc  who  have  paffed'tbcfirft  a^eof  their 
Chriftian  life,  after  you  have  vvaited  long  and  carried  for  the  Bridegroom, 
take  heed  of  fecurity,  and  think  this  may  occafionit,  viz..  The  Bridegrooms 
delay :  In  the  firft  heat  of  your  youthful  affe6iions,  there's  not  that  danger  then 
as  now,  left  you  grow  decrepit,paffive  and  dull ;  and  therefore  think,  Whatever 
elfe  I  do,I  will  be  fure  to  keep  this  door,it  fliall  not  come  in  here;  and  yet  do  we 
not  fee  men  fall  here  !  one  would  think  it  lliould  not  be  fo  in  thefe  times,  when 
God  calls  fo  many  of  his  fervants  to  Heaven  to  him,  and  is  hacking  at  fo  many 
pofts  and  pillars  of  this  Tabernacle ;  efpecially  confidering  withal  that  it  is  no 
time  to  feek  great  things  to  your  felves :  Thoufhalt  have  thy  life  fer  a  prey  (us  he 
faid  to  BarHch)  Who  is  ic  that  thinks  it  long  to  death,  that  is  within  a  days  Walk 
of  his  grave !  Oh  if  you  have  your  life,  you  arc  well ;  you  may  be  glad  of  a 
place  to  die  in. 


opened  and  J  felted. 


mM3. 


'^^:^M\ 


>^,. 


CHAP.  V. 

Of  Chrifts  awaiting  cry  before  his  coming. 


V  E   E,  S  E      63758,9. 

And  at  midnight  thsre  was  a  cry  made^  Behold  the  Bridegroom  comethy  go  ye 
forth  to  meet  him.  .  " 

Then  all  thofe  Virgins  arofe  and  trimmed  their  lamp. 

ayind,  the  foa/ijh  [aid  unto  the  wife ,   ^ivem  of  your  oyly  for  ottr  lamps,  are 
gone  Out, 

Bm  the  wife  anfwered  [i^ying^  Not  fo,  lefl  there  be  not  enough  for  m  and  yon 
hfit go  yeralherto  them  that  Jell,  and  huy  for  yoHr  felves. 


SE  C  T.    I. 

N  thefe  words  is  fee  down  the  preparation  made  fometime  be- 
fore the  Bridegrooms  coming,  and  that  is  by  a  Cry  that  the 
Bridegroom  Cometh  \  and  therefore  the  Churches  iliould  meet 
him:  This  is  amplified  from  two  things  chiefly  ,- 

Firft ,  The  time  when  this  Cry  vvas  made ,  and  that  was 
at  ^Midnight. 

Secondly,  the  eflfefl:  that  this  Cry  took  upon  the  Virgins, 
from  verf^.  to  10. 

^  \  What  fhould  be  meant  by  thisCryio  difputedof  by  fome  :  Some  think  by 
It  is  meant  the  defcending  of  Chrilt  from  Heaven  with  a  Tnout,  thevoyce 
of  the  Arch-Angel  and  Trump  of  God:  i  Thejf.^jilt.  which  (as  I  do  not 
wholly  exclude  j  becaufe  there  llialibeluchaclam.orbefore  the  Lord  comes, 
as  at  the'giving  of  the  Law ;  fo  at  the  time  when  the  World  lliali  be  judged  by 
the  Law :   fo.  thiscircumftanceis  added  (  as  Parem  and  other  interpret)  in  r.:~  ' 
gard  of  the  Parable,  which  fpeaks  of  ChriRs  com.ing  under  the  fim.ilitude  of 
a^  Wedding  folemnized  in  the  night  time,  according  to  the  cudom  of  thofe 
times,  who  when  they  came  forth  out  of  their  feveral  houfes  to  meet  one  an- 
other, acryandnoifeis  made,  the  Bridegroom  ccm^th.     Now, 

Queft.  what  is  meant  by  the  earning  of  th":  hord^  the  Bridegroom  ? 
Anfw.  The  coming  of  Chrift  principally  here  aiemt,  is  that  coming  of 
Chrift  either  to  general  or  particular  Judgement  in  the  latter  ages  of  the  world. 
Then,  for  when,  2  7l)^jf.2.i,2.  they  thought  the  coming  oi' Chrirt  was  near  ; 
no  faith  he,  not  till  Antichrili  is  revealed  and  deilroyed  -,  therefore  when  An- 
tichrift  is  difcovered  and  deftroyed,  and  Churches  upon  this  refined ,  now  there 
remaining  no  m.ore  to  be  done  in  this  world  but  Chrifts  coming,  all  prom.ifes 
being  fulfilled  except  that,  fo  that  they  live  in  expe6lation  of  that ;  Chri'il:  flay- 
ing ard  not  coming  fo  foon.  Churches  grow  fecure  •  yet  before  the  Lord 

■       comes  ■■ 


51 


^: 


Ohferva- 
t'ton  I. 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins^ 

comes  CO  either  judgement  he  hach  his  cry  :  yet  here  is  to  be  meant  the^com.- 
ingof  Chrift  at  other  times  of  the  Church  when  they  iLall  be  Virgins;  and 
hence  a  command  to  watch  that  concerns  and  bindes  all  to  be  ready  againft  the 
coming  of  Chrift,  whether  to  general  or  particular  Judgement  at  death,  or 
any  other  coming  of  the  Lord  in  this  life,  either  in  fpecial  mercy  to  his  people, 
or  in  terror  to  Hypocrites,  LMk.iZ.  Chrifts  coming  to  hear  prayers,  arid  to 
avenge  himfelf  of  his  Churches  enemies,  is  a  coming.  When  the  Jews  iliall 
be  called,  andAntichriftdeftroyed,  2  7l)^/".2.  it  is  called  Chrifts  coming :  So 
the  fum  is  this,  look  as  before  the  Bridegroom  meets  the  Bride,  and  cry  is  made 
to  awaken  them  to  come  to  meet  him;  fo  before  Chrift  comes  to  his  fecure 
Churches  to  take  his  people  to  nearer  fellowlHp  with  himfelf  in  this  life,  or  at 
death,  or  at  judgement,  Chrift  hath  his  cry  to  awaken  them. 


S  E  C  T.     II. 

THat  hfore  Chr'iFts  coming  to  his  fecHre  Churches^  the  Lordwltl  fend  forth 
his  cry  to  awaken  thefe  Churches,  to  give  warning  of^  and  to  make  them  ready 
for  his  coming 'j  his  coming  either  at  lafi:  day ^  or  at  death-,  or  in  this  life-,  totak£ 
them  into  nearer  fellowfhip  with  himfelf. 

It  is  true,  Chrifts  coming  is  at  midnight,  at  a  time  when  one  would  think 
he  would  not  come ;  but  yet  at  midnight  there  i^  this  cry,  which  prepares  and 
goes  before  his  coming. 

Queft.  what  is  this  cry?  > 

Anfw.  It  is  not  a  ftill  voyce ,  but  a  loud  cry ,  which  hath  its  effe6l  for  which 
God  fends  it.  Now  we  ftiall  find  in  Scripture  there  are  tvYo  ways  by  which  God 
doth  ufually  awaken  a  fecure  finner. 
Firft,  The  cry  of  the  Word. 
Secondly,  The  voyce  or  cry  of  the  Rod.   So  this  Cry  of  Chrift  is. 

Firft,  Sometimes  the  cry  of  the  Word;  ioiihws  John  (7/^.40.3.)  is  called 
Z  Crier y  and  9'rai/. 1. 24.  Zach.-j.j^i^.  And  this  is  the  firft  courfe  God  takes 
to  awaken,  by  giving  the  firft  honor  to  the  Word  ;  this  is  his  mercy  to  fee  if  that 
will  do  it.  Now  it  is  not  every  word  that  will  or  can  awaken ;  for  many  times 
it  makes  men  more  fecure  fasfome  can  fleep  beftby  the  noife  of  many  wai- 
ters) Jfa.S.g.  When  the  Lord  fent  to  fat  them,  hefent  Ifaiah  to  pEeach  to 
them ;  however  in  it  felf  it  is  a  cry  of  Chrift ;  and  feldom  doth  he  come  but 
he  gives  warning  by  his  Servants  the  Prophets:  But  when  it  doth  awaken, 
there  are  thefe  particulars  in  it  that  it  may  awaken . 

I.  It  is  a  word  of  Majefty  and  glory  in  refpe(5l  of  thofe  that  bring  it,  Jf^dg, 
2.1.  one  that  preached  to  them  (he  was  no  Angel  from  Heaven,  for  it  is  not 
faidhe  came  from  Heaven,  hut  {romGi /gal  to  Bcchim)  why  is  he  called  an 
Angel  ?  becaufe  of  that  Majefty  wherewith  God  clothed  him,  when  he  came 
to  awaken  them ;  for  they  had  made  a  league  with  the  Canaanites^  and  they 
began  to  vex  them  it  feems,  and  he  come?  to  teli  them  they  iliould  dafo  ftill, 
and  God  fet  on  this  with  majefty  upon  their  hearts,  and  hence  they  fell  to 
weeping :  And  this  is  ufual  with  the  Lord,  v\herein  he  hath  a  time  when  he  will 
awaken  men  to  purpofe,  he  puts  a  fpirit  of  glory  and  majefty  upon  his  fervants 
more  than  ufually,  that  the  moft  fecure  ilia  11  fee  more  than  a  man,  theyihall 
fee  the  fpirit  of  glory  fparkling,  and  lliiniugihorow  fuch  Lanthorns ;  as  when 
God^  intends  to  harden  a  man  in  fecnrity,  or  leave  him  for  a  time,  then  he  ftiall 
defpifethe  Meiflfengers  of  God,  and  fee  no  more  but  man,  and  fhali  have 
ftrange  opinions  of  them ;  and  hence  i^^z/.n,  when  witnelfes  are  raifed  up  a- 
.^gain  to  confound  Antichriftian  Dodlrines,  the  Spirit  of  life  from  God  entred , 

into 


opened  and  Applied. 


into  them,  that  great  fear  and  aw  fell  upon  ail  that  faw  them;  fuch  light  lliall 
fhine  through  thole  curtains,  that  men  ihallnoc  deep. 

Secondly,  It  is  a  word  of  difcovery,  and  that  of  fome  fecret  hidden  vein 
of  fin,  which  men  never  knew  before  ,*  for  when  a  man  is  once  grown  fe- 
cure,  it  is  wonderful  to  fee  that  torpour  that  lies  upon  a  m.ans  fpirir,  a  moft 
palpable  and  plain  fin  which  may  be  fmelt  and  felt,  yet  ic  is  not  felt  by  hirafelf, 
like  him  that  deeps  when  the  iliip  is  finking,  he  knows  it  not ;  now  when  the 
Lorddorh  awaken,  he  doth  it  by  fuch  a  dilcovery,and  thism.ak-sthemlook  a- 
bout  them,  H;i^^. 1. 6  7,8,9,13.  becaufe  of  my  hd!4je  rvhich  is  wafi-e. 

Thirdly,  It  is  a  word  of  terror,  that  burns  as  well  as  lliines,  thatfo  they 
may  indeed  be  awakened  ;  for  though  Stephens  face  jhlms  like  an  Angel  ^  and 
he  Tingles  them  out,  Ob  ye  Jlijf-necked ;  yet  the  terror  of  God  not  falling 
upon  them,  they  ?.rc  fecure  dill  :  But  now  when  the  Lord  makes  his 
Word  full  of  terror,    it  awakens  them,    i  Sam.  12.  They  would  have 


Sam<Ml  ;     and  now  were  awakened  to  fee  that  which  they  ne- 
God  helpt  forward  the  terror  of  expe6ling  of  fome  outward  mi- 


a  King;    they  were  told  of  their  forrows;    and  hence  they   feared  the 
Lord  a-f7. 
ver  faw 
fery. 

Fourthly,  A  word  of  power  to  awaken  fome  or  other  among  the  Churches, 
and  this  makes  all  the  reft  to  look  about  them,  as  ufually  when  the  Word 
comes  with  never  fuch  terror  and  ma  jedy ,  we  diall  fee  men  fall  adeep  a- 
gain,  without  they  fee  the  eflFed  of  it  in  fome,  and  one  or  two  will  awaken  all 
the  red  ;  like  fome  that  are  adeep,  when  they  fee  others  up ,  What  do  I 
here  ?  /p.40.  The  Lord  diews  how  he  comforts  his  people  j'  Fird  it  is  by 
the  cryer  •,  and  then  Verfe  9.1  o.  it  is  by  Jerpifalem:  When  Samaria  gene- 
rally received  the  Word,  then  Simon  alfo  believed  j  when  the  Jew  begins 
to  look  toward  the  Lord,  ten  men  diall  take  hold^of  their  skirts,  and  fay, 
The  Lord  is  withpa,  Zach.'B.i^'  Sometimes  this  is  the  cry  before  Chrifts 
coming,  and  yet  men  may  diake  off  their  fears ,  defpife  the  light:  Hence  the 
Lord  hath  a  fecond  Cry,  and  that  is 


SECT.    in. 

Secondly,np'H  E  Cry  of  the  Rod;  for  there  is  aloud  voycein  every  Rod, 
A  which  many  times  thofe  chat  are  moft  fecure,  mud  and  d\all 
hear,  Pfalm  2.  5.  He  fhall  fpeak^  to  them  In  his  wrath,  Mlcah  6.  g.  Now 
what  are  thefe  ?  ( I  fpeak  not  to  fecure  perfons  alone,  we  know  ho,v  the  Lord 
doth  exercife  them,  but  how  he  fpeaks  to  fecure  Churches)  fometimes  he 
hath  leffer  blows ;  but  he  that  is  not  awakened  by  the  Word  and  the  cry  of  that, 
is  felddm  awakened  by  the  cry  of  finaller  evils ;  he  may  be  dartled,  but  fee- 
ing his  pillow  is  dill  foft,  he  mud  bear  it ,  and  cannot  amend  it ,  he  deeps 
again.  Now  the  things  whereby  the  Lord  doth  and  will  awaken  ace 
Two.  ^  . 

Fird,  By  bringing  Churches  into  great  extremities  and  diftrefs,  that 
they  know  not  what  to  do ,  fcattering  them  one  from  another  in  woods 
where  they  know  liot  what  to  do  for  bread.  J  fudges  6.  the  CMidlamtes 
prevailed  againd  them  feven  years,  untill  they  ded  to  Dens  like  beads  hunt- 
ed up  and  down,  and  at  lad, they  have  no  bread,  but  begged,  and  their 
cattel  dedroyed;  Verfe  6.  Now  they  cry  unto  the  Lord  becaufe  of  the 
(JHldlanltes ,  and  be  fent  a  Prophet  to  make  them  cry  for  theiir  fin ;  for 
this  is  the  nature  of  a  fecure  heart,  while  it  hath  any  thing  to  eafe  it,  it 
will  not  be  awakened  throughly ,  if  it  be  in  a  deeping  vam ;  and  hence 
I  E  e  e  the 


94 


The  F arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins, 


Reafon  i, 


Reafoji  2. 


Reafo?i  3, 


ie  I. 


the  Lord  diftrefleth  them  j  hence  Mat.^^.29,^o.^itZI  Antichrifiian  tribulation 
iliall  there  be  worfe  ?  yes,  after  that  Sm  ^-nd^  Moon  ^all  be  darknsd^t.e.^ti^ 
{hall  be  a  confufion  of  all  things  ffor  it  is  the  language  of  the  Eaftern  Countries 
fo  toexprefsit,jX>^^.i2.i,2. 

Secondly,  By  ruinating  of  Churches,  breaking  the  Candlefticks,  quench- 
ing the  lights,  delivering  them  to  fpoylers,  until  the  Land  be  almoft  left 
without  inhabitant,  fome  flain,  fome  carried  into  captivity ;  and  now  con- 
fcience  cryes,  Word  cryes,  and  Rod  cryes  aloud  to  awaken  them,  Ifa.6.g. 
Go  and  make  this  pe&pies  heart  fat  j  Lord  how  long  ?  until  thnr  houfe  be  de- 
folate ;  and  then  you  hear  of  the  fparing  of  a  little  remnant  whom  the  Lord 
awakens,  cyimos  6.  you  fee  them  fecure  ,  Verfe  7,  8,9.  there's  captivitie 
and  plagues  to  deftroy  families ;  will  the  Lord  deal  fo  with  Jacohy  the  moft 
excellent  people  under  Heaven  ?  yea,  faith  the  Lord,  I  abhor  them  ,  and 
when  you  fee  them  on  the  banks  of  Bab^Utiy  then  they  remember  iS'/(3;?,Lc-&';>. 
2(5.  SPj^o- 


SECT.    IV. 

BEcaufe  it  is  fo  difficult  to  awaken  one  throughly  i  no  bonds  (next  to  death) 
fo  ftrong  to  keep  men  under  as  fecuriry  ;  apdhencefp^^/^^.i^.  fleeping 
and  being  among  the  dead  are  joyned  together ;  and  hence  the  Lord  will  cry, 
and  if  the  Word  cannot,  the  cry  of  the  Rod  muft  and  ftiall. ' 

In  regard  of  the  people  of  God,  who  are  fecure  with  them  that  are  vile 
in  fecure  Churches ;  if  the  Lord  had  none  among  them ,  he  would  come 
without  crying;  but  becaufe  they  are  there  among  them,  the  Lord  willa- 
waken ;  but  if  any  do,  It  is  chiefly  for  their  fakes ;  for  though  the  Lord 
do  pardon  and  wafh  away  his  peoples  fins,  yet  they  come  not  to  the  fruition 
of  pardon  without  faith,  and  this  faith  is  never  fevered  from  repentance ; 
and  hence  the  Lord  will  not  come  upon  them  unawares  before  he  hath 
broken  their  hearts  (not  from  infirmities,  for  they  willlaA  till  death,  but) 
broken  their  hearts  for  and  with  their  ijaiquity,  their  chief  iin. 

In  regard  of  Chrift  himfelf,  that  fo  he  may  be  received  withefteem,  and 
attended  wpon  with  all  refpeft  -,  for  let  the  Lord  lliew  never  fo  much  kind- 
nefstoafecurcfinner,  he  is  not  efteemed ,  he  is  forgotten,  buried  like  a  dead 
carkafs  (  a  dead  Chrift  )  out  of  doors  ;  as  it  is  with  men  that  fleep,  let  the 
King  ftand  by  them,  provide  never  fo  much  for  them  they  regard  it  not;  fo 
^em^i,2,i  5.  Therefore  we  fhall  finde  the  Lord  never  comes  to  his  people,  but 
he  comes  then  when  he  is  efteemed ;  firft  the  Lord  works  the  efteem,  and  then 
com^Sy  Matt h. 2^ Mr.  Chrift  departs  till  men  fay,  Bkjfed  behethatcometh  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord. 


SECT.    V. 

Ence  we  may  fee  the  dangerous  condition  of  all  tbofethat  fall  into  a  fe- 
cure condition,  and  fo  dye. 
I.  That  have  been  once  very  forward,  affe^iionate,  ftri£t,  tender,  C^f.  but 
now  their  lamp  is  out. 

2.  That  have  kept  themfelvesand  their  hearts  from  foil,their  lamps  bright, 
but  now  though  their  hearts  contra6l  foil  every  day,  they  are  fettled  upon  the 
Lees,  and  their  fcent  is  in  them,  and  their  lamp  never  dreft, 

5.  That; 


opened  and  Allied. 


35 


^  That  did  once  delight  in  approaching  nigh  to  Chrift  in  his  Ordinan- 
ces, in  going  forth  in  them  to  meet  the  Bridegroom  ;  but  now  they  not 
oneiynegled  this,  but  take  delight  therein,  and  reft  upon  theirnegka ,-  as 
a  ileepy  man  takes  his  delight,  not  in  his  work,  but  in  the  negled:  of  it; 
and  though  their  hearts  tell  them  of  this,  yet  they  op  on  their  way ,  and 
dye  fo  ;  what  fhall  we  think  of  them  ?  I  will  not  abfolutely  determine  , 
but  they  give  iTirewd  figns,  that  they  are  fallen  into  a  dead  lleep:  For  the 
Lord  v\ill  awaken  his  Virgins  before  his  coming ;  nay,  he  will  awaken  very 
many  ochers  for  their  fakes ,  rather  than  they  fhall  be  fecure ;  Look  as  ic 
was  with  Chrift,  the  nearer  he  came  to  his  end,  the  more  enlarged  ,  and 
heavenly,  and fpiritual ;  foit  is  with  them  that  have  the  Spirit  of  Chriih 
"Who  are  the  Servants  whom  Chrift  iballblds  at  his  coming?  Luke  12.37. 
2J/e[?ed  are  thcfe  that  jhall  be  found  watching ;  That  lock  as  there  is  no 
fmailer  evil,  but  ufually  before  it,  comes  the  Lord  and  gives  warning  j  fo 
the  greateft  and  laft  evil  Death,  that  fo  they  may  prepare  for  thatj  as 
Tan/ J  2  Tim.  4,  5,  6,7.  The  time  of  my  departing  is  at  hand  (how  could 
^anl  tell  that?  )  the  Lord  gave  him  fecret  hints  of  it ,  he  could  fmell  that 
ftace  before  he  faw  it  or  touched  itj  he  could  obferve  by  the  courfe  and 
concurrence  of  providences-,  now  my  courfe  is  finifhed,  the  corn  is  gather- 
ed, all  in  (iAfta  forfake  me ;  fo  the  Lord  doth  many  times  unto  his  people  • 
however  he  doth  keep  them  vvatchful :  Ohconfiderit  therefore,  you  that  are 
fecure,  if  the  Word  now  doth  not  awaken,  yet  when  thy  fick  bed  comes,  and 
death  appears,  remember  this  truth  ;  But  remember  ic  now,  I  carry  the  brand 
of  a  Reprobate  upon  me. 

Hence  fee  what  little  caufe  any  man  hath  to  take  pleafure  in  his  fecurity ;  no 
pleafure  in  any  finCefpecially  to  a  holy  heart)asof  the  fin  of  fecurity;  for  if  a  man 
takes  pleafure  in  his  cups,or  in  his  courfe  company,or  in  dancing,as  Herod^oi  in 
garni  ngjC^c.  confcience  will  give  him  knocks ,  to  every  bit  he  fnatcheth  here  ; 
there's  honey,  but  then  a  fting  in  them  alfo ;  But  now  when  a  mans  carriage 
is  fair,  outward  duties  performed,  confcience  is  quiet ;  when  a  man  hath  been 
at  work,  he  thinks  in  confcience  he  may  fleep ;  for  deepeft,  fweeteft  fecu- 
rity comes  after  moft  work  we  hive  done;  ic  is  butanegle<ft,  a  flip,  which 
I  hope  to  recover  out  of  one  day;  it  is  not  an  unlawful  thing,  but  a  law- 
ful that  I  quiet  my  heart  upon:  Now  I  have  good  company,  freedom  from 
dangers.  Ordinances,  curtains  drawn  about  me,  the  beft  fleep  with  me;  and 
what  hurt  is  here  ?  but  fee  the  little  caufe  you  have  to  fleep,  efpecially  in 
this  Country. 

Firll,  It  will  not  be  your  reft  alwayes,  for  there  muft  and  will  cornea 
cry  ;  CMofes  took  but  little  delight  in  Tharaoh's  pleafures,  they  were  but 
for  a  f^afon;  and  therefore  as  the  Lord  therefaid,Af;V4/>2.io.  Depart^  thi^ii 
not  yoHY  refi. 

Secondly,  If  the  Word  doth  not  awaken  you  out  of  it,,  your  cold  prayers, 
your  heartlefs  hearing,  your  carelefs  walking  with  God,  that  your  lamps  be 
not  burning  ( burning  love  to  the  Lord  and  his  people,  Ihining  holinefs,  fo  as 
others  may  walk  after  your  light,  and  be  glad  to  follow  you)  that  prcfent  pfca- 
ftirej  you  t:ake  is  the  rotten  wood  that  breeds  the  worm  of  a  gnawing  confcience, 
when  in  the  time  of  your  trouble,  ic  fliall  fay,What  hath  your  idlenefs  gained  to 
you  ?  and  ic  is  the  fore-runner  of  mifery  ;that  if  lighter  miferies  will  not  do,  ch& 
Lord  will  bring  feven  plagues  more,  and  drive  you  into  a  wildernefs,  and  there 
I  (hall  you  be  famiftied  for  want  of  bread  ^  and  If  this  will  not  do,  God  will  fend 
ifpoilers  that  fball  fell  you  for  flaves,  and  chat  iliall  carry  you  away  captive,  and 
'  then  you  ftial  remember  5/W,and  the  days  you  flept  over  your  time:Find  any  fin, 
jbuc  fecurity  in  ic  will  make  a  defolace  Country  and  familes ;  if  you  fin  and  reft 

E  e  e   2  in 


Vfi  2. 


36 


Olfferva- 
tion  2. 


L 


The  Parable  of  the  Ten  Virgins^ 


ink,  f  though  not  grofs)  nay  do  but  decay  in  what  once  you  had;  many  fay 
it  is  more  here  than  ever;  I  deny  ic  utterly,  unlefsic  be,  to  them  that  arefe- 
and  if  it  be  fo,  the  lofs  of  your  firft  love  fa  fmall  thing,  C^^.j  will 


cure 


haften  breaking.  Let  this  truth  therefore  be  a  burning  Beacon  to  awaken 
you;  for  God  will  make  this  word  good,  and  not  let  one  tittle  ofit  fall  to  the 
ground.  E^ra  lo,?.  them  that  trembled  put  away  their  ftrange  wives ,  and 
wept  fore  for  it ;  fodoyou;  you  think  you  may  have  this  and  the  Lord  too; 
true,  but  the  Lord  will  not  long  abide  with  you  if  fecurc. 

Hence  fee  the  rcafon  why  the  Word  ftrikcs  deep,  and  is  veryfmart  fome- 

!  times  upon  the  confciences  of  men ,  that  a  man  fpeaks  as  if  he  were  in  their 

Iverybofom,  thatamanfaith,Godishere,  that  the  Lord  leaves  thee  with  fad 

i  qualms  upon  thy  confcience,  and  no  peace  from  all  (it  h  oft  fan£lified  unjefs 

no  grace  )  nay,  after  all  this  affliiftion  comes ;  if  thou  wert  not  fecure ,   why 

would  the  Lord  cry,  make  his  Word  cry,  and  his  Rod  cry  ?  &c.  and  therefore 

be  not  weary  of  either,  but  blefs  the  Lord  for,  and  quietly  bear  both;  unlefsl 

had  thofe  terrors  within,  and  afflictions  without,  I  had  gone  aftray ,  T/^/.  32.4,5. 

*I>avidvv3iS  fecure  and  kept  iilence,  he  confelfed,  and  the  Lord  pardoned; 

for  this  iliall  every  one  that  is  godly  feek  I  Oh  fodoyou!  think  then,  am  not 

I  in  the  number  ?  oh  let  me  feck  then  and  confefs  my  fin ! 


CHAP.    VI. 

Of  the  certainty  of  Chrijls  coming. 


SECT.    L 


yHat  though  the  coming  of  feftu  Chrlfi  to  his  Churches  be  late^  yet 
it  is  certain. 

For  though  it  be  midnight,  yet  he  comes  we  fee;  For  this 
coming  at  midnight  is  not  to  be  underftood  of  the  laft  day  of 
Judgment  which  fhall  be  at  midnight  (as  the  Rabbins  and  Monks 
in  their  devotions  conceive  )  for  Chrift  fpeaks  h^re  of  his  coming  to  particu- 
lar judgement  alfo,  which  is  not  always  at  midnight;  The  fcope  of  the  Parable 
is  to  provoke  to  continual  watchfulnefs  ;  becaufe  though  the  Lord  doth  not 
come  in  the  beginning  of  the  night  (as  was  the  cuttorn  of  the  Jewiih  marri- 
ages) yet  he  will  come  late,  even  when  you  look  not  for  him ;  even  at  mid- 
night there  is  a  crjr.  I  confefs  the  Lordf}3eaks  principally  of  his  coming  to 
Judgment  ;  yet  it  is  true  of  any  other  coming  of  Chrift  to  his  people  in  this 
life;  and  becaufe  particular  examples  and  inftances  are  the  roots  of  general 
truths  (as  Circumcifion  a  feal,  fo  all  Sacraments  are  fo  •  Chrift  is  a  Saviour 
of  his  people;  it  is  meant  of  great  falvation  at  laft,  yet  is  true  of  allfalvation 
befide  )  therefore  I  (hall  fpeak  of  the  coming  of  Jefus  Chrift  to  his  Churches 
I  and  Servants  in  the  general ;  andfo  involve  the  whole  coming  of  Chrift,  for 
I  the  more  ufcandconjforttous. 

NoW 


opened  and  Jfflied. 


37 


Now  we  {hall  finde  that  the  Scripture  fpeaks  of  a  fixfold  coming  of  Chrift, 
that  as  all  our  deliverances  are  but  Ihadows  of  our  great  and  laft  deliver- 
ance J  fo  Chrifts  coming  now  is  but  a  Ihadow  of  his  great  and  laft  com- 
ing- 

Firft,  Cbrift  is  faid  to  come  to  his  people,  when  he  comes  to  hear  their 
prayers,  L»/^. 1 8.8.  And  the  Lord  argues  ftrongly,  Will  an  unjufl  Judge  arife 
at  night,  to  help  a  widow  a  ftranger,  when  {he  is  importunate  ?  and  will  not 
the  Lord  hear  his  ele<^  and  chofen  ?  yet, when  he  comes ^  [hall  he  flnde  fmh  ?  I.e. 
fuch  prayers  of  faith  as  {hall  continue  ;  oh  no !  but  foon  apt  to  be  weary  before 
the  time  comes. 


SECT.    IL 

0\>)^&..YyUt  If  they  ceafe,   how  do  they  pray  night  and  day  ? 
13    j4nfw,i.  Becaufetheydo  fofora  time. 
2.  When  thi^  ceafe,  then  they  are  ringing  in  Gods  ears ;  fe  that  let  the 
prayers  of  the  ele6i:  for  any  mercy  be  once  offered  and  prefented  as  incenfe 
before  the  Lord,  the  Lord  will  not  be  worfethanan  unjuft  Judge,  never  to 
come  to  his  people. 

Secondly,  Chrift  is  faid  to  come  to  fulfil  his  promifes ;  for  fometimes  the 
Lord  keeps  his  people  exceeding  {hort,  and  gives  his  people  an fwers  to  their 
Prayer  in  particular  promifes  (you  find  it  fo)  PfaLS>$.^jg.  J  will  hear  what 
the  Lord  will  fay,  for  he  will  fpeaks  peace  to  his  people,  that  fo  they  may  live 
by  faith,  and  glory  more  in  the  Lord  than  in  themfelves ;  yet  he  will  come, 
though  itbeverylong,  i!/^/'.io,;?(5,36.  Ye  have  need  of  patience,  that  y^  may 
receive  the  ptomife ;  for  yet  a  little  while,  &c.  We  think  it  long,  yet  it  will 
be  fo. 

Thirdly,  Chrift  is  faid  to  come  to  his  people  when  he  fpeaks  peace,  and 
breaks  the  clouds  of  fears  and  troubles,  and  fhines  upon  his  people  j  for  while 
the  Lord  is  angry,  and  hides  his  face,  that  a  man  is  beyond  ftght  of  the  face  and 
love  of  God  ,  now  God  and  Chrift  is  faid  to  be  gone ;  fo  then,  when  he  re- 
turns to  fpeak  peace,  now  he  is  faid  to  come,  as  that  Martyr  faid,  He  is  come, 
Zach,i  .1 6,\'j.I am  returned  to  Jernfalem,  with  my  mercies,  and  the  Lord  wilt  yet 
comfort:  Zlon ;  for  when  the  Lord  forfakes  his  people  for  fevenny  yeirs,and  takes 
away  all  hisOrdinahces,the  external  vifible  figns  of  his  prefence,one  would  think 
he  would  never  come,  yet  the  Lord  will  come  and  comfort  his  people,  Jfa.6i.'2., 
God  hath  fent  and  anointed  him,  and  the  Spirit  hath  filled  him,  and  he  is  as 
willing  himfelf  to  comfort  them  that  mourn,  nay  when  they  have  the  fpi- 
rit  of  heavinefs;  and  when  it  is  done,  Chrift  is  come;  then  that  is  a  coming 
of  Chrift. 

Fourthly,  There  is  a  coming  of  Chrift  when  he  comes  in  more  full  mea- 
fure  of  his  Spirit  to  his  people,and  that  in  his  Ordinances;  for  there  is  a  ftate  and 
time  of  Chriftianity,  wherein  a  man  is  carnal  and  bJi'nd,  and  the  Image  of 
Chrift  darkly  ftampt  upon  the  foul,  and  is  exceeding  weak ;  now  the  Lord  is  faid 
to  come  when  he  doth  this,  Jdh.j^.i2.  I  wllbfee  you  again,  and  /  will  not 
leave  you  comfertlefi ,  Orphans  alone  without  any  one  to  take  care  for  you ;  now 
though  it  be  long  before  the  Lord  do  come  here;  yet  come  he  will,  when  the 
foul  thinks  it  impolTible,  and  the  thing  incredible  ;  Behold  thy  (jod,  thy  King 
CGmmethyIfa,AiQ,  g,  with  23.  He  jhall  come  like  the  rain  upon  the  fleece  of 
wool. 

Fifthly,  Chrift  is  faid  to  come  when  he  comes  to  deftroy  and  root  out  the 
enemies  of  his  ChurchjWhether  outward  enemies  or  inward  enemies, //>.2  ^.21. 

.'.''■•  Now 


■8 


Reaf$n 


I. 


F.€fi[on 


2. 


%e4c 


on 


Vfe  I. 


The  "Parable  of  the  Ten  Virgins j 


Nowgrancicbe  long,  the  Lord  doch  fuff^r  them  to  prevail,  and  to  be  pricking 
bryars  to  the  hearts  of  Gods  people ,  and  to  the  heart  of  Gods  Spirit  in  his 
people,  yet  he  will  come  i  and  hence  the  Church  pleads  this  with  God  as  an  u- 
fual  thingwithhim,//^.64.i,z,3.  He  comes  when  men  look  not  for  him,  yea 
he  came  fo  here ;  andthe  name  of  God  lyes  upon  it  to  make  known  his  name 
to  his  adverfaries,//k.66.5.  Bear  the  vfiordof  the  Lordy  ye  that  tremble  at  his 
rvord  ;  yenr  brethren  that  hated  jou  and  cajt  jm  out  faidy  Let  the  Lord  be  glo" 
nfied.  He  jhallafpearto  ysur  ]oy^  but  they  fhall  be  a(hamed» 

Sixthly,  Chriftisfaidtocometothefoul,  when  he  comes  to 'it  at  death,  to 
abolifli  all  fin  and  forrow ,  and  to  polTefs  the  foul  of  immediate  fellowlliip 
with  himfelf,  and  at  Judgement  when  the  great  mariage  day  iliall  be,  and  the 
Bride  made  ready,  and  the  Bridegroom  in  their  perfeS  glory  to  the  view  of 
all  the  world,  Joh.i^.  5.  Oh  many  a  one  is  troubled  now  the  Lord  is  gone  from 
it  mediately  to  comfort  it ;  Let  not  ymr  hearts  be  troubled^  you  have  a  God  in 
his  Word  to  believe  in,  cleave  to  that,  and  me  in  it ;  but  when  death  comes  a- 
gainftme,  and  enemies  come  againft  me,  and  heart  fails,  and  eyes  fails,  will 
the  Lord  come  ?  Yes,  I  will  come  again,  for  I  go  but  only  to  prepare  a  place 
for  you,  and  make  Heaven  fweet  and  ready  for  you ;  fomc  would  have  all  Ckrifts 
coming  here,  but  there  is  fome  hereafter. 


SECT.   in. 

BEcaufe  the  love  of  Jefus  Chrift  never  fails  his  Churches  and  People ;  lavo, 
will  keep  men  from  being  ever  abfent  from  the  thing  they  love :  Now  look 
asitvvas  with  Laz.arm  whom  Chrift  loved,  John.ii,^,  he  heard  that  he  was 
fick,  he  could  have  come  then,  but  he  lingers  and  ftays  until  he  be  dead,  (be- 
hold Lazarus  is  dead )  yea,  till  he  had  been  four  days  dead,  and  then  awakens 
him  again,  and  Laz.arm  muft  come  forth  of  his  grave,  to  fhew  forth  the  ever- 
lafling  love  of  the  Son  of  God,  verf.4.  For  there  are  two  things  inChrift's 
love  'j  firft,  it  is  pure  independant,  and  dear,  Prov.^.fenult,  hence  he  will  not 
ever  be  abfent  1  for  i.  If  it  be  dependant,  then  we  might  fay  (as  we  change 
he  changeth  J  he  was  good,  but  we  have  provoked  him  ftnce,  ^r.  2.  If  in» 
dependant,  yet  'cisapt  to  forget,  he  minds  m»e  not,  nor  my  prayers,  norfor- 
rows :  Yes,  it  is  exceeding  dear,  and  aflures  us  of  all  ;  if  he  in  love  came 
to  fufFer,what  will  he  n©r  come  to  do,  and  that  when  the  Church  is  moft  wither- 
ed, Z^c/?.3. 1,2,3.  and  hence  faith  the  Lord,  nvhy  fayefi  thoa^  the  Lord  hath 
forfaken  me  and  forgotten  me.,  vnhen  written  Hfon  the  pa/ms  of  my  hand}  Ifa, 

48.14. 

Left  their  fpirit  fail ;  Oh  the  Lord  is  very  tender  of  that ;  he  that  bids  parents 
not  to  be  bitter  to  their  children,  left  their  fpirits  fail  and  be  provoked,  will 
notdoit  himfelf, //"<«.57.I7.  he  r^iU  not  always  contend  ,  left- the  ffirit  fail  with- 
in him^  and  the  foals  that  he  hath  made  •,  Oh  remember  this  |  now  how  apt  is 
the  fpirit  of  a  childe  of  God  to  fail  upon  this  /  what  more  bitter  than  Gods 
abfence! 

Becaufeto  come  late,  is  many  times  the  beft  time,  for  he  comes  ever  in 
thefulnefs  of  time;  if  he  fhould  come  foonerorlatjrer,  hcfhould  not  come 
in  feafon  to  his  people. 

Of  unfpcakable  confolation  to  the  people  of  God  that  lie  under  fad  and 
heavy  perplexities  in  refpe<a  of  the  Lords  abfence  from  them  (  as  for  you 
that  can  bear  this,  that  fay  to  God  depart  if  he  will,  this  concerns  not  you  at 
all^  and  the  Lord  being  gone,  you  lye  under  fad  thoughts]  that  he  will  never 

return 


opened  and  J-pflied. 


rerurn  again;  yes,  yoahave  now  heard,  he  will  come  and  return  again,  Saj 
unto  Sion^  behold  yonr  God  comefh. 

Obje£}:.  But  what  f  -when  I  have  been  [ecurre  andcareUfs  withal  ? 

ay^nfw.  Yes,  though  the  Virgins  deep, yet  the  Lord  will  come  to  them  ; 
for  if  his  love  did  depend  upon  your  watchfulnefs,  he  might  never  return  ; 
onely  it  may  be  longer  as  to  thefe,  and  he  will  awaken  you  fome  time  be- 
fore he  doth  come;  and  truly  to  mourn  for  hisabfence,  is  to  awaken  with 
him. 

Ob jecl.  But  It  hath  been  thm  long  before  tie  Lord  corns ^  and  therefore  he  will 
never  come. 

Anffo.  Though  long,  yet  you  fee  he  comes  at  laft  to  them ;  firft,  the 
cry  fays  fo,  and  then  he  comes ;  Minifters  tell  you  fo,  and  it  is  not  long  after  ; 
nay,  then  is  the  very  time ,  when  fo  long  as  you  look  not  for  him,  as  here 
to  thefe. 


SECT.    IV. 


Objedt. 


Ut  I  know  It  not, 

Anfw.  God  keeps  his  befl:  bleflings  (and  perfumes  them  long  in 
his  own  hand  )  from  his  own  children  ;  as  IfaaCy  David j  Abraham,  Heman^ 
Chrifl ;  but  it  is  bert  you  know  it  not. 

Hatt  thou  been  feeking  the  Lord  for  his  prefence  (that  the  Lord  would  but 
fee  and  consider  chee  a  little  J  until  thine  eyes  fail  thee  ?  and  do  you  think  the 
Lord  will  ever  forget  ?  I  tell  thee  if  Peter  were  in  Prifon,  prayers  would  deliver 
him,  andfetch  Angels  from  Heaven  to  him;  though  the  Church  of  God  lay 
defolate,  iins  great,  yet  the  prayer  of  "Daniel  fhall  bring  down  words  of  com- 
mand to  make  all  up  again  ;  If  thou  be  in  any  want y  be  care f til  in  nothing^^c. 
He  asked  thee  life ^  thougavejt  him  long  life  for  ever  andever  ;  nay,  when  thou 
ceafeft,  thy  prayers  have  their  cry,  when  thy  mouth,whert  thy  heart  fpeaks  not ; 
for  prayers  are  not  dead  things  but  living,  begottenoutofaliving  Spirit,  from 
a  living  God,  prefented  by  a  living  Mediator ,  who  takes  them  and  prefents 
them,  Heb.  7,  and  though  unclean,  yet  being  laid  on  that  Altar  they  become 
holy. 

Object.  Ohy  bat  I  am  fed  w  Ith  nothing  but  promifes  ;  I  cannot  deny  them-,  but 

1  feel  them  not ;  I  thinks  I  fhall  never  r>ieet  the  Lord^  Ifa.  ^  5. 1  c  Look^as  the  rain 
on  the  dry  yeelds  fruit,  fo  my  word  fhall  give  you  joy  andfeac?,  and  the  dejire  of 
your  heart ^^c.  Can  a  man  live  by  promifes  ? 

Anfw,  Hez-ekjahizkh,  by  thefe  things  (  i.e.z{?iiddor\5)  do  men  live  ;  why 
not  by  promifes  f  the  vvords  Chrift  fpeaketh  they  are  Spirit  and  life ;  David  did, 

2  Sam,!-^.^.  Heb.iO',  The  ju^t  fhall  live  by  his  faith  ;  and  if  any  man  draw 
back^ ,  my  foul  [hall  have  no  fleafure  in  him-,  i.  e.  wholly.  It  is  admirable  how 
the  Ifraelites  had  a  promife  of  the  land,  and  many  wars  muft  they  have,  and  yet 
Jofh.2^,i^.\'^.  Not  one  thing  hath  failed  of  all  that  the  Lord  hath  fromifed.  So 
fay  I  to  you. 

Obj.  Oh  but  I  have  been  long  in  trouble,  and  have  had  no  peace  ? 

v^^/.Haft  thou  been  longer  than  P^'Z'i^,  whofe  moyfturewasdryedup,  who 
hath  nothing  to  prefent  before  the  Lord,  Ffal.6.  but  vveaknefs,  and  bones  vexed, 
verfe  2.  a  foul  vexed,  verfe  3.  and  that  long  weary  with  groaning,  verf.6,  tears 
in  the  night  when  others  are  at  reft,  his  eyes  confumed  with  grief,  and  yet 
verfe  2>,g.  The  Lord  hath  heard  the  voyce  of  my  weepings  and  payer  too  \  for- 
rows  cry,  and  fins  cry  alfo  •,  and  hence  he  inkhjDepart  from  me  all  ye  -workers  of 
inietHity ,  &C. 

^        -  Obiea. 


39 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins ^ 


life. 


object.  BpicI am  fo  weakly  my  heart  jo  streitnsd^  fj  little  light  a. 
and.  [■eiij-/jir  I  have  been  formore^  ^md  jinitt  not. 

A^.fiv.  If  Chrift's  prefencebefvYeec,  andhisabfence  bitter^  that  you  feek 
not  Qiore  fo:  y  mr  lufts  foke  than  the  Lords  fake,  then  know  that  the  Lord  will 
return  a^ain,  as  verily  as  he  is  gone;  he  will  not  leave  thee  comfortlefs  ;  you 
llia'l  have  that  is  fit  for  yon  to  keep  you  humble  and  faithful;  it  may  be  one 
Sermon  may  do  moregood  than  twenty.  Joh.i.<^o.D:fi  beliei/e  because  I  faw 
thee  under  ih'  fgtr.c-  ?  thon  {b>-:lt:  fee  greater  things  tha-atbefe  :  God  hath  greater 
chlng'^  toll^ew  thee,  if  the  Lord  hath  iranflated  thee  imo  the  Kingd.cm  of  his 
de^ir  fan  ;  h.iice  it  is  faid  of  the  eacreafeof  his  g9vernme,it  and  ^eace  there  jhall 
be  >Jo  endy  lfa.9.7. 

Objeft.  lim  en?mi€s  may  oppo  'f  m  ? 

^nfv.  Let  it  be  fo ;  but  what  if  the  Lord  be  with  you  ? 

Objedi:.  Ba.  he  ii  gohe. 

ayiyjfvp.  No,  the  Lord  will  either  come  before  trouble  to  deliver  you  from 
it?  as  Afa  when  a  troop  came  againft  him,  2C^rc».i^.  11.  let  not  man  pre- 
vail againd  th:;e  ;  Jfaha.d  wrapt  God  about  him,  cloathed himfdf  with  the 
majefty  of  God  by  faith,  Jfa.'^/^.fenul.  They  lliall  gather  together,  andfhall 
Come  againrt  rhee,  but  theyiliall  not  profper,  becaufe  the  Lord  is  come; 
or  if  he  doth  ftay,  yethe  willg've  th^m  fome blood,  and  come  upon  them 
for  your  blood;  he  that  (beds  mans  bloody  by  man  jh  all  his  blood  be  ^ed],  but 
fucn  as  llied  Churches  blood,  by  God  (hall  their  blood  be  fhed  ;  The  fouls 
under  the  Altar  lliall  cry,  and  then  comes  wo;  he  will  Ao  fo  in  (fcrmany 
if  there  hive  b^en  Churches  blood  flied;  he  is  making  way  for  glorious  de- 
liverance when  God  lliall  come,  and  the  wicked  fhall  melt  avvayas  wax: 
Lucifer  mutt  fall  though  lifted  up  with  pride .  ^avid  was  troubled  with  a 
iS"^/.*/ anda  T>oeg.  Ffal.^;^.  but  God  fhall  pull  them  up  by  the'roots,e5^£-.  many 
of  Gods  Servants  lye  under  reproaches  and  revilings  (  and  the  wicked  boalt 
of  their  fin  ;  God  lliall  pluck  them  up  by  the  roots  never  to  grow  again; 
Hypocrites  lie  hid  for  a  time,  but  all  the  Churches  lliall  know  that  the  Lord  is 
a  God  that  learcheth  the  hearts,  Lw/^.  1 2,1.  T/^/.ii.^,^.  No  good  man  left, 
but  fome  men  of  deceit  and  flattery,  fome  Apoflates,  &c.  We  are  ia  fear  (in 
this  Country  )  of  enemies  ;  we  came  hither  to  fhelter  our  felves  under  the 
wings  of  God;  left  our  comforts  for  it;  here  we  are  at  his  polls,  it  is  rot 
honors  we  feek  ;  and  now  it  may  be  enemies  are  plotting,  or  will  be  com.ing 
to  take  us  unawares,  when  weak,  andfo  run  away  with,  the  fpoil,  iinlefs  we 
will  be  bond-men  to  our  former  yoke  ;  it  may  oethe  Lord  will  help  then, 
Ez,el^.^2,  10, 20.  to  the  end.  If  not,  it  may  be  the  Lord  will  refine  us  more, 
and  purge  away  our  drofs,  and  difcover  men  that  came  hither  for  Ordinances 
and  for  peace  fake,  and  betray  the  Ordinances;  yet  the  Lord  will  come,  and 
his  blow  fhall  ruinc  them,  efpecia'lyif  his  awake  notathiscry,/)r^.25.9,io.it 
{hall  be  faid  when  the  terrible  ones  arc  blafls,  La[  this  is  onr  God,  andm  this 
moftnt  jhallthe  hand  of  the  Lord  come,  ^ 

Objei^,  But  flill  my  fn  continues . 

Anfw.  The  Cb-urch  in  the  Revelations^  when  they  have  all  things,  yet  are 
abfent  from  the  Lord ,  and  fin  before  the  Lord  makes  them  fay  \  O^j  come 
Lord  Jefm  \     faith  Chrift,  Behold  I  come  ejaickly  1    Chriliwi'l  comeatlaft 
and  for  ever  comfort  you,  and  be  with  you,  and  you  ever  with  the  Lord  ;  this 
coming  to  be  fu re  lliall  be,  and  what  then  though  you  walk  through  the  vail  of 
theihadow  of  death  !  the  Lord  is  with  you,  and  him  that  is  the  glory  of  Saints,  j 
the  joy  of  Angels,  the  reft  and  delight  of  God,  whom  all  ends  of  the  earth  have  ' 
looked  unto,  lliak  thou  fee  with  thofe  eyes,  and  be  with  him  for  ever,  and  then  | 
fhall  he  give  thee  double  for  all  thy  forrows,  fins,  temptations,  when  every  one  | 
t\^t  fhall  leave  thee,  and  fhall  rejoyce  and  glory  in  thee,  that  ever  he  hath  got  | 

thee  ' 


opened  and  Applied. 


thee,  and  (as  he  faid  j  he  will  then  ferve  thee,  LmI^  i  2.  Oh  his  coming  would- 
fvvallowup  all  our  forrowsjChrift  tells  them  of  nothing  but  this,J(?A,i4.  I  won- 
der at  Chriftiansthacarefaddedat  loifes and  evils  here;  Why  the  Lord  will 
come ! 


SECT.    V. 


Quell. 


HOw  jhall  I  k?^ow  whether  the  Lord  mil  comtcrno  ? 
Anfw,  1 .  If  the  Lord  ever  hath  or  doth  make  this  the  rell  and 
ftay  of  thy  heart,  not  only  for  righteoufnefs,  but  for  all  fulnefs  of  comfort,  and 
thacnoconely  tothy  confcience,  buttothy  heart  and  will:  for  many  reU  on 
Chrirt  for  righteoufnefs;  but  what:  comforts  their  hearts?  they  joy  in  other 
things,  and  are  greedy  after  things  in  the  worldjd'f.  Now  as  a  man  that 
refts  on  Chrift  for  righteoufnefs,  he  abhors  all  other  righteoufnefs ;  fo  if  a  Chri- 
fiian  reft  on  Chrift  for  confolation,  you  will  deny  all  other  things  to  comfort 
you  alfo,  Jer.  1 7. 5,6.  Curbed  is  the  man  that  trufit-th  in  man^  hejhall  not  fee  when 
go'jd comes.  Pral.22.1.  Oh  Lord  ^  why  hafi thott  forfaken  me  ?  Itrnfiin  thee; 
our  fathers  trufied  In  thee  and  were  delivered :  Yes,  but  not  you  that  are  fo  poor 
and  vile  i  True,I  am  fo  in  the  eyes  of  the  world  -,  but  on  God  have  I  been  caft ; 
To  truft  to  Chrift  for  righteoufnefs,but  not  for  confolation,is  to  marry  a  man  to 
pay  debts,  but  not  to  live  upon  his  houfe -^try  if  it  be  fo  or  no ;  thou  feeleft  the 
Lord  gone,yet  thy  faith  is  not  gone  from  him. 

2.  If  the  Lord  hath  given  thee  a  heart,  whether  the  Lord  comes  orno,  not 
to  trouble  thy  felf  about  fiaccfefs,  and  time  of  coming,  as  to  minde  the  doing  of 
his  work  againft  his  coming,  that  thy  heart  is  refoived  and  will  live  to  him 
though  he  never  comes  to  thee.  Joh.z,  5.  When  Mary  faid  that  wine  was  want- 
ing;faith  Chrift,/V  is  not  myhoar^  th&n-,what  ever  hebids youdo^do  it ;  Heb,io,^6, 
you  have  need  of  patience ;  for  all  impatience  arifeth  from  minding  inordinate- 
ly the  fuccefs,  what  the  event  will  be,  and  diftra£ling  the  mind  there ;  but  fas  a 
poorfervant)  when  a  man  thinks  whether  Chrift  come  or  nor,  thefefins  fhall 
down  i  this  argues  love  never  to  be  forgotten;  Jttdges  10.16.  nothing  grieves  I 
the  Lord  and  makes  the  Lord  abfent,but  becaufe  orieved  with  fin,  mifery  comes; 
now  fin  is  removed  ;  it  may  be  no  affurance  while  thou  dieft  or  liveft  ^  yet  if 
refoived  my  foul  fhall  follow  the  Lord,  now  it  is  right,Grc.  But  if  while  the 
Lord  is  now  gone,  your  hearts  are  jolly  ,and  loofe  every  way, why  defire  you  the 
day  of  the  Lord  ?  it  i*  darknefs  to  you. 


The  F arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins, 


Ohferva 

tiofi  3. 


MI^^IMItM^^i-^.*;^^^^! 


CHA  P.    VII. 

Of  Gods  compafsion  towards  wije  andfoolijh  Virgins. 


SECT.    L 

Uch  is  the  comfajjion  of  Chrift  to  hisfeople^that  deep  [ecnrity  can- 
not always  make  the  Lord  to  re jeU  them  I  and  therefore  we  fliall 
find  three  expreflions  of  the  love  and  kindnefsof  the, Lord  to 
the  wife  and  fbolifli  Virgins  alfo. 

Firit,  when  they  not  only  flumber  but  fleep,  and  that  long, 
^^*    even  to  the  comin^  of  the  Bridegroom  almoft ,  yet  Chrift 
fpares  them,  and  doth  not  all  this  wnile  cut  them  off,  and  bury  them  out  of  his 
fight,  as  men  that  do  forget  him. 

Secondly,  He  prevents  them  with  awakening  grace,  and  the  Lord  is  up 
when  his  fervants  be  abed,  and  is  awakened  for  their  good  when  they  are  afleep 
and  regard  not  him ;  and  firft  by  his  cry  he  awakens  them  before  they  {hake  up 
themfelves;  when  once  the  Churches  fall  afleep,  they  would  fleep  their  long 
fleep,  and  never  awaken,  if  the  Lord  fhould  not  by  fome  cry  or  other  prevent 
them. 

Thirdly,  He  longs  for  their  fellowfhip  and  company  though  fecure ;  and 
therefore  it  is  not  a  cry  of  terror  and  wrath,  the  Bridegroom  hath  forfaken  you, 
for  yourfecure  carelefs  courfe ;  but  it  is  aery  of  grace,  go  forth  to  r^eet  him  j 
yet  he  is  willing  to  have  communion  with  you,yet  he  defires  that  you  would  have 
communion  with  him ;  oh  come  out  to  meet  him ;  I  lliall  wrap  up  all  thefe  ; 
together ,  becaufe  1  fhall  be  brief.  "  Wonderful  was  the  grace  of  Chrift  to- 
ward the  old  world,  when  for  the  fpace  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  years  he 
waited  for  them,  who  after  they  had  been  an  hundred  and  nineteen  fecure  , 
yet  then  the  fame  fpirit  that  waiteth  for  us  in  thefe  days  of  the  Gofpel,  preached 
the  Lord  unto  them. 

Jeremiah  was  very  long  fpeaking  to  Jfrael  (as  the  other  Prophets)  info 
I  Kiueh  that  the  Lord  profefleth  to  fend  the  King  of  Babylon  againft  them,  yet  the 
Lords  heart  mt\ls^cha.z6. 1,2,3 •'^p^^k.  ^''^^o  them',  it  may  be  they  rptll  hcarken^and 
turnthat  I  mayrefent  I  So  Jfr.  3  J^they  had  polluted  the  LavVjZ/fr.i.  fiiowresare 
withheld  (  which  is  no  great  matter)  fmall  evils  are  arguments  of  hearts  re- 
.  volted  from  God  ;  they  did  the  Lord  as  much  mifchief  as  they  could,  and  were 
fecure,  z'^r/^  :?.  Yet  mark,  wilt  thou  not  from  this  time  cry  My  Father?  meet 
tiap  ^rd  as  thy  Husband  ?  will  he  keep  his  anger  for  ever  ?  Nay,  the  Lord  caft 
off  Adulterous  Jfrael-^  and  they  knevv  the  caufe,  yet  went  on  fecurely  in  thef  fame 
fins  ;  yet  fee,  verfe  I  ^.  Turn  oh  backjjliding  children  ,  Prov.  6.  ^^6,  How 
lono-^  &c. 


SECT. 


opened  and  Affiled. 


S  E  C  T*    IL 

IN  regard  of  the  foolifh,  there  is  noreafon,  but  the  Lords  pitty  and  compaf- 
fion  to  a  finful  people ;  he  hath  compaflTion  on  them  becaufe  he  will  •,  for  he 
'  doth  not  pity  people  only  in  refpea  of  their  mireries,but  in  refpe61:  of  their  fins, 
2Chron.Hlt.16.  hefent  his  Prophets  among  them  (^  and  they  defpifed  themj 
hecaufe  he  had  comfajfion  on  his  people ;  the  cords  of  grace  are  kc  down  to  all 
finners,  Blafphemers,  Oppofers  of  God^&c. 

In  regard  of  the  wife  Virgins,  becaufe  his  Mariage-covenant  with  them  is 
not  fufpended  on  any  thing  on  his  peoples  part ;.  for  though  there  is  a  condition 
which  the  Lord  doth  require  of  his  people  in  Mariage-covenant,  yet  the  Lord 
fo  requires  it,  as  that  he  intends  to  work  it,  and  undertakes  to  maintain  it ;  and 
there  is  no  evil  in  them,  but  he  promifeth  in  this  Covenant  to  remove  ^  he  will 
heal  them  of  it,  but  he  will  not  caft  them  off  for  it ;  hence  Ephef.<;.2<^.  Chrift 
loves  his  Church ;  what,  becaufe  it  hadlovelinefs  ?  no,  but  that  he  might  wafli 
it  4  and  if  he  loves  it  to  this  end,  that  he  might  wafli  it,  then  no  pollution  can 
make  the  Lord  utterly  to  caft  it  off ;  if  he  loves  becaufe  of  deformities,  that  he 
might  walli  them  away,  then  none  can  quench  his  love  s  hence  no  fecurity,  no 
carelefnefs,  though  deep,though  long,fo  long  as  theMariage-bond  between  m.an 
and  wife  continues,  fo  long  as  no  fin  is  committed  that  can  break  this  Mariage- 
bond,  fo  long  infirmities  or  other  diftempers  never  feparate.    Now,  no  Cit  in 
them  that  are  given  to  Chrift  can  break  the  Mariage-bond,  becaufe  it  is  wholly 
undertaken  on  the  Lords  part ;  women  may  comnik  Adultery,  and  break  their 
Mariage-bond,  becaufe  they  are  not  kept  by  their  Husband  from  that;  but 
the  Lord  undertakes  this  for  his  people,  toppit  his  fear  in  their  hearty  that  they 
fhall  never  depart  from  God.  Hof.z.ipylo.  /will  betroth  thee  unto  me  forever, 
md yoft  fhali  know  the  Lord-^  hence  the  Lord  may  humble,  but  never  utterly 
reje<Sl  his,  for  fecurity  in  a  luft. 


SECT.    III. 

F  Direction  and  thankfulnefs  to  the  people  of  God ;  Oh  !  do  liot  always 
fell  to  fits  of  doubts  after  fecurity,  though  deep  and  long  ('as  many 
Chriftians  do  j  and  fo  are  ever  laying  and  pulling  up  foundations ;  after  moft 
peace  of  confcience,  moft  fecurity,  and  then  the  Sea  rageth  again,  and  it  is 
hard  for  any  man  to  keep  his  peace;  have  you  had  fuch  mercy,  and  love,  and 
will  you  thus  be  carelefs  and  loofe  again  ?  believe  it,  the  Lord  will  break  your 
bones  if  you  love  your  beds,  and  not  give  you  reft  till  you  finde  it  on  another 
pillow  \  out  yet  do  not  deny  his  Ipve ,  though  you  have  forgot  it ;  do  not 
fay  you  are  not  Virgins,  becaufe  fallen  afleep  ;  and  that  the  Bridegroom  will 
never  come  to  meet  yoir,  becaufe  you  have  lingred  in  meeting  him ;  for 
behold  he  cometh :    I  know  there  is  a  difference  between  the  fecurity  of  the  wife  ] 
andfooliftij  of  which  hereafter:  TheDifcipIes  fallafieep  in  the  garden  after  | 
a  trebble  warning,  yet  it  was  againft  much  relu(5i:ancy ;  hence  Chrift  pitied 
them  J  the  Spirit  is  willing.^  but  theflefh  is  weak  ;  and  when  they  were  awakened, 
their  veffels  were  not  found  empty;  Teters  veffelwas  full  of  love  to  Chrift, 
before,  and  when  the  Lord  awakens  him,  he  tells  the  Lord  he  loved  him ;  and 
his  fall  and  fecurity  in  it  for  a  time  made  him  more  humble,  and  love  the  Lord 
with  leftfelf-confidence,  and  more  purity :    But  oh,  wonder  at  ic,  rejoyce  in 
it,  and  be  thankful  for  it !  efpecially  you  that  have  fallen  into  any  fecure  frame 

F  f  f   3  fincc 


Reafon 


Reafon 


^^^ 


/ 


44 


The  F arable  of  the  Ten  firginr^ 


Vfe2, 


bnce  yecame  into  thefe  Virgin-Churches ;  which  you  cannot  but  do,  if  yoii 
confider  the  greatnefs  of  this  fin ;  to  fin  and  be  long  fecure,  and  faft  afleep,  is 
Rrange. 

1.  This  is  the  great  provoking  fin ;  look  throughoutall  theBookof  God, 
ler  the  fmbe  grear,  and  immediately  after  confcience  fmitten,  bones  broken, 
and  heart  awakened,  welliall  never  fee  the  Lord  but  he  is  pacified,  the  Lord 
hears  their  groanings,  and  remembers  his  Covenant;  but  little  fins  fallen  in- 
to ,  and  by  fecurity  continued  in,  the  Lord  vifits  for  this,  Pfal.<^o.  When  a 
man  fhall  not  only  fin,  but  take  delight  in  it,  as  a  man  doth  in  his  fleep. 

2.  This  is  a  fin  in  places  of  liberty  and  Ordinances,  whereas  the  Lord  was 
never  fo  o'ood  to  thee,  and  thy  heart  never  worfe  to  him,  never  fo  fecure,  you 
thoupht  and  purpofed  never  to  be  fo  watchful  and  tender  as  now  i  to  be  fecure 
here, '^greatly  aggravates fiich  fecurity. 

5 .  This  fin  is  a  common  fin ;  now  this  adds  to  a  fin,  v\hen  a  man  has  a  hand 
in  a  national  fin,  that  runs  in  the  blood  of  all  the  Churches ;  for  fo  you  fee  it  is, 
all  the  Virgins  fecure ;  when  all  forget  the  Lord,  as  though  there  were  not  e- 
nough  to  lay  more  loab  upon  the  Lord ;  what  doth  this  but  harden  others  in  fe- 
curity ;  thy  wives  heart,  thy  brethrens  heart,  fuch  a  one  is  fecure ;  as  though 
it  were  not  enough  to  fight  againft  the  Lord,  but  Giant-like  to  fall  among  the 
troops  of  them  that  fecurely  difhonor  the  Lord  .*  When  the  old  world  VYas  fe- 
cure we  heard  nothing  of  that ;  but  when  the  Sons  of  God  came  to  be  fecure , 
and  all  flefh  corrupted  their  ways,  the  Lord  falls  a  mourning,  and  repents  that 
he  had  made  man :  When  anyfingroweth  general  in  Churches,  thatfinismofl 
grievous  to  God ;  Princes  children  when  they  fin  alone  ic  is  grievous,  but  when 
they  take  part  with  all  the  mutinous  crue  againfl  their  Father,  this  ftrikes  deep; 
oh  that  ever  mine  eyes  ftiouid  fee  this  evil. 

4.  It  is  a  fin  which  is  tbelafl:,  and  is  the  ruineSof  all  the  fooliih  Virgins, 
and  perfefts  their  perdition,  as  hereic  did;  theyflept  till  it  was  too  late ;  oh 
that  the  Lord  fibould  not  caft  you  off  for  this  !  admire  at  this ;  and  let  thy  heart, 
andhoufe,  and  work  be  filled  with  praife  for  this:  You  have  complained  long 
of  a  fecure  heart ;  fee  ic  humble  thee  that  ic  continueth,  but  make  thee  wonder 
that  the  Lord  will  not  caft  thee  off. 


SECT.*  IV. 

TO  ail  thofe  that  have  been  lon^  fecure  %  kt  this  compaffion  of  the  Lord  a- 
wakenyou,  anddrawyoutohim,  and  make  you  come  out  and  meet  him ; 
and  give  entertainment  to  the  Lord,  who  hath  not  yet  caft  you  off  from  him, 
but  yet  crys,  oh  come  and  meet  me :  Methinks  this  Ihould  awaken  you ;  what, 
hath  not  the  Lord  caft  me  off  yet  ?  no  !  but  his  cry  this  day  is.  Oh  com.e  out 
and  meet  me  1  The  Lord  might  have  cut  thee  off  in  thy  fecurity;  this  is  his 
feafon  to  others,  when  men  cry  peace,  peace ;  and  he  might  have  let  thee  flepc 
and  never  awake  more  till  paft  hope ;  yet  here  is  his  grace,  oh  come  and  meet 
him  !  and  will  you  defpife  it  and  refufe  the  Lord  ? 

Obje£t.i.  Ihaveno oylin  myvejfel^mgrMe inmy  heart ;  -what  Jhould  1  meet 
him  foTy  or  look^for  him  !  lam  f&  vile  and  fo  fecure^  he  cannot  look,  ^p^  ^C" 

jinjw.i  .You  have  the  more  need  of  receiving  him  as  your  Bridegroom,  that 
fo  you  may  receive  the  eternal  anointing  of  his  Spirit  of  Grace  and  Life  in 
your  hearts. 

2.  Now  you  have  time  to  get  both. 
Obje6l.  2.  But  It  is  long  before  the  Bridegroom  comes  ;  there^s  time  emugh  for 
\this  hereafter,  I 

*  AnfrP.  il 


Ofened  and  Jjflied. 


45 


-  Anfrv.i.  Would  you  never  look  after  the  Lord,  and  being  becrothed  to 
him  till  the  very  time  of  his  coming  ?  will  you  defpife  Grace  to  the  utmort,  and 
weary  out  Grace  to  the  lafi  gafpe  ?  behold  the  Lord  (hall  come,  and  thy  eye 
lliall  lee  him,  and  waile  becaufe  of  him ;  and  the  Lord  will  make  thee  cry  out 
on  thy  deaih-bed,  and  warn  others  to  take  heed  of  trifling  with  the  Lord  long, 
who  didft  never  take  warning  thy  felf. 

2.  You  fee  when  the  Cry  is  made,  the  Bridegroom  is  not  'far  behinde ;  now 
is  his  cry,  and  you  fee  fome  that  did  awaken,  and  after  the  cry,  had  time  too 
little  to  trim  their  lamps.  It  may  be  many  cryes  have  been  founding  in  thy  fe- 
careears;  and  yet  there's  time,  he  is  not  come;  grant  it,  and  will  you  there- 
fore defpife  this  rich  grace  the  more  becaufe  of  his  goodnefs. 

Obj.  3 .  Bm  I  am  well  as  I  am  wlthoHt  the  Bridegreom, 

Anf.  It  may  be  fleep  is  fweec  for  the  prefent ;  but  if  thou  wert  awakened, 
thou  wouldft  be  of  another  minde  J  there  are  many  here  prefent  that  can  fay, 
they  thought  themfelves  well,  &c.  but  now  I  fee  my  error, c^r.  Oh  Lord,  what 
if  I  had  been  left  to  thefe  thoughts ;  yet  this  is  ever  the  frame  of  a  fecure  heart 
(likefwine^  well  when  it  is  in  the  mire,  basking  in  the  Sun. 

1.  Itispleafurejbutconfider,  icisbutfhort;  long  fecurity  will  end  in  hi- 
deous affrights,  and  doleful  awakenings,  for  one  days  fhort  fleep  :  I  remember 
Nineveh's  are  fet  out  by  this,  Ze-ph.Z.  1 5.  This  is  the  rejoycing  City^  that  dwelt 
carelejly ;  painting  out  their  mifery  for  this  fin  above  all  the  reft ;  fo  when 
plagues  be  upon  you,  God  and  Angels  fliall  point  at  you.  This  is  the  fecure  fin- 
ner  that  lived  loofly* 

2.  It  deprives  you  of  more  reft  and  eafe ;  carnal  fecurity  keeps  a  m.an  from 
knowing  fpiritual  fecurity ;  while  your  fin  and  fleep  is  fweec,  the  grace  of 

IChrift  and  the  fenfe  of  his  love  fliall  be  flrangers  to  you,  and  to  your  hearts^ 
Chrift  is  anointed  to  preach  to  a  weary,  not  to  a  fleepy  finner:  Ifa.^o.^, 
There  are  feafons  of  refrefhings  and  coolings,  which  fuch  ihzll  never  know. 

^ .  This  which  is  thy  pleafure,  is  the  Lords  forrow  and  grief;  look  as  when 
the  finnermourneth  under  his  fin,  the  Lords  heart  is  quieted,  Zeph.-^.ij^iS, 
J  faidlTvouldc&nfef^^  and  thm  forgavefi :  So  when  a  man  delights  in  his  fin, 
the  Lords  foul  is  then  grieved;  and  the  more  delight,  the  more  grief ;  Chrift 
mournedfor  thehardnefs  of  their  hearts,  CMark.'^.:^,  Now  grant  that  you 
have  this  pkafure,yet  what  joy  is  it  to  think,thac  while  I  have  my  eafe  and  peace, . 
the  Lordhath  his  burden  ;  my  reft  and  peace  is  the  Lords  forrow  in  Heaven;! 
when  the  fons  of  God  growflelTily,  the  Lord  repented  that  he  had  made  man ; 
Oh  let  the  groanings  of  a  compaffionate  God  awaken  you  out  of  this  fe- 
curity !  ■' 


S  E  C  T,    V, 

object.  13  ^i^  there's  none  fecur?  here. 

JD  tAn^w.  It's  hard  for  wife  not  to  fall  here ;  but  for  foolillTi  not  to 
fall  to  this  fin,  at  leaft  to  be  long  preferred  from  it,  will  be  miraculous ;  but  for 
the  moft  part  of  men  not  to  be  drowned  in  it. 

I .  Have  not  divers  lived  and  never  been  awakened  at  all,  -not  fo  much  as  to 
cry  out,  I  am  a  damned  m.an,  what  fhall  I  do  ?  thou  never  hadft  a  fpark  of  eter- 
nal flames  of  wrath  to  kindle  thy  confcience,  and  that  after  an  ignorant  and 
prophane  life. 

2.1f  you  have  been  troubled,have  you  not  fallen  afleep  before  ever  you  have 
gotten  any  fettled»peace  and  comfortin  the  blood  of  Chrift,  only  haft  gotfo 
much  oyl  as  makes  thy  lamp  burn,and  gives  thee  a  name  to  live, when  thy  veffel 
is  empty,  and  heart  is  dead.  £P 

—A — it  ,£. , ,1-1  I       I        -  I      III     I       I  ]  ■■    -  LiiiM    Miu  ■■  Ti T-  --  -r  ■ 1  'I        ■    ■  -^TTTT— ** 


/ 


I 


46 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins y 


3.  Have  not  many,  nay  moft  of  thy  days  been  fpent  without  any  forrow 
for,  or  reckoning  concerning  thy  fin  ?  it  may  be  you  have  a  Lent  and  a  cleanfing 
week  fometimes ;  but  moft  commonly  it  is  otherwife,  that  you  uever  fee  fin, 
but  deep  in  it,  and  fet  your  felves  to  go  on,  having  found  no  hurt  in  fuch  a  courfe 
as  yet. 

4.  How  many  ufe  the  Ordinances  of  God,  come  to  them,  but  never  gain 
good  by  them?  What  is  there  no  gold  in  thefe  mines  f  Yes,  but  a  flothful,  fe- 
cure  heart  will  not  dig  for  them. 

5,  Nay  do  not  Gods  crys  make  the  fleep  thee  fafter  ?  he  taketh  away  a  great 
part  of  thy  eftate  from  thee ;  and  thou  lookeft  upon  thejaiifery  and  fharae  of 
rags  and  poverty  ;  and  thy  heart  dyeth  away  with  difcontent,  and  grows  more 
worldly.  If  light  be  darknefs,  if  means  of  wakening  be  a  means  of  fleeping, 
how  great  is  that  fecuricy  ?  Oh  therefore  go  out  and  meet  the  Bride- 
groom ! 


S  E  C  T.    VI. 

Qiiefl;."0^t  how  (hall  I  receive  the  Lord  as  my  Br  I dgr  00m  and  Husk  and? 

13  eAfifw.  I.  See  what  thy  widowhood  is,  and  forfaken  condition, 
i/'^.54.5,<^.  when  thon  vpafi  refi^fed,  the  Lord  loved  thee  •,  what  creature  can  help 
thee,  when  the  Lord  forfakes  thee  ?  what  a  mifery  is  it  to  live  out  of  a  fathers 
houfe! 

2.  See  his  love  that  he  makes  to  you,  otherwife  you  will  never  conclude  ir^ 
but  fink,  faying,  The  Lord  forgets  me  %  Oh  fee  his  love  he  makes  to  thee 
to  receive  him ;  and  that  thou  wouldeft  give  thy  confent  to  have  him,  that  thou 
may  ft  love  him,  I  fa.  ^6. 6.  A  carnal  heart,  a  whorifh  lover  defires  to  clofe  with 
Chrift,  that  Chrift  may  give  gifts  to  it  and  love  it;  but  a  Virgin  that  flie 
may  love  the  Lord,  and  be  wholly  hiss  and  this  will  anfwer  all  doubts;  what 
have  you  to  do  with  Chrift,  and  all  that  mercy,  grace  and  glory  ?  Oh  'tis  that  I 
may  love  the  Lord  more. 

Obje£t,  ^Tii  frefHmptioft, 

Anfw,  No,  it  is  that  I  may  love  the  Lord  indeed ;  and  now  when  the  heart 
is  drawn  here,  P/k/.45.io.  Then  fhaU  the  King  have  pleaf^re  in  thy  beamy\% 
pleafare  in  thee,  and  all  that  thou  doft  .•  What ,  in  me,  ihatKam  weary  of  my 
felf  ?  Yes  in  thee.  i.  When  he  forfakes  others,  he  will  meet  thee.  2.Though 
he  departs,  and  forrows  attend  thee,  yet  thy  forrows  (hall  be  turned  int :  'oy, 
and  he  will  fee  thee  again,  and  never  ceafe  delighting  in  thee,  but  wrap  thee  up 
in  eve  rlafting  embracing^. 


CHAP. 


opened  and  Jpflied. 


rr 


#      4^      -^      «    •    «*      '*     '^ 


V  't»  C»  4t? 


CHAP.  VIIL? 


Of  €hriji^ comings  and  his  ai^af^ning 
Chrtpans. 


'-eep 


V  E  K  S  E     7, 

Theif  all  the  Virgins  arofe  and  trimmed^  Sec, 


S  E  C  T.    I. 

N  chefe  words  toverf.  10.  isfer  down  the  effled  which  the 
cry  had  upon  the  Virgins. 

Firft,  Upon  all  of  them  in  general,in  this  feventh  verfe. 
Secondly,  Upon  the  foolilli  in  particular ,   in  the  next 
verfes. 

Firll:  the  efed  it  vvrouoht  upon  all  of  them  in  general, 
both  good  and  bad,  is  fet  down  in  two  things,  i.  They  did 
allarife,  i.e.  they  were  throughly  awakened  but  of  their  fecure  condition. 
2.  Being  awakened  they  fell  to  their  v^ork,  which  was  to  trim  their  lamps, 
as  to  beautiiie  and  adorn  their  lamps,  which  had  now  lofi  their  plight  and  beaa- 
ty  by  foiling  themfelves,  and  all  through  neglect;  now  they  trimmed  them, 
wbenfirft,  they  wiped  off  the  foil ;  fecondly,  madefearch  for  that  which  was 
neceffary  for  the  iHning  glory  of  them  ;  Thus  far  the  fooliOi  trimmed  their 
lamps,  who  yet  did  not  find  that  oil  iii  their  veffels,  which  Was  the  main  thing  | 
to  beautifie  them  indeed,  which  the  wife  had;  fo  that  thsy  all  trimmed  their 
lamps ;  the  wifetrimmed  theirs  indeed;  the  foolilb  theirs,  fo  vvell  as  they  could. 

That  the  feriom  real  afprehenjicn  of  the  neartiel^  of  Chrifts  com'ino;  ^  is  e- 
mugh  to  awaken  throt4ghly  the  niofi  fecure  Vlrgens  :  I  fay,  if  Virgins  (efpecial- 
ly  that  have  been  awakened  to  know  any  thing  of  che  Lords  coming)  this  will 
awaken  them  ;  for  when  the  cry  was  made  He  com.eth ,.  now  they  all  arofe ; 
whilft  he  did  tarry  as  they  thought,  then  they  deep  \  but  vvhen  the  cry  comeSjtha't 
he  is  near  and  coming,  oh  noW  they  avvake. 

This  coming  is  meant  either  of  his  eomifigfd  the  laft  Judgement,  or  of 
his  coming  to  particular  Judgement  imrnediatdy  at  and  after  death:  Iffiall 
apply  my  felf  chiefly  to  the  coming  of  Chrift  at  death  to  his  pieople,  beca't^ 
this  ddth  chiefly  concern  us ;  the  net r  approacti  of  this  will  awaken,  whenap- 
Iprehended  near. 

I'  '"-•:  Rom.i^.ii.  when  the  ApoflTe  vvoald  awaken  them- out  of  fecurity,  Tour 
falviztion  now  IS  nearer  than  when  you  fir  (r  hel'ie'ved^-r.e'.  fhacperfec^:  falvatioA' 
which  is  at  that  time ;  now  if  the  apprehenfian'tha'C-  it-  is^  nes^r  than  ar-  firft 

awakens. 


Ohferva.' 
tion  I. 


48 


.  -  ■  '  — —— — — 

The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgim, 


Reafon 


I. 


RQafon 


awakens ,  much  more  when  it  isapprehendedib  Indeed.  J  am.  ^.  8,9.  There  wis 
it  feems  divers  that  were  opprelicd,  and  they  ready  to  fainr,  andforfake  the 
Lord,  and  wait  no  more ;  what  therefore -doth  he  do  /  thecommg  (faith  he  j 
of  the  Lord  druvoetb  nigh, 

I  Sant.iz.i^.  Wh^n  Samuel  told  them  before  that  mifcry  fhouldcome  if 
they  would  have  a  King,  they  cared;  not ;  now  when  thunder  came,  that  they 
faw  deaih  and  the  Lord  near  them,  now  they  feared,  and  cryed,  and  repented  ; 
Oh  we  dje,  fay  they,  pray  for  mi  It  is  with  the  Soul  as  it  is  with  Sea-men, 
when  they  firft  fee  out  in  the  Main,  ifthe  wind  be  good,  and  all  things  well, 
they  take  thpir  reft  and  deep,  though  going  nearer  every  day  than  other ;  but 
;  v\ben  they  apprehend  they  are  near  the  ihore,now  they  look  out,  though  in  the 
night ;  fo  here. 


%eafon  5 


SECT.   n. 

BEcaufe  here  a  man  fees  an  end  of  his  finful  way,  and  of  all  his  delights 
which  have  bound  him  up  in  the  bonds  of  fecuricy ;  a  foft  bed,  and  an  eaiie 
pillow,  andmuch  feeding  in  a  place  of  reft,  will  procure  much  flecping;  the 
heart  of  a  man  would  never  be  fecqre,  if  it  had  not  fome  delight  or  other  to 
quiet  it  felf  withal ;  now  at  Chrifts  coming  there  is  an  end  of  it,  then  a  man 
is  ftript  naked  of  all  hisgreatnefs  and  honor,  friends,  bleflings;  and  when  a 
man  fees  an  end,  and  is  come  to  an  end  of  a  finful  way,  now  all  a  mans  delights 
and  hopeg  perifh ;  thebeoinning  of  a  ftnful  courfe  is  fweet  and  beautiful(like  pi- 
<5^ures  feen  afar  off  beautiful)but  the  end  is  gal  and  vvoormwood;for  every  finful 
fecure  courfe  is  fweet  in  appearance,or  indeed ;  if  only  in  hope,and  conception 
(as  in  a  dream  )  when  the  end  comes,  all  a  mans  hopes  perilh.  If  indeed  it 
hath  been  fweet,  now  there's  the  more  grief;  now  my  heart,  my  life,  my  blood 
muft  be^  taken  from  me,  and  what  profit  is  there  now  in  this  my  flubborn  way  / 
when  a  man  is  finking,  and  the  boat  is  breaking,  what  a  miferable  wretch  now. 
Lord  help  !  hence£x^4;7«  ?i6.when  an  end  is  come,now  they  f^ing  their  filver  in 
theftreets;  Oh  the  ftumbling-bldck  of  mine  iniquity,  verfe  18, 19.  novtthey 
(haHfeek^  -peace  and  fhall  not  find  ity  verfe  2  ^.  now  thej  fhall  feek^  a  vifon  of 
the  Prof  hit  ^  verfe  26.  Like  a  man  that  is  drawn  into  a  fair  way,  and  is  out  of 
that  his  way,  when  he  comes  to  an  end,  and  is  forfaken  of  all  and  left  in  a  wood, 
now  what's  the  profit  ?    . 

Becaufe  at  his  coming  there  is  the  entrance  and  pafTage  into  eternity,  and 
into  an  eternal  ftate  of  weal  or  wo ;  now  though  the  apprshenfion  of  the  end  of 
a  fecure  (inful  way,  may  and  will  awaken,  yet  when  eternity  is  apprehended  it 
will  amaze  j  for  this  time  is  but  a  little  fpring  or  river  which  runs  into 
j  eternity,  and  carries  all  men  living  down  with  it  to  eternity  .•  Now 
j  when  men  fee  an  end  of  time,  and  the  beginning  of  eternity ,  and  them- 
felves  pofling  thereto ,  it  is  as  when  a  man  fees  himfetf  floating  upon  the  waters, 
'  where  there's  no  bottom,  and  all  ftay  gone,  though  he  harh  been  long  fecure, 
now  he  will  cry  out  if  he  fees  ic.  It  is  with  men  now,  as  it  is  with  thofe  thac 
are  ready  to  be  caft  down  from  fome  Towr,  it  makes  the  heart  tremble ,  oh  ! 
where  fhal  I  alight !  oh  it's  impoflfible  but  if  men  do  apprehend  ererniry,and  rh?c 
alfo  near  unto  them,bucit  will  awaken  them  j  it  will  make  a  ftout,  ftony-hearted- 
Saulio  run  to  Urim ;  it  will  make  Kings  and  Prince'?  run  to  Monafteries,  and 
men  to  Cells  and  Deferts ;  It  will  make  ttie  proudert  Felix  tremble  wher  Pattl 
reafonsof  Judgement  to  come.  It's  ufuallythe  firft  thing  that  doth  awaken 
the  people  of  God ;  eternity  doth  amaze  them,  and  them  that  have  fallen  to  all 
lafcivioufhefs.    Oh  eternity  / 

Becaufe  of  the  terror  at  the  coming  of  the  Lord ;  %jvel.  SMt.  to  them 

that 


that  be  urprovideda'^d  unprepared;  hence  ic  is,  and  will  be,  when  an  evil  is 
j  near,  fear  vviJ!  flie  out :  Men  as  men  will  do  ic,  unlefs  they  be  walking  blocks 
and  bruits.     For, 

1.  Then  they  are  to  ftand  naked  before  the  Lord  fo  great  and  holy. 

2.  Then  they  l"h.il!  have  all  their  fins  fet  in  order,  T/^/. 50.21.  and  efpeci- 
ally  thole  fecrec  fins  which  they  never  faw,  and  whereby  they  did  perfe6l  their 
own  perdition. 

3.  Then  the  final  fentence  paft,  never  to  be  recalled  again,  and  they  lliall 
know  it ;  for  if  there  might  be  a  day  to  repent,  then  fome  hope ;  but  i£  not,  oh 
this  awakens. 

I  4.  Then  robe  furrendred  up  into  the  hands  of  Devils,  to  be  kept  by  that 
Jaylor  inprifon,  l  Pet.^.ip.  nntil  the  coming  of  the  great  day  i  nnd  fo  to  be 
kept  in  their  curtody,  andtobe  intheirfellowlLip,  looking  back,  and  mourn- 
ing for  time  mif-fpent,  looking  to  time  to  come,  lliortiy  to  meet  my  body,  and 
then  Lo  be  parted  for  ever  from  the  Lord  !  oh  wiien  this  evil  is  apprehended^  it 
wili  awaken  a  man  to  fearch  and  look  about  him. 


SECT.     IIL 

Encefeea  great  caufe  of  the  deep  and  long  fecurity  of  many  a  man,  and 
that  in  Virgin-Churches  under  all  awakening  means  ,  Ordinances  and 
Providences  of  God;  men  put  far  from  them  this  day  of  death,  and  time  of 
Chrifts  coming,  they  think  feldom  of  ir,  come  not  near  to  ic,  nor  make  icnear 
to  them  ;  fomedme  they  complain  of  a  dead  fluggiih  fpiric,  fecure  heart,  and 
yet  remain  fo,  and  wonder  fometime  at  the  reafon  of  it  why  it  fhould  be  fo  ; 
why  ?  this -is  one  reafon  of  it,  either  you  think  not  of  this  coming  of  the  Lord, 
or  fee  it'  not  near,  even  at  the  door,  but  number  many  days  to  your  felves , 
and  this  is  the  caufe  of  it,  you  do  not  lodge  in,  nay  look  to  your  Coffins,  and 
walk  to  your  graves  fide  often,  and  fo  Ihnd  there  and  hear  the  cry,  and  fee  the 
Lord  a  coming  ;  there  will  be  more  in  what  I  fay  than  what  you  fee  at  firft  blulli 
of  this  truth ;  bat  this  I  k' low,  and  the  Word  proves  it,  univerfal  fecurity  arifech 
from  hence.     Asforinftance. 

1.  Why  do  men  minde  the  things  of  the  world  fo  much  ?  that  there  is 
fuch  care  for  them,  fuch  eager  defire  after  them ,  that  many  times  prayer  is  neg- 
le6led, Sabbaths  neglected,  when  wiil  they  be  at  an  end  /  God  negle6led,  Souls 
of  wife,  children  fervants ,  a  mans  own  foul  negleded  and  overgrown  with 
nettles;  that  there  is  fuch  an  high  opinion,  dreams  of  worldly  goods ,  and 
when  a  man  hath  them,  then  at  ref^ ;  b^caufe,  with  the  glutcon,  they  think  they 
have  goods  for  many  a  year ;  and  hence  we  lliall  fee  when  a  man  wak^ch,  death 
is  "ear  to  him  ^  and  wh^n  it  is  near  to  a  man ,  now  he  thinks  he  hath  been 
deceived  in  a'l  the  things  of  thevvbrld,  that  they  are  not  good  for  him,  i  CcrA 
7.29.  The  time  is  [k'ort,  and  the  fajhion  of  the  world  fajfeth  awny.  Nothing  j 
makes  thefe  things  fo  fought  after  and  good'but  only  efteem  •,  nOxV  this  is  be- 
caufe  m.en  look  only  to  things  prefent. 

2.  Why  do  mens  hearts  fink  with  the  meannefs  of  thefr  outward  condition, 
^and  thetroablesof  it .?  (for  thisisfecuriry  )  itisbecaufe  of  thi%  theyQoi:^ot 
j  remember  the  nearnefs  of  the  coming  of  the  Lord ;  it  is  but  a  little  while  lon- 
.;  ger,  and  then  the  God  I  have  chofen  wiil  alone  befvveet,  andhe  will  make  me 
\  amends  for  all  my  troubles,  and  therefore  let  me  bear  up  my  head  alittle  while. 
\^^fd.-i,g.  when  I^^wWj  heart  began  to  be  troubled  by  feeing  others  profperity, 
'■  his  own  mifcry.  Lord  ('faith  he)  mf^kl  me  to  kjfow  my  end  and  the  meafure  of  my 

daysy  fnine  age  is  as  an  hand  breadth ;  hence  ver.7.  Lord  rshat  ho-pe  I  for  ?  truly 
my  hope  is  in  thee. Gg  g  5.  Why 


Vf^U 


50 


The  F arable  of  the  Ten  Virgim^ 


Jer.  9.20523. 


3.  Why  are  menpuftup  with  their  own  excellencies^  and  filled  with  fuch 
pride  and  high  conceits  oF  themfelves,  fometimcs  of  their  beaucyj  fon-.edmes 
of  their  apparel,  fometime  their  friends,  fometime  their  eileem,  and  they 
value  themfelves  much  by  this?  men  confider  not  the  coming  of  the  Lord, 
which  fhall  ftain  the  pride  of  all  glory,  Ija.2  3 . 8.  and  that  this  time  is  near. 

4.  Why  do  people  complain  they  cannot  prize  the  Lord  or  his  Ordinances 
'  as  they  could  ?  why  do  rnen  on  their  death-beds  then  prize  ir,  then  pray,  then 
ihear?  then  oh  a  little  mercy,  then  fend  for  Mofesy  then  the  Lord  is  righte- 
ous; and  if  he  fhew  mercy,  never  fuch  a  pattern  as  I,  becaufenow  death  and 
Chrirts  coming  is  near .-  you  do  therefore  undervalue  the  gain  of  Ordinances, 
becaufe  of  this  ^  if  you  did,  you  would  glory  in  nothing  but  the  Lord,  Jcr.  g. 
21,23. 

5.Why  do  men  go  up  and  down  without  any  alfurance  of  the  Lords  Iove,or 
the  truth  of  any  grace,  and  thatafcer  conviction  ?  why  do  men  upon  their  death- 
beds feek  for  it,  and  then  fall  a  fearching,  and  then  open  their  eOates,  and 
thendelire  peace?  becaufe  the  coming  of  the  Lord  is  near;  you  put  the  day 
of  the  Lord  far  from  you ;  if  you  favv  it  near,  you  would  get  On  your  armor 
in  readinefs  againft  the  day  of  battel ;  if  your  Husband  be  at  door,  you  would  ''et 
on  your  apparel,  Tp/.  89.  46,47,49. 

(5.  Why  is  fo  much  time  fpent  unfruitfully,  that  a  Chriftan  is  not  abundant 
in  doing  and  receiving  good  ?  who  is  the  better  for  thy  fpeeches,  for  thy  prayers, 
for  thy  example  ?  when  il^tf/^j  P/<«/.  90.  had  numbered  mens  days,  then  v.  17. 
fiai>iljh  thoHthe  work^of  oHr  hands  upon  m  ;  Look  upon  a  Chriftianat  lirftcon- 
veriion,  he  thinks  he  fliall  not  live  long ;  it's  ftrange  to  fee  what  prayers,  what 
tears;  how  fruitful,  howdiligent  he  is;  Oh  therefore  fee  your  fore  this  day! 
'tis  nigh  almoft,  O  therefore  up  and  be  doing. 


S  E  C  T.    IV. 

OH  therefore,  if  ever  you  would  be  freed  from  this  i]ife6lious,  this  damning 
fin  and  plague  of  fecurity,  make  the  coming  of  the  Lord  near  unro  you , 
and  come  you  near  unto  it,  be  ever  near  it;  number  your  days,  they  are  foon 
told  over,  and  often  think  of  your  latter  end  when  the  Bridegroom  comes  ; 
for  this  will  awaken  you  out  of  your  fecure  fits,  and  make  you  fall  hard  to 
your  work. 

Firft,  This  will  make  you  do  much  work  for  the  Lord  in  a  little  tinje. 
when  okofes  was  to  be  gathered  to  his  Fathers ,  now  he  provides  for  the 
Church,  now  he  inflru<5ls  the  people  more  than  ever  concerning  their  e- 
ftates,  &c. 

Secondly,  It  will  be  very  fweet ;  it  is  but  a  very  little  while  though  it 
be  bitter,  and  it  will  put  ftrength  to  do  it ;  work  is  wearifom  for  vvanc  of 
ftrength ;  fo  Chrift's  work  is  wearifom,  becaufe  we  want  i[lrength ;  now  this  doth 
put  ftrength  into  the  foul,  Jam,%.%yg. 

Thirdly,  It  will  be  very  glorious ;  works  even  of  dying  men  are  very 
glorious  and  fuccefsful  ;  Speeches  of  living  (  yet  dying  Chriflians  )  fink 
deep ;  for  then  God  is  near  unto  us  when  we  are  near  untp  him,  and  fee 
things  as  they  are ;  and  hence  fuch  fpeeches  are  commonly  bleft  to  men;  the 
fpeeches  and  works  and  carriages  of  Gh rift  were  never  fo  glorious,  aswhei^ 
mQft  near  his  end. 


SECT.  V„ 


opened  and  Applied. 


SECT,    V. 


Objea. 


Ut  Jhofild  a  Chrifjlati  in  Chrlfir  ufe  this  as  a  motive  to  fiir  ap  his 
heart,  or  no  ?  this  is  mockery^  this  T hi lofophy  fends  men  to  ;  doth  Di- 
vinity do  fo>  a  ChriJIian  mt^fi  he  aBed  by  love^  not  fear. 

\Anfyo.\,  That  which  God  hath  fanctified  for  this  end  we  may  make  ufe  of 
for  the  attainment  of  it ;  now  God  hath  fanftified  affli^ions,  death,  and  the 
fear  of  them  for  this  end,  to  awaken  the  fecure  (inner;  Jehofaphat  £s:a.rs  and 
,  proclaimeth  a  fall ;  Noah  feared  and  built  an  Ark  ,•  Chrift  himfelf  to  the  Church 
of  S^.rdis  (to  awaken  her)  profeffeth /jc^  w^///  corneas  a  thief  in  the  night  (nd- 
^eidl^zVtl.l.  If  the  heavens  (hall  be  dijfolvedy  what  manner  of  perfons  [konld 
we  "br.^JzAs  tru^,  it  is  hypocrifie  for  a  man  to  be  led  only  by  fear ;  but  it  is  pro- 
phanefs  (theoriginalof  the  Sadducesj  not  to  be  terrified  at  all  ,•  it  is  not  hy- 
pocrifie to  be  awakened  partly  by  fear  to  the  apprehenfion  of  thefe  things ;  for 
God  hath  fan^ified  them  for  this  end,  and  though  thefe  do  not  work  grace 
(where  there  was  none  before)  barely,  yet  the  awakening  of  confcience,  is 
that  whereby  the  Lord  prepares  for  grace;  and  this  is  good  in  its  kinde ;  and 
it  ftirs  up  grace  where  it  was  before,  as  here  this  cry  makes  the  Virgins  to  kindle 
their  oyl,  and  fet  that  a  burning. 

Objedtion  2.  But  the  time  is  not  near  -,  Should  I  apprehend  an  un- 
truth > 

Jnfw.  It  may  be  'tis  near ;  the  apprehenfion  of  this  is  not  falfe,  and  this  the 
Lord  gives  verfe  i  g.  as  the  ground  of  conftant  watch,  for  you  l^now  not  when  he 
comes ;  now  if  men  love  their  goods,  they  will  watch. 

2.  It  is  near ;  if  you  had  but  wiCdom  to  fee  into  eternity,  and  the  nature  of 
tim.e,  you  would  fay  fo  alfo,P/<«/.^o.4.  -^  thoufand  years  are  bm  as  jefierday^ 
and  as  a  watch  in  the  night,  Verf.5.our  time  is  as  a  fleep,  fhort  and  vain.  Ver.6. 
it  is  but  as  a  flovver  of  one  days  glory ;  nay,  it  is  but  as  a  thought,  verf.c?.  It  is 
fo  when  you  fee  things  as  they  are,  and  you  will  account  it  fo.  Oh  therefore 
lee  me  beg  this  of  you,  make  Chrifts  coming,  and  death  near  to  you,  that  you 
may  be  delivered  from  your  dead  palfies,  deep  flumbers,  and  dying  fick  fleeps ; 
efpecially  feeing  the  figns  of  the  Lords  coming  to  reckon  with  you,  do  you 
think  toefcape?  Makers  that  betrutt  Servants  with  moft,  will  they  call  o:hers 
to  account,  to  whom  they  have  betrufted  lefs ,  and  not  you  f  what  people 
under  heaven  be  trufted  withmore  mercies  and  liberties  than  we !  and  do  you 
think  he  is  gone  to  a  far  Country,  and  will  never  return?  He  let  Palatine  and 
other  Churches  enjoy  the  means  long,  hefummonsthem  to  an  account  by 
famine,  fword,  andpeftilence,  wildebeafo,  and  cruel  Souldiers;  andfhallhe 
never  ride  in  his  circuit  this  way^?  yes  verily :  Do  you  boafi  in  the  goodly  ftones 
of  this  Temple?  If  the  Lord  by  your  fecurity  be  defpifed,  and  his  Meflengers, 
and  Ordinances,  and  Kingdom,  he  will  not  leave  one  ftone  tipon  another : 
When  Will  this  be  ?  not  yet :  that's  true ;  yet  awake  at  the  figns  of  it,  Mat. 2^. 
WarSy  rumors  of  TvarSyfamineyaerthquakeSy  deceivers  that  iome  in  the  name  of 
Chrifi  y  Afoflacy  ef  Prefejforsy  whence  manv  com^  to  be  offended -^  Dlvifons 
and  fcatterings  of  one  Brother  again  ft  another  ^  Inicjuity  abounding  in  the 
Worldy  and  Love  growing  ccld  in  Chwches  ;  If  thefe  be  not-  amongft  us  now> 
we  have  the  lefs  caufe  to  fear ;-  if  fo,  have  we  not  caufe  to  awake  one  hour 
confideringour  time  is  nigh  1  if  not,  yet  Chrifts^time  is  nigh  of  coming  to  par- 
ticular perfons. 


&   D 


SECT.  VL 


5^ 


5' 


The  F arable  of  the  Ten  Virgim, 


SECT.    VI. 

Que(l.rTO»7  fhall  I  make  it  near  ? 

li    Anfw.  Truly  till  the  Lord  teach  us  the  number  of  our  days,  we  can 
never  doit:  yet  three  things  do; 

Firft,  Convince  thy  foul  of  the  fin  and  evil  of  looking  after  to  morrow, 
and  reaching  after  that  time  which  is  to  come,  Trot/.  27.1.  i.  It  is  none  of 
thine.  1.  Nothing  draws  the  heart  fo  much  from  God.  3.  You  will  never 
find  what  you  expert  hence;  thefe  are  lying  vanities,  therefore  come  not  to 
thefe  wells. 

Secondly,  Either  thou  wanteft  alTurance,  then  fear  his  coming,  for  fear 
will  make  mifery  prefenr,  and  fo  awaken  ;  and  hope  (  e  contra )  good  prefenc: 
Or  thon  haft  affurance ;  then  love  his  coming ,  fee  all  thy  good  wrapt  up  there ; 
and  love  will  make  things  abfent  beloved,  andprefent  comfort  in  the  thoughts 
of  them  ;  as  wicked  men  that  love  the  things  of  this  life,  and  are  in  certain 
hopes  to  have  them,  they  oft  rejoyce  in  the  hopes ;  becaufe  the  good  is  prefenr, 
they  reckon  upon  ic  as  theirs  already. 

Thirdly,  See  how  near  you  are  unto  the  Lord  Jefus :  1  -.  That  you  are  made 
for  the  Lord,  not  to  enjoy  thefe  things ;  they  are  made  for  you,  and  not  you 
to  ferve  them  ;  becaufe  God  hath  called  you  out  of  this  world,  from  the  grave, 
hell,  fin,  to  life-  now  thenextisgloTy,2Cor.5.g,4,5. 

2.  That  now  there's  nothing  but  thy  breath,  thy  body  between  thee  and  Je- 
fus Chrift-,  when  thisfhellis  broken,  thou  art  with  the  Lord,  and  ihak  fee 
him-  with  open  face ;  this  will  make  you  look  for  the  day  of  delivery. 


^  w  « 


flfff?^?!?:' 


r? 


^QCq 


CHAP.  IX. 


Of  Chri^ianSytrimming  theirJ^amps;  and  how 
bolinejs  is  the  Chrifiiany  glory. 


SECT.    I. 

And  trimmed  their  Lamps, 

H  E  word  (  hK,Qay.naa.v )  fignifies  adornedjbeautified  their  lamps, 
made  clean  or  cleanfed ;  It  is  the  fame  word  which  is  ufed 
I  Tim.i.g,  Womens  adorning  let  it  not  he  with  fearlsyi^^t  good 
yporkj. 

Quefi.  what  is  the  glory  of  the  Lamp  ? 
jinfw.  Firft,  when  the  fikh  is  vyiped  away,  which  did  de« 
file  it. 

Secondly,  When  oyl  is  gotten,  and  the  lamp  is  lighted ;  now  its  in  its  full 
trim  as  it  was  at  firft  when  they  went  out ;  whilft  they  were  fleeping ,  their 
lamps  not  being  looked  into,began  to  lofe  their  fhining  glory ;  now  they  recover 
them.  Objed. 


opened  and  Afplied. 


53 


Objedt.  l^ut  hoiv  came  the  foolljh  to  trim  their  Lamps? 

Anfw,  They  did  endeavor  it,  and  did  fomething  that  way,  as  is  apparent 
fi-om  the  context,  and  fo  they  trimmed  them  fo  far  as  they  could  reach ;  but 
the  compleat  and  full  adorning  of  them  was  this  of  the  wife.  And  therefore 
look  as  by  oyl  in  the  veffel  is  meant  the  eternal  anointing  of  the  Spirit  of 
grace  within,  fo  by  lliining is  meant  the  glorious  profeilion  arifing  from  it, 
as  the  adorning  of  women,  i  Tlm.^.g.  is  their  holy  converfation. 

That  the  Spirit  of  holine[i  abiding  in  the  hearts^  and  (hining  in  the  lives  of 
Saints  J  it  is  their  excellency  ^  ornament  and  glory '  This  adorns  the  Virgins  lamps  ; 
through  fecurity  they  began  to  lofe  their  glory  -,  Now  when  they  prepare  their 
lamps,  they  adorn  tkeir  lamps ;  and  this  is  their  glory. — —• • 

^Cor.:i^.ult.  We  are  changed  into  the  fame  image  from  glory  to  glory  ;  grace 
and  holinefs  is  glory.  Ephef.^.zj.  Chrif^prefentsa  glorious  Chu'rch ;  where- 
in ?  without  (pot  or  wrinckje^  and  holy  before  the  Lord,  i  Th^Jf.^.^.  Sanguifica- 
tion and  honor  are  joyned  together. 


SECT.     II. 


Qiieft. 


Hat  Spirit  of  holinefs  is  It  which  'ts  a  Chrijlians  glory  ? 

e^^/w'.It  is  not  every  patcht  profeffion'of  holinefs  which  is  a 
Chriftians  true  glory  ;  for  by  what  means  is  the  name  of  God  more  blafphe- 
med  by  the  wicked  of  the  world, than  by  thofe  that  profefs  holinefs,yet  break  out 
into  fcandalous  Cms  \  Rom.2.i/i..it'is  a  wonder  if  aprophane  man  be  good  a 
little  ',  but  it  is  a  greater  wonder  and  fcandal  if  a  profeffor  be  bad  a  little.  Nei- 
ther is  it  a  moft  glorious  appearance  of  holinefs ;  this  is  deceit,  craft,  and  hy- 
pocrifie,  not  a  glory :  A  Stage-player  that  a6ls  the  part  of  a  King,  wants  the 
Iglory  of  a  King  ^  and  hence  Paul  oppofech  himfelf  to  thefe,  2  Cor. ^.i2»  But 
■when  there  is  firli  an  exemplary  holinefs,  arifing  fecondly,  from  the  fulnefs  of 
the  Spirit  of  grace  within,  as  here  in  the  Virgins,  a  fhining  profeilion  from 
an  inward  Spirit,  when  Chrift  hath  attained  the  end-of  offering  up  himfelf,  that 
men  are  a  peculiar  people  ^  z^ealom  of  g&od  workj  :  Suppofe  the  lamp  doth  burn, 
yet  if  not  for  the  end  it  was  made,  fo'  that  a  man  can  fcarcely  fee  his  way,  nor 
others  by  it,  its  glory  is  much  ioli:  Now  the  end  of  the  ^irit  of  holinefs 
is  this,  the  end  of  Cfarift's  death  and  miniftery  is  this;  ?/:>//.  2. 13, 14.  ^nd 
though  they  may  fpeak  evil,  yet  i  Pet.2,12,  they  may  glorifle  God  in  that  (^ay ; 
when  it  is  with  men  as  it  is  with  thofe,  Zach.^.nlt,  We  have  feen  God  u  in  you-^ 
when  a  man  maintains  a  fleepy  carelefs  profeffion  and  name,  the  lamp  now 
wants  its  trim ;  when  lamps  are  put  under  bulTiels,  they  lofe  their  glory. 

Qiieft.  2.  Before  whsm  is  th?.^  their  glory  ? 

^nfvi>.i.  Before  the  eyes  of  God  the  Father,  foh.i2.26.  He  that  fhallferve 
me-i  him  jhallmy  Father  honor  j  and  though  the  world  honor  them  not,  yet  they 
{hall  be  fpe(3:ators  of  it. 

2.  Before  Jefus  Chrift  his  eyes,  Tfal.^^.ii.  Forget  thy  country^  and  thy 
fathers  hotife^  fo  the  Kins'  (hall  taJ^e  pleafure  in  thy  beauty. 

3.  Before  all  the  people  of  God  themfelves,  2  T/;.^/;  1.4,5.  ^^  that  we 
glory  of  you  among  all  the  Churches  ;  every  one  will  be  fpeakingof  fuch  ;  oh 
there's  one  of  a  thoufand ;  hardly  iKall  you  go  into  his  company  but  you  fhall 
get  fome  good,  and  life,  and  heat  from  hirn. 

4.  Before  Hypocrites  many  times,  who  of  all  others  are  the  greateft  haters 
of  the  ways  of  holinefs  and  the  power  of  godlinefs-  hence  Herod,  Mar. 6.20. 
loved  fohn,  becaufe  a  holy  man,  notbecaufeadeepScholhr,  or  a  great  man; 

hence 


Obferva  ■ 
tion  2. 


54 


Jer.  33.  9. 


Ifa.  $6.  f. 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins^ 

1  hence,  while  Joihua  and  the  Elders  live,  the  people  ferve  the  Lord;  and 
1  while  Jehoiada  lives,  JoAJh  is  forward  i  the  greateft  Monarchs  fall  down 
I  here. 

5.  In  the  eyes  of  bad  men,  andhenceCD^«f.4.6,7.  when  they  kept  the  Sta- 
tutes of  the  Lord,  what  nation  fo  great,  as  hath  fuch  Laws,  and  fo  wife  alfo  / 
this  is  their  glory  before  all  the  world,  atleaft  in  the  confciences  of  all  men, 
which  is  their  better  part,  2  Cor. 1^.11.  we  are  mam  fe ft-  in  their  con[cieMC£s ', 
and  hence  the  worft  fay  often,  if  all  were  fuch  as  they  are,  &c. 
Queft.3.^/»f»  ii  it  their  glory  } 

Anfw.i.  In  this  life  fas  hath  been  already  fliewed)  in  midft  of  re- 
proaches, the  Spirit  of  glory,  i  P^f.4.14.  in  midft  of  weakneifes,  Davids 
heart  was  perfect. 

2.  At  the  great  and  laft  day  5  let  a  man  by  his  wifdom,  conquefts,  excellen- 
cies get  himfelf  a  name,  yet  when  death  comes,  his  glory  perifheth ;  if  in  doth 
laft,  yet  not  long;  the  greateft  Monarchs  have  been  like  a  mighty  wind,  filled 
the  world  with  a  noife  for  a  time,  and  then  down  ^  but  at  the  laft  day,  then  Oh 
their  iliame,  what  everlafting  contempt  {hall  they  arife  unto  !  But  this  fhall  be 
our  glory  at  the  laft  day,  1  Pet.  i.  5,6,7.  which  jh all  be  to.  glory  and  ^rmfe  at 
the  commitig  of  our  Lord ;  and  it  is  faid ,  the»  JhaJl  the,  righteous  jhihe  as 
the  Sun ;  and  then  all  the  world  [ioall  ftand  and  admire^  and  wonder  At  them. 
And 

3.  Throughout  all  eternity  this  fliall  be  their  gl^^ry,  even-«;^  everUfling 
name  unto  them^  better  than  the  name  of  Sons  and  Daughters ;  when  the  wick- 
ed ftiall  fee  them  all  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  aad  gnaih  their  teeth,  that  them- 
felves  are  fhut  out,  when  the  Lord  and  his  Saints  ftiall  take  infinite  delight  one 
in  another,  jL»/^.  12.37. 


SEC  T.    III. 

Qi^eft.4.T  .7  T  7*  <H)'  is  this  a  Chrifiians  gkrf^  excellency,  and  honor  ? 

V  V  Anfw.i,  In  regard  of  the  bafenefs  of  other  things  where- 
in men  do  ufe  to  glory;  the  wife  man  in  his  wifdom,  the  ftrohg  man  in  his 
ftrengch,  the  rich  man  in  his  wealth :  There  are  Three  things  which  make  thefe 
bafe. 

Firft,  Thefe  things  make  a  man  not  the  more  to  be  accepted  of  God;  tfoe 
Lord  refpe^ls  not,  values  not  the  worth  of  any  man  by  thefe  things;  and  to 
make  all  the  world  know  this,  he  jiaineth  the  -pride  of  all  alorjyZndchufeththe 
foor  andfoolifh  things  of  the  world  to  confound  the  wife  \  a  vvife  man  will  ne- 
ver refpeS:  the  horfe  the  more  becaufe  it  carries  ftore  of  rich  treafures,  he  will 
not  fall  down  and  reverence  it  for  this;  hang  Swine  about  with  pearls,  who 
honors  them  the  more .?  and  will  a  wife  God  refpe6t  a  man  the  more  for  thefe 
things  ?  I  P^t.3.5.  What  is  that  that  is  of  great  price  with  God  ?  Holinefs  is  of 
great  price  with  God :  And  what  though  all  the  world  honor  a  man,  and  a  man 
honoreth  himfelf,  while  this  is  wanting  f 

Secondly,  All  thefe  things  leave  a  man  dead  under  the  reign  of  Satan, 
povyer  of  his  fin  and  dominion  of  death ;  and  hence  Jer.9,24.  Let  no  man  glo- 
ry inhiswifdom^&c.  Death  is  entred  into  your  windows ;  take  any  bondman 
bound  with  fetters  ( though  golden  )  doth  any  man  account  him  the  more 
glorious?  a  Prince  that  is  made  a  vafial  and  Have  to  every  bafe  fellow,  is  he 
the  more  glorious  ?  no:  So  whiles  men  lye  under  the  reign  of  death;  ftick  a 
man  that  is  dead  with  flowers,  what  is  he  the  more  glorious?  alas  no!  his  life 
IS  gone;  now  the  Spirit  of  holinefs  is  called  the  Spirit  of  life,  even  of  the 

life 


opened  and  Applied. 


life  tbac  never  iliallclye,  &om.^*  And  therefore  as  ic  is  faid  of  a  Flye,  there  is 
more  excellency  in  a  Gnat  than  in  a  Cedar,  than  in  the  glorious  heaven,  be- 
caufeithath  life,  which  the  other  hath  not ;  fo  though  men  wonder  an  the 
goodly  trappings  of  wicked  men ,  yet  the  pQorefl  and  moft  defpifed  Chriiii- 
I  an  ,  that  hath  the  Spirit  of  life,  is  more  glorious. 

Thirdly,  Becaufe  tbefe  things  only  purchafe  the  more  credit  and  honor  in 
the  eyes  of  men,  and  that  of  wicked  men ;  for  i  Cor.  5.  lo.  m  k?ow  no  man  af- 
ter the  flejh ;  if  they  do,  ic  is  that  which  they  account  themfelves  hearts  and 
fools  for,  us  "David  did,  PfaL-j^.  And  what  is  the  honor  of  man?  ic  is  the 
bafert  thing  that  is ;  for  it  is  that  which  is  without  a  man,  it  is  no  excellency 
within  the  man;  icis  but  the  thoughts  of  a  mans  head  and  heart,  than  which, 
what  more  vai  ^  what  more  mutable  ?  nay,  'tis  but  the  dreams  of  a  mans  head, 
for  they  are  miftakes :   If  all  the  town  iliould  dream  another  vvas  a  King,  who 
yet  were  indeed  a  Beggar  (  which  when  they  awake  they  fee  j  what  were  he  the 
better  for  this  ?    PW,  aCor.u.z^.  how  he  doth  glory  in  priviledges,  which 
were  better  and  more  goodly  hangings  than  thefe  1  this  (  faith  he)  /  ifeak^  as 
fool',  and  what  be  thefe  a  Chriftians  glory?  nofurely. 
Ak[w.i,  Becaufe  that  is  a  Chriftians  glory  v\hich  is  Chrifts  glory. 
Firft,  It  is  that  glory  wherein  theglory  of  Chrirtconrifts,/y^/.4<j.i.  Thoft 
art  fairer  than  the  children  of  men^  fn^of  grace  is  thy  lip  j  and  2  Cor.-^.n-lt, 
into  the  fame  Image  from  glry  to  glory :  Indeed  Chriit's  greatnefs  ingovern^ 
ing  the  world  is  his  glory,  but  it  is  becaufe  it  is  mixt  with  fuch  holinefs,  //"t.^. 
1,2,  ^.  T htL2.%yg.he  h^.mhled  hlmfelf ^znd  this  hath  given  him  a  name,and  ihall 
be  his  name  for  ever ;  this  is  that  vyhieh  makes^  the  Lord  Jefus  lovely  and  ami* 
able  in  the  eyes  of  all  his  people,  Rev.  15.4.  fvho  would  mtfear  thee  ,  for  that 
onelyart  hoi)  i  and  fo  he  is,  for  all  the  ftars  receive  their  light  and  rfiine  with 
it,  by  this  Sun  only ;  and  fo  the  more  a  Chriftian  excels  in  this,  the  more  like 
he  is  to  Jefus  Chrift,  and  fo  more  glorious  and  lovely. 

Secondly,  This  is  that  which  gives  him  glory,  ?>.  fofaras  creatures  can, 
which  is  to  manifeft  it,  and  hence  ^  Cor.  8.2^.  which  is  the  glory  of  Chrift; 
and  hence  Ifa.^6yl^.  Ifraelis  called  the  glory  of  the  Lord;  Ifa.Sz.Zy^.  the 
righteous  is  called  the  glory ^  and  croivvy  and  diadem  In  the  hand  of  the  Lord ; 
and  as  God  is  better  than  the  Soul,  fo  this,  viz..  to  glorifie  the  Lord,  is  better 
than  to  be  glorified  by  the  Lord. 


SECT.    IV. 

HEnce  fee  one  reafoh  why  men  lofe  their  honor,  their  love  and  refpe<3:  in  the 
eyes  6f  God  and  men ;  their  judgements  are  not  reverenced,  their  perfons 
not  accepted,  their  names  and  pra6lifes  defpifed  ;  this  is  one  reafon  ^mong  the 
rett,  adecay  in  holinefs ;  the  lamp  is  defiled ,  the  light  and  luftre  of  it  go- 
ing out ,  and  who  will  reverence  it  then  ?  'tis  admirable  to  fee  the  complaints 
abroad. 

Firft,  Look  but  into  Families,  what  is  the  reafon  there  is  fo  much  difcon- 
tent  there,  that  Servants  are  weary  of  their  Mafters,  Mafters  of  their  Servants; 
and  there  is  fuch  complaints  one  of  another,  little  refpe£l  one  of  another  ?  ic 
is  for  want  of  holinefs,  power,  and  life  of  godlinefs ;  the  Maiter  faith,  the  Ser- 
vants unruly,  froward,  furly,  flothful,  unfaithful,  uncrufiy,  andmuftnotbe 
fpoken  to ;  the  Servant  faith ,  his  Mafter  is  paflionate,  unkinde,  wants  pity  eo 
his  body,  and  fometimes  ftrikes  him  without  caufe,  and  much  more  carelefs 
of  his  foul,  never  inftru6ts  him,  but  is  eaten  up  v\ith  the  world, c^r.  truly  this 
is  the  caufe,  Itfeem«  the  Lord  wrought  upon  divers  inPrimitivetim.es,  and 

the 


55 


)e  1, 


56 


The  Y  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins ^ 


Tit,  a.  10. 


the  ApoBle  gives  Servants  an  item,  that  they  may  ghrlfie  Gody  and,  adorn  ti^e 
Gafpei  of  the  Lord  Jefm  ;  how  came  J(ppp/;  into  To:ifhar's  books  >  oh,  he  was 
very  holy,  and  very  prudent  j  and  He  warrant  did  his  Ma(krs  work  baccer  when 
his  Mafter  was  abfenc  than  before,  and  prayed  for  fuccefs  in  his  bufmeis,  as  A- 
haham's  Servant.     Look  but  upon  Husband  and  Wife,  it  is  (irange  to  fee  what 
divifions  and  jars  there ;  and  what's  the  caufe  of  it.  Wife  dorh  not  honor  Huf- 
band,  nor  Husband  honor  Wife?  how  comes  this  ?  oh,  there  is  little  holinefs 
feen  in  their  private  walking  one  with  another ;  the  woman  thought  the  man 
godly  ;  had  I  known  this,  I  would  have  feen  you  a  hundred  miles  off,  &c.  the 
manalfohe  complains  of  his  wife,  I  fee  now  1  am  like  to  be  troubled  with  a 
continual  dropping,  a  very  fury  of  hell,  fo  impatient,  (and  the  next  neighbor 
hears  of  k)  nothing  can  pleafe  her ;   what's  the  reafon  of  this  ?  your  fin  makes 
your  fhame,  and  there's  the  want  of  holinefs,  i  Tet.  g.^.  man  might  be  con- 
verted by  the  Wife,  and  the  Wife  by  the  Husband  ;  not  that  it  is  always  fo,  but 
ufuallyfo. 

Secondly,  Look  into  Churches,  what  is  the  reafon  people  iofe  their  honor 
much  in  the  hearts  of  Mini{krs  ?  he  refpeds  others,bat  not  me ;  and  fomtimes 
they  think,now  he  ftrikes  at  me,and  meaneth  me,and  then  the  heart  fweils,  ^c, 
what's  the  reafon  that  P/?'^/"pfofe{feth  he  will  come  with  a  rod  am.ongthe  Co- 
rinthians  ?  theyivere  babesy  and  carnal^  and  content  lom^  andpuft  np^  little  love 
and  life  ;  and  what's  the  reafon  he  itzs  o\xti\\Q.Tkej[alomans  io}  i  ^Thejf.j.-^. 
becaufe  of  this  they  did  abound,  and  hence  com.mended  of  all  Saints;  hence 
want  of  growth  and  holinefs;  they  travel  in  birth  till  Chriii  be  formed,  and 
when  they  cannot  fee  that,  hence  they  are  in  throws  for  you  ;  what's  the  reafon 
Minifierslofe  their  glory  among  people  ?  I  confefs  'tis  not  always  for  decay 
here;  for  Jo/^^  in  prifon  did  not  Iofe  his  holinefs ;  and  hence,  when  they  de- 
fpifedhim,  Chrift  commended  him,  and  his  reward  was  with  the  Lord ;  it  was 
nota  teftimony  of  his  unholinefs,  but  a  fore-runner  of  the  end  of  his  days,  as 
well  as  of  the  end  of  his  work ;  and  hence  when  all  tAJla  forfook  Paul!^ 
2Tim.^.i6.  n  was  the  time  of  his  departing  now  at  hand'.  But  that  which  is 
the  caufe  of  it  many  times,  is  want  of  holinefs  within ;  and  hence  though  men 
fee  not,  yet  the  Lord  will  not  give  a  falfe  teftimony,  nor  let  men  do  fo ;  hence 
neither  judgements  nor  their  fpeeches  reverenced ;  or  becaufe  men  fee  not  the 
ancient  Spirit  of  holinefs,  hence  no  mourning  for  them  in  fecret,  no  holinefs 
in  fpeechcs,  they  fmell  of  the  field,  not  walking  as  patterns  before  them,  Mai. 
2.8,9.  ^'^t  caring  for  the  fiock^  which  Chrifi  hath  pnr chafed  with  his  own  blood. 
What's  the  reafon  there  is  that  complaint  of  want  of  love  one  man  to  an- 
other, one  member  to  another,  who  are  bound  by  covenant  to  it,  fuch  jars,  di- 
vifions ?  &c.  Truly  nothing  makes  fo  firm  an  union  between  man  and  man 
as  holinefs  and  grace ,  this  tieth  the  knot ;  and  it  is  not  holinefs  hid ,  but 
now  feen 
elfe  fuch  fmall  things  lliould  make  it 


it  not  being  feen',  hence  comes  all  your  breaches,  its  impoffible 

Oh  a  tender  heart  and  the  life  of 
Chrift  is  not  indeed  feen ;  a  holy  man  exa6l  Ihiall  never  want  love,  that  in  every 
company  fcatters  fomething,  that  like  Chirft ,  goes  up  and  down  doing  good, 
healing  the  difeafes  of  mens  hearts ;  there's  a  man  I  could  dye  with  him  in  my 
very  bofom :  I  am  perfwaded  the  decay  of  holinefs  in  the  lives  of  men  ,  is 
the  caufe  why  San6lification  is  queftioned  as  an  evidence  of  Juftification ;  and 
hence  divifion. 

Thirdly,  Look  abroad  into  the  world,  what  is  the  reafon  the  Churches  lye 
among  the  pots,  and  are  foiled  with  fo  m.any  difgraces,  that  though  we  be  the 
people  of  the  Lord,  yet  we  are  not  called  fo?  why,  jars,  divifions,  earthli- 
nefs,  want  of  love  and  mercy,  murmurings,Iofs  of  former  life.  When  Jews 
are  fhining  with  the  glory  of  God,  Kings  and  all  Nations  ftiali  bring  in  their 
glory  to  them;    Oh  confiderthis!  fin  doth  make  you  vile  in  Gods  eyes  and 

mans 


opened  and  Affiled. 


I     57 


mans  eyes:  Many  complain  they  cannot  be  refpefted,  nor  received;  this  k 
th^  caufe  of  it,  you  excell  noc  here ;  others  take  notice  of  yotir  unriohteouf- 
nefs,  unholinefs  of  life ;    there's  fome  evil  in  their  bargaining  and  buying,  and 
ill  language  from  the  people  of  God.  Oh  therefore  go  home  and  lament  this 
asilie.  The  £/ory  of  God  is  departed  from  Ifrael^  fodoyou  here. 


I  S  E  C  T.    V. 

HEnce  fee  when  the  Lord  doth  honor  us  to  do  his  work,  what  little  caufe 
there  is  to  feek  honor  of  men  (  nay  though  all  the  worlds  glory  be  taken 
from  you)  becaufeit  is  honor  enough  to  do  the  Lords  wo rJs ;  would  you  have 
more  honor  than  Chrift  f  this  was  his  beauty,  glory,  and  honor  j  God  hath  an 
everlafting  name  for  you,  though  you  have  difgrace  by  ir,  nay  though  nofuc- 
cefs,  yet  Ifa.^^.  ^.glorious  In  the  Lords  eye :  Oh  it  was  a  fweec  courfe  of  Bar^ky 
jHdg.^.g.  thoH  (hale  lofe  honor  ;  that's  all  one,  faid  {he.  Let  me  do  the  Lords  work^^ 
though  it  be  in  a  difficult  work  of  purfuing  the  Lords  enemies  •,  what  profit 
have  you  on  the  other  fide,  when  you  feek  it  in  your  pitchers  f  what  company  ? 
&c.  this  was  Sauls  fin,  l  Sam.  i  f.30.  Oh  worjhip  and  honor  me  neverthclefs 
this  time  before  the  people ;  it's  his  reward,  and  it's  the  Devils  fin  to  be  pufc  up ; 
thispuH'd  down  Nehuchadnez^ari  Herod  was  fmotewith  worms,  bccmfe  he 
gave  not  glory  to  ^od^  but  took  it  to  himfelf;  it  was  a  heavy  fpeiech  to  £//, 
I  Sam.2.2^.  Becaufe  thou,  honor efl  thj  [ons  above  me^  this  and  that  I  will  do 
unro  thee.  Nay  though  men  are  fo  holy  as  to  honor  God  with  their  lips,  yet 
God  will  blaft  the  wifdom  of  the  wife  for  it :  Oh  therefore  let  this  be  enough, 
and  then  you  will  not  hunger  after  other  honor ;  for  this  is  glory  and  honor  e- 
nough,  and  you  have  thought  fo,  when  your  felves,  Oh  if  I  may  but  honor  the 
Lord,  it  is  enough. 

Hence  fee  what  little  caufe  any  wicked  man  hath  to  lift  up  his  head  with  any 
glory  he  hath,  becaufe  the  Jpir  it  of  holme  1?^  beamy'  and  glorj  is  departed  from 
them-,  as  when  the  Soul  is  departed  from  the  body  its  glory  and  beauty  is  de- 
parted from  them ,  it's  withered  ^  and  therefore  we  fhall  read  in  Scripture  what 
names  the  Lord  gives  them,  asX)og-j-,  Swine ^  Serpents ^  a  generation  of  vipers^ 
fainted  Sepulchres-^  Tievils  in  the  time  of  the  greateft  profeffion,  as  Judas, 
Joh.6.  Wilde  beajls,  and  that  in  the  greateft  outward  glory ;  and  hence  the  four 
Monarchies  of  the  world  are  refembled  to  fuch  beafis,  Be/r/rs-,  Leopards  ^&c. 
Thus  for  their  perfons :   And  as  for  their  adlions ,  all  they  do  is  unclean,  and 
ignoble  and  hence  compared  to  Thijiles,  that  cannot  bring  forth  Figs  or 
Grapes;  and  hence  Solomon  com'^SiSts  them.  As  jewels  in  a  Swines  fnout^  fo 
is  a  parable  In  the  mouth  of  a  fool,  it  becomes  them  not,  it's  abomination  in 
the  fight  of  God  all  that  which  they  do,  though  glorious  before  men ;  and  at 
laft  day  they  j]!?^//  rife  up  to  everlafting  contempts  and  it  is  faid  Ifa.66.ult.  their 
worm  fhall  never  dye,  and  they  (hall  be  an  abhorring  to  all  ftefly,  though  they 
may  carry  it  out  fair  for  a  time  ;  the  faireft  profeflors  that  by  their  Sorceries  and 
enchantments  deceive  the  people  fhall  be  filled  with  fhame,  and  as  the  Magi- 
cians were  fmitten  with  fores  they  could  not  (land  before  Alofes  (  being  fmitten 
with  fores)  fo  you  fhall  not  be  able  to  fiand  before  the  Lord  at  the  laft  day ;  and 
look  as  it  is  with  Chrift  and  his  people,  their  crofsand  lliamehere,  it  is  but 
their  preparation  to  their  crown ;  and  hence,  when  Chrift  was  put  to  the  mofl 
j  open  fhame,  then  was  the  day-breaVof  his  glory  ;  fo  all  that  you  glory  in,  which 
!  God  gives,  'tis  but  a  folemn  preparation  for  your  fhame  :  And  hence,  when 
!  iV(?^w/)4^;7f:t^risathishigheftpitchand  thoughts  of  glory,  then  ishisdown- 
) , H  h  h  ^Ur 


'Vfe  2. 


Ufes. 


D 


'an.   7. 


Dan.  xz.x. 


Exod.  9,71. 


58 


The  Parable  oftbeTmJ^tr^m^ 


Ufe 


fal  i  if  a  man  fhould  have  a  crown  upon  his  head,  all  honor  oiveri  Km-\y  and  Jc 
ihould  be  whifpered  to  him,  This  is  but  a  preparation  to  yoLfrexecurion,  what 
little  clory  could  he  take  in  that?  but  rather  f.^lia  weepngas'P^;^/,  S^/^//.^. 
1 8  I  o.when  he  faw  ioms-that  made  their  belly  their  (jod^^.-'niioafied  otthe  thii^fgs 
of  the  earthy  whofe  glory  u  their  fhame  ;  and  he  rpcTi.k-?  of  tiiem  weepirig  :  And 
therefore  you  that  can  fit  in  a  chim.ney-corner,  wbenycM  meet  with  your  com- 
panions,  hang,  draw^  and  quarter  within  your  felves,  and  cenfure  all  Churches, 
Milliners  and  Chriftians  of  a  Town  and  Country,  and  if  you  fee  any  fores,  like 
flyes,  go  and  fuck  them  and  make  rhem  worfe ;  or  if  not,  you  can  make  them 
and  imagine  them,  and  feoff  at  hoiinels  fecretly ;  and  though  your  confcien- 
ces  condemn  you  of  wickednefs,  yet  lift  up  your  feives  with  fomething_  that  you 
have ;  Oh  know  it,  your  beauty  is  gone ;  never  a  man  but  glorieth  in  fome- 
j  thing ;  fo  much  eftate,  fo  much  eSeem,  fo  much  wifdom,  and  gifts,  birth, 
and  beauty;  and  now  as  proud  as  Satan,  butyeta  (granger  to  the  life  of  God,, 
your  converfation  is  not  above:  Oh  poor  creature  !  happy  were  it  for  thee  ifj 
thouwert  no  man,  (dying  fo  j  but  the  moft  <defpif"d  of  all  Gods  creatures, 
who  art  now  abhorred  of  God,  and  fhalt  be  the  fhame  of  aU  creatures  ano- 
ther day. 


SECT.     VI. 

HEnceif  any  man  hath  loft  his  glory  and  efteem  in  the  confciences  of  the 
people  cf  God ,  fee  how  to  recover  it ;  the  Country  is  full  of  complaints 
and  murmurings  •,  among  the  reft  this  is  one  of  the  foreft  that  many  com- 
plain of  They  are  not  refpected,  they  are  no  body ;  they  had  this  and  that  e- 
fteem  in  their  own  Country  of  fuch  Minifters,  Chriftians,  and  were  of  this 
efteem;  now  the  market  is  fallen  here,  and  hence  offended  at  every  one,  andj 
cannot  pafs  for  members  in  many  Churches ;   and  hereupon  bear  a  private 
grudge  againft  the  Church,  and  all  Ordinances  in  ir,  and  flie  Towns,  or  fit  flill, 
and  comfort  themfelves  their  confcience  is  clear,  &c.   It  is  with  many  as  it  is 
with  5r//?oj^-ftones,  they  are  like  pearls,  and  fo  they  go  till  they  come  to  the 
Jewellers;  and  then  when  tried  not  worth  two  pence;  fo  many  men  never 
came  to  the  trial,  as  here  Gods  providences  try  feme  men  m.ore  than  ever 
loffes,  forrows ;  Gods  Ordinances  try  men,  and  thus  they  are  found  too  light  • 
would  you  now  recover  it  <■  Oh  geta'Spiritofhoiinefs !  and  think,  Ohlhav^ 
had  a  high  efteem  of  my  felf-,  but  I  fall  fhort  of  that  brokennefs  for  my  vilehefj^  j 
and  want  that  efteem  of,  and  acquaintance  with  the  Lord  Jefus,  that  the  glory  df  I 
the  Lord  is  not  to  this  day  rifen  upon  me ;  Oh  then  make  after ,  and  merchant ' 
dife  for  this,  Frov.  3.  14, 15, 16.    Sometimes  a  godly  man  loferh  this;  is 
there  not  inwardly  a  decay  of  holinefs  f  and  hence  God  hath  forfaken,andfuf- 
fered  to  fall  into  fome  fin,  fo  as  man  hath  feen  it ;  do  you  think  the  Lord  will 
honor  you  in  the  hearts  of  his  people,  while  you  diftionor  him  ?  when  you  live ' 
in  a  vain  dead-hearted  condition,  and  difguife  your  felves,  or  in  impenitency 
for'open  offences  either  of  opinion  or  pra61:ice  ;  Be  it  far  from  me^  faith  the 
Lord,  iSam.i.T.o.  them  that  difhomrme  fhail  be  lightly  c si et mod  y  and  hence 
God  will  cut  o^  Eli's  children ;  you  know  what  a  fad  letter  TanlwiozQ  to  the 
Corinthians',  but  when  they  faw  the  fpiritual  meaning,  2  Cor^'^.  14,15.  Paul' 
boafts  of  them-  Titus  his  affe6lionwas  abundant  toward  them  v  if  not  abun- 
dant confeffion  and  giving  glory  to  God,  how  lliould  you  look  that  God 
fhould  elfe  give  glory  to  you?  it's  wonderful  to  fee,  how  m.en  that  have  been 
convinced  of  fin,  and  yet  would  hide  it,  how  the  Lord  in  his  jealpufie  hath  dif- 
covered  them  in  his  time ;  the  fin  hath  been  committed  by  them,  and  enquiry 

hath 


opened  and  Afptied. 


hath  been  made,  and  fome  convi(aion,  and  yet  they  have  wound  off,  ^jacjcri- 
ed  out  of  wrong;  the  Lord  hath  left  them  to  worfe  evils ;  Andfo  the  Lord 
will  deal  with  men  ;  andfo  I  fay,  hide  youx  fin,  icfhaIlbeyonr  fhameatJaft, 
and  the  Lord  wilt  never  honor  you  in  the  confciences  of  his  people  till  you  out 
with  it,and  confefs  it ;  James  and  Jamhes^  their  madnefs  ftiall  be  made  known 
at  laft ;  I  fpeak  not  this  that  men  lliould  make  holinefs  a  bridge  to  their  own 
honor,  and  fo  to  ftand  upon  Chritts  llioulders ;  but  that  this  is  the  way  to  re^^ain 
fuch  a  blefling,  which  an  humble  heart  knows  how  to  want,  a^  well  as  to 
have. 

Oh  then  place  your  glory  in  this ;  of  all  things  in  the  world,  a  man  defires 
nothing  more  than  honor ;  it's  dearer  than  life,  and  it  istljjc  which  every  one 
doth  d^fire;  Ob  beloved,  hunt  not  after  {Lacfows,  feed  not  youi  hearts  with 
dreams ;  make  not  your  Garlmds  of  withered  Bowers,  \m  in  this  which  is  your 
glory  before  God?ndmen.  Jfr.9.24.  Letmt  rich  menglor.y  In  riqhesy  km  in 
thuy  that  he  know€thme'.  It  was  the  heavy  complaint  ihfi  Lord  tookupa^ainft 
bis  people,  Jer.z.  1 1 .  That  they  did  change  their  glory  j  the  Lord  himfelf  is  the 
glory  of  his  people,  as  fliiningin  them  by  his  Spirit;  it  wa?  the  great  iin  of 
the  Gentiles,  Rom*l.2i.  that  they  chaiagfd  the  glory  of  the  ineorruftible 
Qady  into  em  image  of  cwriiptikleft^n  and  beafts  \  fo  yoy  know  this  is  you? 
glory;  and  oh  now  to  change  this  glory  for  an  image  of  glory  1  and  henee 
given  up  to  vile  affections,  to  a  cormptible  minde ;  and  therefore  Fr<?z;. 8.4,8. 
Exalt  her-t  fi/  fJ^^  fromote  thee ;  admire  at  this  !  a  man  excels  in  nothing  but 
wharftea^dmires  at ,  or  feeks  not  to  excel  in  any  tjjing  but  #i.at  he  wonders  at ; 
yoii  will  never  place  your  glory  in  holinefs,  nof  excel  in  k,  unlefsyoa  admire 
at  it,  and  icwilUhen  exalt  you,  and  bring  you  to  honor,  becaufe  indeed  it  is 
your  honor:  Oh  that  God  would  work  this,  men  would  i;iQt|)e  fo  greedy  after 
the  world,  nor  praife  of  men. 


•-    WH^   I" 


SECT.    VZL 

QiJ?ft.l3 -^^  ifo^  fhall  we  come  to  tht£  ? 

XJ  c^;?/b;.  I.  Confider  the  example  of  Chnft,  an4  all  the  people  of 
Chrift  at  all  times,who  did  not  place  their  glory  in  thefe  things,  but  in  things  a- 
bove :  If  a  man  is  to  lay  much  out  upon  fomthing  in  the  market,  if  be  be  wife  he 
will  enquire  of  prudent  men  that  know  things,t  he  worth  of  them,and  then  it  fals 
out  fometimes  thofe  things  he  efteems  highly  are  of  no  value ;  fo  here,  look 
upon  Paul, GaL6.i^,  God,  forbid  I  jhonld  glory  in  any  thing  bat  the  crofs  of 
Chrift  I  1  C<jr.4.i5.  Whenthe  Corinthians  \ytmp\x^tA  up  with  grearnets,  to 
pu(Jlh?m  down  from  this,  he  profeffeth  he  and  others  jy^r^r^^  of-fcomng  of 
thf  wsrld  ;  and  this  was  their  glory,  wr/^  id.  Look  upon  Ch?ift  himfelf,  he 
had  as  much  excellency  as  could  be,  yet  he  eaft  it  off,  dejpifidail  the  glory  of 
the  wor/d^  was  a  worm  and  no  man ;  be  profeffeth  he  foMght  no  honor  of  men,  btit 
the  mil  qf  him  that  fent  him  ;  this  was  his  glory. 

a.  Look  upon  the  excellency  of  your  eftare  in  Chrirt,  1  Cex.n^.zY.  Glory  not- , 
in  men,  for  all  things  are  yours  \  take  any  Prince  that  bath  a  I>ingdom,  will 
he  h®ufc  in  a  cottage,  or  fpend  his  time  and  care  to  thatch  and  repair  that  ?  no, 
ail  the  Kingdom  is  mine;  and  hence  he  will  have  Kingly  thoughts  and  Kingly 
aims,  and  ends,  and  46ts  that  ennoble  him  indeed  :  So  here,  2  Cor.  5. 9.  Kmyn" 
ingwebaveorboiifc  nbovc,  that  there  is  but  a  breath  between  us  and  glory,  we 
labor  (are  ambitious)  that  whether  abfent  or  prefeat  ta  be  accepted  ?/  him.  The 
very  reafon  why  the  hearts,  minds,  lives  of  men  are  fo  dcbafed,  ag  to  feek  their ' 

H  h  h   2  glory 


59 


Uje  5. 


6. 


The  F arable  of  the  Ten  Virgmr^ 


Vfi  6. 


ler  t 


olory  in  that  which  is  their  lliame,  is  this,  nhey  know  no  be 
oreater  glory  ;  the  God  of  glory,  and  Kingdom  of  glory,  andprornife  o.  :,,',., 
and  Ark, and  Cherubims,  and  Oracles  of  glory  in  Chnil  have  becti  to  ihu  d -\ 
hidfrom  their  eyes;  hence  Heh.ii.2.Chrl^  for  the  ,ojf;t  i?  fjre  him  defy  i  t  . 
the  fhame, 

5.  Make  the  Lord  prefent  with  you,  and  fee  him  fliine  about  you  in  his 
glory ;  when  poor  men  com.e  to  the  Crurc  and  fee  no  King  there,  chey  bow 
down  CO  his  Chair ;  whereas  if  he  was  feen  he  (liould  have  ail  the  honor  then ;  fo 
when  men  fee  creatures,  but  fee  them  like  empty  chairs,  the  C.-od  of  glory  oc 
filling  of  them,  we  bow  down  to  creatures ;  but  when  God  is  feen,  now  the  ioul 
gives  all  glory  to  him;  a  man  that  lives  without  any  in  his  houfe  as  chief,  ail 
fervants  attend  on  him  s  butwhen  the  Prince  comes  with  his  train,  now  all  his 
Servants  with  himfelf  are  too  little  to  attend  oh  the  Prince ;  fo  here,  whdn  m.en 
come  to  pray,  or  preach,  or  fpeak,  Oh  how  doth  a  wicked  heart  feck  it  feh  ?  but 
when  the  Lord  is  feen,  now  all  attend  on  him  ;  hei-ce  when  GoJ  fcnds  his 
I  people  to  honor  him,  he  firfl  appears  to  them  in  his  glory,  and  it  never  is  long 
out  of  their  minds ;  hence  Abraham  forfook  his  own  Country,  Atis  7.  Mofes 
forfook£^;r,  he  faw  God  invifible,^^^.!  1.26,27.  PfJ.ji.ul:,  '  All  nations 
jhall  remember  and  turn  to  the  L$rd  j  when  the  Lord  is  leen,all  our  glory  is  iliame, 
Ifa.6.  and  now  glory  in  that,  and.make  him  as  prefent  as  at  the  lalt  day,  then 
all  {hall  fall  down  before  him. 

^  4.  See  how  every  fervice  you  perform  unto  him,  every  a6t  of  holinefs, 
quickned  by  the  Spirit  of  life  is  pleafmg  to  him  ;  if  a  Prince  be  \yich  a  man, 
and  cannot  be  pleafed,  nothing  can  content  him  ,  or  we  hear  not  one  word 
from  him  whether  we  pleafe  him  or  nor,  wefhall  grow  weary  of  him  at  laft; 
but  to  Gonfider  this,  he  that  ferves  me,  him  vriU  mj  fatiaerhonrr^  that  every  cup 
of  cold  water  ,  Jhall  have  a  *Difctp/es  reward  y  th^t  every  groan  (hall  he 
heardt  that  what  yoH  do  to  one  of  thefe  little  ones  ,  yon  do  it  to  Chrtjly  and 
Chrift  cakes  it  as  kindly  as  done  to  himfelf,  that  the  Lord  rt members  the 
love  of  your  eff oaf als ,  J^.  2.  when  you  follow  him  in  a  land  nor  fown, 
that  the  comfort  of  all  your  labors,  tears,  fufferings,  fliall  follow  you  to  heaven, 
and  for  ever  lodge  in  thatbleffed  breftof  thine-.  Oh  Brethren^  faith  Pauly  al- 
ways  abomdy  and  fpend  your  time  here,  knowing  your  labor  is  not  in  vain  in  the 
Lord',  why  do  men  feek  to  pleafe  men,  and  place  their  glory  there?  becaufc 
men  fee  and  approve  them  j  Oh  what  is  this  to  the  approbation  of  a  God  I 


SECT.     VIII. 

OH  then  preferve  this  your  glory  J  when  men  have  any  thing  in  the  world 
that  is  their  glory  ,  their  Crown  their  Treafure,  Oh  they  will  keep  that 
efpecially ;  rather  lofe  lifls  than  lofe  their  names,  and  glory  in  the  world ';  Oh 
prefervethefpiritof  holinefs,  efpecially  in  thefe  places;  this  hath  been,  this 
only  fhall  be  our  glory ;  and  that  not  in  name,  and  yec  dead,  but  in  deed  and  in 
power  we  have  had  our  Chriftian  converfation,  and  thatnot  by  contenting  our 
felves  with  a  little,  but  to  be  exaaiyholy;  a  little  fpotis  foon  feen  in  your 
coat;  you Ihall obferve it. 

1.  When  the  Jews  fhall  be  made  the  glory  of  all  the  earth,  their  glo^  fliall 
not  confift  then  in  immediate  Revelations,  but  in  Sandification ;  there  Ihall  be 
holinefs  and  fanaification;  there  fhall  be  holinefs  on  pots  and  horfe  bridles. 

2.  When  the  Lord  will  be  a  defence  to  his  people,  andalliadovvfromheat, 
and  from  the  Sun  /  it  fhall  be  when  the  Lord  hath  pur^^ed  away  the  filth  of  men 
by  a  fpirit  of  burning';  not  which  burns  up  all  holinefs,  but  filthinefs  and  felf- 

, ,,_,^ .  confidence! 


Opened  and  Affiled. 


confidence  in  any  holinefs,  and  hypbcriTie,  and  fo  they  fhall  be  holy,  /;  ^.4.3 ,4. 
,  3 .How  many  men  ftumble  by  opinions,divi(ions,(y <:.(the  fruks  of  a  corrupt 
I  head,  and  (treams  of  a  dunghil  hearc )  that  had  rather  live  in  forrows  amon"  e^ 
nemies,  than  divifions  among  friends  I  Oh  the  fpirit  of  people,  asfoonasany 
ne\y  Calf  is  made,  fall  down  and  ^worfhip  it,  and  break  the  ancient  Land-marks 
which  the  Word  hath  fet,  and  ti^en  make  prognoftications  of  all  ill  weather,  to 
arife  from  oppofing  their  opinion ;  never  lliall  our  glory  be  recovered  till  thefe 
evils  are  confefTed  and  lamented,  and  the  fin  of  the  heart,  which  b^gat  them. 

4. 1  have  wondred  why  fo  few  be  convercedfthouoh  bleffed  be  God/ome  the 
Lord  doth  pick  out,a  few  Servants,ChiIdren  and  Natives  J  is  it  not  becaufe  either 
this  exemplary  holinefs,which  is  our  glory,is  nor,or  not  fo  lliining,but  our  lamps 
are  dimPMiniikrs  preach,and  hearers  are  rrouble^,but  thfey  then  Took  upon  fcan- 
c&Is  and  offences  from  others,  andfo  arebeatenoffagain,Z^f/;.B.2o,2i,22,2  2. 
Oh  therefore  preferve  it. 

5.  How  will  ail  the  world  ahhor  the  ways  we  walk  in,  if  we  mifcarry  ? 

6.  God  v\ill  have  holy  Churches,  he  is  refining  the  whole  world  now  for 
that  end,  and  will  do  fo  more  and  more,  and  go  on. 


SE  C  T.     IX. 

Qiieft .  rj  Orv  fhall  we  freferue  it  ? 

n      Ahfw.i,  Take  heed  of  harboring  an  ill  opinion  of  holinefs,  for 

then  if  your  judgements  diflike  it,  your  tongues  and  your  lives  lliall  difgrace  it  : 

Take  heed  of  imagining  that  Firft,  there  is  no  grace  in  Saints,  only  immediate 

ablings  of  the  Spirit ;  this is  no  fpirit  of  holinefs,  no  more  than  in  Badants  Afs, 

!  thrdugh  which  God  fpake  to  him. 

Secondy,  That  thefe  graces  are  only  common;  v\howilI  feek  much  after 
thatj ,  or  efteem  that  which  is  but  common  ?  this  is  to  defpife  the  Spirit,  to  con- 
cea;n,the  blood  of  the  Covenant,  whereby  the  Church  is  fan6lified.     ' 

Thirdly ,That  grace  h  fo  dark  and  obfcure  a  thing  always  as  n o  eviderice  tan  be 
had  by  it,  though  it  be  peculiar  grace :  this  is  a  high  degree  of  difgrace  to  the  Spi- 
rit of  Grace ;  if  one  lliould  fay  hdre  is  a  man,  but  believes  not  his  tcftimony, 
'tis  doubtful  and  very  queftionable  what  ever  he  faith,  it  is  a  diftionor  to 
him,  take  heed  of  this  .•  When  the  Spirit  of  Holinefs  comes  to  us  in  form,  it 
comes  thus,  v\ith  little  peace ;  burwhen  in  power,with  much  affurance,i  Thejf. 
1.5.  It  is  a  fad  thing,  if  that  which  was  the  complaint  of  the  Prophet,  Ihall  be 
the  complaint  of  the  SfmtyWi.o  hath  believed  our  report  ^^.nd  to  whom  is  the  arm  of 
the  hard  reueded ! 

2.  Take  heed  of  decaying  in  a  fpirit  of  bounty  and  love,  and  in  largenefs  of 
heart  CO  all  the  people  of  God,  nay,  to  all  men,  fo  far  as  you  have  time  and 
flrength;  let  a  man  be  never  fo  great  a  Prince,  if  he  once  Jofe  his  boun- 
ty, he  lofeth  his  glory  ;  fo  here  Ifa,  58.8.  Give  breadto  the  hungry,  then\ 
fhall  thy  light  breaks  o'4t  of  ohfcHrlty :  Many  complain  that  'Hew-England 
hath  fo  little  love.  Non-members  not vifited,  not  regarded  (though many 
times  unjuftly  )  Oh  they  thought  to  feefo  much  love,  and  care,  and  pity; 
but  here ,they  may  live  and  never  be  fpoken  to,  n^Ver  vifited;  Oh  take  heed 
of  this ;  Nothing  beautifies  a  Chrifiian  in  the  eyes  of  others  more  than  much 
love,  f  hypocrifie  is  naught  )  Oh  excel  here;  viht  poor  families ,  fit  one 
half  hour  and  fpeak  to  difcouraged  hearts,  iliew  kindnefs  to  ftrangers  ^  fuch  you 
were ;  He  warrant  God  willJblefs  you ,  this  was  the  olory  of  Chrift,  full  of 
grace  and  truth.  ' 

3,  Be  very  careful  in  receiving  in  of  Members  into  Churches  j  one  ill 

man 


62 


ObfervA' 
tion  I, 


The  Parable  of  the  Ten  Virgins^ 


man  will  be  a  fpot  and  pollution  to  all  the  reft,  Jnde  12.  fpts  in  y.pir  feajls  5 
you  know  how  many  come  over,  how  it  begins  to  be  pleaded  for.  What,  not 
baptifed,  and  Profetfors  f  and  yet  how  many  are  disfigured  ?  therefore  try  them 
well  ;.  take  heed  of  thinkingElders  or  Churches  are  too  ftria;.^ 

Fourthly  be  much  in  prayer  for  the  Churches,  Ifa.ei.-j.  Give  the  Lo/d  m 
refi  tin  he  make  ferufalem  the  praife  of  the  whole  earth ^^  that's  the  way ;  do  you 
fee  any  fins  in  the  Country ,  go  and  fiand  in  the  gap  with  Mcfa ,  and  though 
the  Lord  offer  to  do  good  to  you,  yet  turn  him  not  off  fo,  till  he  promife  to  re- 
lieve his  poorChurches  alfo  j  beg  Ad  this  will  do  it  ^  be  much  in  farting ;  it  is  a 
Aameforus  (who  are  laying  the  foundations  of  many  generations)  not  to  be 
much  with  God  in  prayer  and  fafting;  and  that  when  in  other  places  there 
is  fo  much  fowing  of  this  feed. 


&^SifS-jS^y^  d^lSdad^c^^OT^^cSa^'  


€  H  A  P.  X. 


Shewing  that  counterfeit  Grace  is  not  lajling. 


V  E  R  S  E     8,  9, 

Andthe  fooUfh  f aid  unto  the  wife ^  Give  m  of  jour  oyl^  for  our  Umpare 

going  out. 
But  the  rvife  anfipered  failing.  Not  fo^  lefi  there  he  not  enough  for  us 

md  yoti^  hut  go  pu  rather  to  them  that  JeH^  and  buy  for  yonr 


S  E  C  T.    L 

I 

N  thefe  words  is  fet  down  the  effect  which  this  awakening  cry 
took  in  the  foolifh  Virgins  only  : 

Firft,  They  come  to  feel,  and  fo  to  complain  of  the  wane 
ofoyl. 

Secondly,  They  petition  the  wife,  that  they  would  give 
them  of  their  oyl ;  which  latter  is  amplified  in  verf.p.from 
the  anfwer  the  wife  made  unto  them. 
We  /hall  open  the  words  as  we  come  toobferve  any  thing  from  them; 
and  begin  now  with  the  complaint  [  Our  lamps  are  go^e  mt  ]  or  g&t^g  onty 
it  is  all  one;  The  wife  Virgins  lamps  did  grow  dim,  but  yet  their  oyl  was 
not  fpenc|  but  here  their  oyl  was  fpent,  and  hence  their  tamps  were  go- 
ing out. 


That  counterfeit  and  common  gr^.ce  of  foolijh  V"irgi*iSy  after  feme  time  of  glo- 
rious profeffion^  will  certainly  go  out^  a-ndhe  <^nite  fpent  i     It  confumes  in  the 

L'^ks^.i%,  To  him  that  hath  Jhall  be  given. 


ufing,  and  fhining  and  burning. 


opened  and  Jpflied. 


^5 


hnt  hethiU  hath  not ^  fhall be  laken  from  him  that  rjfhich  he  hath.    Job.  1^.2  6 
Every  branch  in  me  that  heareth  not  frmt  h  withers^  then  k  is  taken  away,  and  fo 
ic is confumed,  and  in  time  burned;  and  hence,  many  that  are  firft ,  are  in 
time  /^ryr,Manth.5?.2o.  andmany  that  are  laFifrfl'.  Men  that  have  been  moft 
forward,  decay  ;  their  gifts  decay,  life  decays,  and  thefe  ^r^ /^/ :  and  Ufiare 
firfi;  many  newly  brought  home  to  Chrifl:,  excel  them,  and  livefo,  and  die 
fo,  that  one  would  think,  fliould  never  hold  out.    I  need  not  fpeak  more. 
Scripture  is  fo  abundant :  I  fay  it  is  after  fome  time  of  profeflion  ;  ^  for  at  firft  it 
rather  grows  than  decays  and  withers  ,*  bur  afterward  they  have  enou^^h  of  it 
it  withers  and  dies  .•  And  look  as  it  is  with  fom.e  bodies  when  they  are  healthful 
they  grow  by  all  means ;  but  when  once  Nature  is  f^ent,  and  novv  deciinin",  no- ' 
thing  recovers  them^  though  they  may  be  kept  at  a  ftay  for  a  rime,  but  dye  they 
(vvill  vvi'th  their  belt  cordials  in  their  mouths ;  fb  it  is  here, 
1      For  Ex^icatibn  of  this  Point,   we  are  to  attend  how   and  why  this  is 
thus  ;    and  cte  nm  in  the  vvbrft,   but  in  the  bell:  of  the  fooiil'h  V\:~ 

J  Firft,  The  S'pirltof  God  comes  upon  many  hypocrites  in  abundant  and 
[plentiful  itieafure  of  awakening  grace ;  I  fay  it  corhes  upon  them  as  it  did  upon 
l^'alufwii  Nnmb.1^.^.  And  as  it  is  in  overflowing  waters,  which  fpread  far,  and 
grJ6\^  very  •  deep,  and  fill  many  empty  places ,  they  fall  upon  the  ground,  they 
C0.I.1&  not  from- any  fpring  within  the  ground;  and  hence  thoughthey  iaft  not 
always^  yet  they  Iaft  fome  good  time ;  fo  it  is  here,  the  Grace  and  Spirit  of  God 
come  fuddeiily  and  plentifully  upon  many  a  man,  which  gives  them  a  time  of 
flouriiliing,  it  comes  not  from  imitation,  or  educac!ton,or  moral  perfwafion  on-  i 
ly,  butphyficaily  from  the  Spirit  of  God,  i  ^^;7^.io.i2.,  \vhen  theywondred 
that  i?»^?^/ was  amo">g  the  prophets,  one  anfvvered,  who  is  their  (.uhir  ?  who 
gave  them  this  gift  of  prophecy  ?  is  it  not  the  Lord  ?  fo  the  fame  Lord  is  rich  to 
Safii  alfo :  And  I  fay  it  is  only  awakening  grace  ;  for  renewing  grace,  favingly 
to  change  their  nature,ns  not  given,  but  awakening  grace,  which  works  upon 
confcience,  and  confcience  upon  the  whole  man-  and  thus  it  was  herewith 
thefe  Virgins,  they  had  vvonderful  light,  and  a  fpirit  of  illumination  to  fee  the 
Lord  Jefus,  and  hence  to  look  for  him  with  much  afFe6t ion  and  forward nefs, 
las  well  as  the  wife,  and  to  keep  them  company  in  Church-felIow(hipi  and 
'chough  they  were  fecure,  to  complain  of  their  decays,  anddefirethe  fpirit  of 
grace  which  they  faw  in  the  wife.      , 

i  Secondly,  Though  it  doth  come  upon  them  thus,  yet  it  doth  never  reft 
within,  fo  as  to  dwell  there,to  take  up  aneternal  manfion  forhimfelf,  Ifi.ii.io. 
his  refi  (}?all  be  glbrions,  Ifa.'^'j.i^.  This  is  a  favor  the  Lord  lliews  only  to  the 
contrite  above  all  people  in  the  wodd  befides.  Rom.2.1 1 .  If  the  Spirit  which 
raifedup  Jefm  Chriji  from  the  dead  drveH  in  yon^  it  fhall  q'iicl^n  jo'dy  and 
fhal  ydftfifp  to  b?  Sons  ^  as  it  is  there  expreffed. 

Thirdly,  Hence  it  doth  decay  by  little  and  little ;  as  a  man  that  dwels  not, 
but  fojourneth  for  a  little  time  in  a  houfe,  he  removes  by  little  and  little,  till  at 
Iaft  he  is  quite  gone  ;  as  ponds,  filled  with  rain  water,  which  comes  u|)on  them, 
not  fpring  water  that  rifeth  up  within  them,  it  dries  up  by  little  and  little  un- 
til quite  dry  ;  as  it  is  with  light,  after  the  Sun  is  declining  and.fetting,  it  de-  i 
creafeth  by  little  and  little,  until  it  be  turned  into  darknefs ;  fo  it  is  here;  and 
as  it  was  in  the  Cherubims,  where  the  glory  of  God  was,  and  the  Lord  de- 
parted by  little  and  little  i  as  in  Saulj  firft  he  negle6l:s  the  command  of  the 
Lord  in  one  thing,  then  in  another,  then  the  Spirit  of  God  departed,  ^nd  ane- 
vil  fpirit  of  fadnejs  came  pipon  him  ;  and  then  he  threatens  David^thtn  kills  the 
Priefts  of  the  Lord,  then  goes  to  a  Witch,  and  at  Iaft  kills  himfelf;  and  I  fay 
this  is  becaufe  the  Lord  dwels  not  there  ;  and  hence  Job.  i  ^.becaufe  the  branch 
is  not  engraflPed  into  the  ftock ;  and  this  is  ufually  at  the  very  heigh:  of  atfe6ti- 

on 


^A    I  The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins^ 

"  I  on  and  profeffion ;  as  the  ftony  ground  fprang  up ;  when  dio  k  wither  ?  when 
Ik  came  to  its  height;  as  flowers  that  come  to  wither  when  they  are  come  to 
1  their  height  of  growth ;  and  hence  aifo  men  when  thsy  have  moft,  and  beft 
I  means,  and  affeft ,  and  love  them ,  yet  then  they^  dye  and  wither.  And  it  de- 
cays by  Four  means. 


SECT.    II. 

Firft  npHrough  want  of  daily  nourillimenc  andfupply  from  the  Lord  Jefus ; 
X  for  look  as  it  is  with  many  bodies,  fuppofe  they  have  life,  yet  ii:' there 
be  not  daily  nourifhment  for  it,  and  wholfom  alfo,  it  will  dye  ere  long,  and 
confume  ;  fo  it  is  here,  there  is  a  kinde  of  life  which  hypocrites  have  from 
Chrift,  and  it  may  be  fed,  and  fo  they  live  for  a  time;  but  this  ths  Lord  never 
doth  for  them,  they  are  not  alwaj^s  fed,  and  hence  die,  ^s'ltlsjohn  6.  fome 
were  quickened  to  follow  after  Chrift  in  the  wildernefs  for  loaves,fome  for  bet- 
ter ends  (ashisDifciples  J  but  the  Lord  knew  their  want,  labor  mt  for  the  msat 
that  pertjhethj  but  for  that  ■which  gives  everlafting  life,  which  Chriti  will  give 
you ;  and  hence  the  whole  Chapter  is  fpent  upon  this,  to  feed  iipon  himfelf , 
whence  the  beft  were  offended:  Let  a  man  partake  of  all  Ordinances,  Privi- 
ledges,  he  ftiallfinde  nothing  elfe but  decay  unlefs  the  Lord  be  in  them  all  to 
givedaily  nourifhment,  Ephef.^,1 6.  daily,  I  mean,  as  there  is  decreafe  of  that 
tafte  they  have  had  of  the  Lord. 

Secondly,  Through  the  emptinefs  of  a  form ;  for  when  the  Spirit  of  God 
dwells  nor,  but  only  comes  upon  a  man,  it  is  not  long  but  ic  corrupts  into  a 
form  ever  after;  a  man  at  firft  knows  many  truths,  and  at  firft  is  affeded  with 
them,  he  doth  not  prefently  forget  them,  or  iTiut  his  eyes  againft  them,  but  af- 
ter he  hath  known  them  a  little  while,  at  laft  the  fweecnefs  of  that  knowledge 
is  loft  J  and  fo  he  hath  a  form  of  knowledge,  like  lelTons  which  a  man  hath  been 

I  much  affeded  with,  but  having  plaied  or  heard  them  oft,  he  hears  and  knows 
them,  but  is  not  affe6led  with  them,  £^f^  5  3.«/f .  So  at  firft  a  man  doth  many 
duties  with  delight ;  ftay  a  while,  and  he  keeps  the  duty,but  the  delight  is  gone  in 
it,  and  fo  hath  an  empty  form ;  now  where  the  power  of  godlinefs  and  the  eter- 
nal life  of  Chrift  is  not,  it  degenerates  firftly  ufually  into  this  form,  and  this  is 
all  that  is  left ;  and  the  form  being  empty,  hence  firft,  A  man  comes  to  loath 
the  truth,  and  pfofelljon  of  the  ways  of  God  which  once  he  loved,  and  fo  in 
time  to  fall  anddecay  without  as  well  as  within;  as  drink  or  milk  at  firftare 
fweet,  but  ftay  a  while  and  (the  fpirits  not  preferving  themfelves )  then  ic  grows 
dead,  and  fowre,  and  fapiefs,  and  fo  it  is  here,  Capmanmltes  at  firft  be  affect- 
ed, then  they  fall  to  a  form,  then  hard  to  be  wrought  upon,  their  hearts  fat 
under  all  means;  if  thy  light  he-darkfjefs^  how  great  is  that  darknefs  I 

Thirdly,  Through  the  power  of  luft ;  for  where  the  Lord  dwells  not,  there  iln 
reigns,  and  it  will  get  head  where  it  hath  had  any  affront,  and  fo  choak  the 
povyerof  all  means,  and  hence  a  man  withers,  as  in  the  thorny  ground,  it  grew 
up  and  choaked  the  word. 

Fourthly,  Through  the  fitnefs  of  external  temptation,  which  muft  and  will 
prevail,  when  the  Lord  is  not  within  to  keep  the  Palace ;  it  is  ftronger  than  all 
common  graces  in  the  world,  and  will  draw  away  the  heart  and  life,  Rev.3.1  o. 
there  is  an  hour  of  temptation  which  tries  men  ,  vvhich  will  difcover  men  in- 
deed; now  thofe  temptations  are  ever  fuitablero  places  and  perfons. 


SECT.  IIL 


opened  and  Jpflied. 


SECT.    III. 

FirftjCOmetime  the  temptation  is  extream  v^ant,  as  it  .was  with  the  Ifra- 
^elises,  when  they_  were  under  the  oppreiTions  of  Pharoah  ;   Oh  to  fa- 
crifice  to  the  Lord  in  a  wildernefs ,  and  to  enjoy  the  land  of  Canaan,  where 
they  lliould  have  Ordinances,  Oh  they  are  much  taken  with  this !  and  many 
prayers  and  groans  to  be  delivered  out  of  their  opprefflons;  but  when  they 
came  to  the  wildernefs,  and  there  did  want  bread,  and  then  water,  now  they 
murmur;  which  murmuring  God  remembers,  and  cafts  them  off  for:  Had 
they  not  OHofes  ,  and  the  cloud,  and  God's  promife,  and  experience,  why 
did  they  complain  .''  Oh  to  bear  want,  they  could  not !  extream  want  is  like 
extream  ficknefs,  it  makes  ail  fweet  things  bitter ;  fome  wants  men  can  bear 
but  not  extremity  ;   this  faddle  doth  pinch  fo  hard  •,  fo  the  young  man,  for^ 
fake  all  for  me^  faith  Chrift,  but  he  could  not ;  God  and  Creatures  are  enou^^h 
but  not  God  alone  ;  fo  it  is  with  many  a  man,  he  can  be  content  to  lofe 
fomethingj   but  when  brought  very  low,   cares  and  fears  grow  up  and 
choali  all. 

Secondly,  Sometimes  the  warrt  of  fpiritual  fupply ;  a  man  looked  for  much 
from  the  Ordinances^  and  finds  it  not  •,  not  becaufe  the  Lords  heart  is  llreitncd, 
but  becaufe  theirs  are  not  enlarged ;  and  hence  they  have  enough  of  God,  and 
all  his  Ordinances ;  they  have  had  the  heart  of  them,  and  now  let  them  hs,  i^\- 
lovjjZach.ii.  my  foul  loathed  them,  and  theirs  me. 

Thirdly,  fometimes  abundance  of  outward  bleflings,  peace,  liberty,  plenty  f 
here;  nowthefe  things,  like  ground  in  Summer,  'tis  Grange  to  fee  vvhat  lufty 
weeds  now  there  be,  that  did  appear  dead  in  time  of  winter,  'Dem.S.ii.   Oh 
then  take  heed  thou  forget  not  the  Lord  thy  God ;  now  proud  and  fecure^  and 
forfake  all. 

Fourthly,  Sometimes  perfecutions  from  men :  if  hot  and  total  rulne  be 
threatned,  this  fcares  from  God. 

Fifthly ,Sometimes  corrupt  Teachers  and  delufions  among  them. 

Sixthly,Increafe  of  iniquity  in  good  and  bad,  in  the  place  A'here  men  lives 
hence  love  vvaxeth  cold :  Al  1  which  are  Matth.z/\. 

I  will  name  no  more,  but  thus  mens  common  grace  comes  to  wither,  and 
dye  in  them ;  and  the  Reafons  are  thefe. 


SECT.    IV. 

HEnce  do  not  truft  men  too  far,  nor  boafi:  of  any  man  too  much,  efpecial- 
ly  in  regard  of  his  glorious  profeffion  and  affections  at  the  iirfi ;  God 
fends  divers  of  his  faithful  fervants  to  a  place,  and  many  at  firft  hearing' are 
wrought  upon,  battered  down,  convinced,  mourning  after  peace ,  going  to 
Minifters ,  delight  in  Ordinances ;  now  many  Minifkrs  blefs  God  for  their 
converfion,  and  many  a  Chriflianis  put  out  of  doubt  of  it,  parents  of  their 
children,and  children  of  their  parents,one  brother  of  another,and  one  Ghrifiian 
neighbor  of  another ;  whom  he  got  out  once  to  hear,  and  once  hearing  over- 
came ;  and  for  a  time  there  is  no  other :  Oh  take  heed  of  boafting  too  much, 
it  may  be  they  may  and  will  fall  (before  they  have  lived  many  years  j  down, 
when  at  their  height :  what  man  was  ever  fought  unto  mor^  than  John  ?  all  Jndea 
came  unto  him,  yet  at  laft  they  forfake  him,  rejoyced  but  a  feafon  in  that  light; 
they  went  alfo  from  him  to  Chrift,  f0h.'/.26,^z.  yzzjohn  complains,  nonere- 

I  i  i  ceived 


65 


tlfe 


66 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgm, 


Vfi    2  = 


.!  ceivedhisceftimony ;  Chrift  himfejf  preached  in  C^/?^r;/^»w,  and  nr-'.^i 

1  exalting  a  man,  thsy  boafkd  in  him ;  yec  onely  a  few  Babes  which  che  Lord 

wrought  upon ;  the  ^aUthiam  would  lofe  their  eyes  for  Pafil,  yet  afterv^ard 

ihey  flighthim,  a*--^  ""'"  ""'^  ^^'^'^  r^-^u-^ :~-i  u:^  .  ^u  .L„„,r ^  _ 

them,  and  weep 

felves  too  much ; 

forfakes  P^«/,  ^\{\nAfta  forfake  me. 


SECT.    V. 

En ce  be  not  offended  if  we  fee  many  apoftatize,  and  fall  from  their  moft 
eminent  profdTion ;  the  Lord  hath  here  foretold  that  after  fome  profeffi- 
on  their  lamps  will  go  out  j  we  do  not  wonder  if  ponds  full  in  winter  are  dry 
in  fummer,  becaufe  it  is  the  time  and  feafon  of  it,  and  they  want  fprings  to 
feed  them ;  and  never  was  there  any  time  fince  the  world  began  that  there 
were  fuch  Apoflacies  as  now. 

Firrt,  One  man  after  much  profeflion  intends  to  follow  the  Lord,  confci- 
eoce  is  troubled  at  humane  inventions ;  Oh,  faith  he,  if  delivered,  well  enough, 
though  I  lofe  never  fo  much!  well,  he  lays  Out  all,  and  is  delivered ;  but  that 
which  quiets  conscience,  doth  not  quiet  his  heart  and  affedlions;  but  his  very 
lofs  for  confcience  makes  his  lufts  and  defires  after  other  things  break  out  more 
eagerly,  and  men  cannot  now  live  upon  Gofpel  only,  with  bread  and  vvater ; 
no,  no,  yon  are  deceived;  as  it  is  with  fick  men,  they  let  go  ail  their  eftatefor 
recovery;  but  when  recovered,  they  muftget  up  their  erfate  again ,  this  will 
notfatisfie:  And  thus  fome  fall,  fpiritually. 

Secondly,  Others  they  fought  for  much  in  Ordinances ,  but  finding  not 
what  they  looked  for,  Ordinances  are  but  as  pictures  fair  a  far  off;  but  when 
men  come  near  them.  Word,  and  Fellowship,  and  people  of  God,  then  they 
defpife  them,  becaufe  they  find  not  a  living  God  there. 

Thirdly,  "While  God  keeps  men  under  fad  temptations,  wants  and  afflifti- 
ons ;  Oh  then  they  are  humble,  and  pray ;  but  when  bleft  with  eafe,  and  peace, 
and  plenty,  and  honor,  then  how  lofty  and  fecure  ?  this  is  better  than  the 
Lord  :  Never  fuch  a  decay  of  the  fpirit  of  prayer ;  never  was  there  fuch  a  con- 
confufion  in  the  world ,  fuch  burning  of  Cities ,  flaying  of  men ,  rents  of 
Churches,  God  minding  tb  ftain  the  pride  of  all  glory ;  and  yet  never  fuch 
hearts. 

object.  But  to  fiand  fo  long^  and  yet  to  fail,  feems  firan^e  ? 

Jtnfw.  If  foon  it  is  a  wonder,  but  if  long  it  is  no  wonder ;  if  once  paft  grow- 
ing, you  do  not  wonder  if  an  oak  be  now  decaying. 

Ohj.  B fit  they  keep  their  ^rofeffion  fi ill,  only  In  one  thing  vile,  the  error  is  mly 
in  their  minds ;  a  (firit  of  difcention  from  the  people  of  God, 
'  ^ftf.  Scarce  {hall  you  fee  one  man  in  a  hundred  chat  is  vile  in  every  thing, 
I  that  falls  totally;  the  fool  ifh  Virgins  did  not  fo,  yet  their  oylwasfpent,  and 
their  lamps  going  out ;  there  was  a  man  that  was  (lain  fuddenly,  and  his  blood 
in  his  face  was  fre{h,his  beauty  glorious,and  many  weeks  continued  without  pu- 
trefa£tion,yet  life  vvithin  was  gone ;  fo  'tis  the  condition  of  many  a  man  by  one 
wound  or  fin  .-  And  hence  a  Phyfitian  at  JVitteni^ergmitQs  o£  the  caufeof  it ; 
be  not  therefore  offended  at  them,  but  wonder  at  the  Lord  that  he  keeps  thee ; 
I  know  there  are  decaying  Saints,  but  they  recover  again  here. 

SECT.  VLI 


opened  and  Affiled. 


SECT.    VI. 

OH  therefore  labor  for  the  grace  that  may  laft,  the  br^ad  that  may  laft  to 
everlafting  life ;  in  all  bargains  and  buildings  men  will  have  a  fpecial  eye 
to  that  which  will  lalt ;  if  it  be  rotten,  let  whofoever  will  take  it ;  and  be  fure 
ic  is  fo ;  for  when  God  doth  fully  awaken  you,  you  will  fee  it  is  not  right ;  the 
fooiiiliVirginsthey  thought  they  were  well  before  ;  but  now  after  fome  time, 
and  awakened,  they  fee  it  will  not  hold  nor  continue.  For  the  Lords  fake  be 
fuipitious  here  ;  fear  left  a  promife  being  left,  any  fall  ihort  of  it ;  other  things 
will  not  laft,  neither  Creatures,  nor  the  Lord  to  do  you  good,  unlefs  you  have 
everlafting  grace.  It  is  a  time  the  Lord  is  ftripping  the  world  of  ail  ornaments, 
your  Wives,Children,Churches ;  God  will  take  your  Husbands,  Parents,  Mem- 
bers, Minifters  from  you ;  yet  if  a  heart  to  clofe  with  the  Lord,Oh  this  is  right. 

Queft.    I^ow? 

Aiifvp.  I .  Take  heed  of  any  affe6^ion,without  firft  fubduing  the  contrary  luft ; 
for  if  you  mingle  them,  the  one  will  choak  the  other;  this  is  fowing  among 
thoins,  Jfr.4.3,4. 

2.  Maintain  it  upon  an  everlaftin"  root ;  if  the  Lord  oives  you  grace,  and 
you  fet  it  in  your  own  garden,  it  will  dye  ;  no,  let  it  receive  life  from  the  pro- 
mife, that  unchangeable  love,  and  grace,  and  faithfulnefs  ,•  fay,  if  that  fupports 
not  I  fall,  iSam.z'^,<iJfa.4f6Sto^  gray  hairs,I  will  carry  thee;  Pfa.2^,2,^.  the 
Lord  leads  to  waters,  he  feeds :  But  I  decay  ?  yet  he  reftores  my  foul ;  Oh  butr 
he  a{fli<5ls  much  f  yet  his  rod  and  ftaff  comfort  me ;  I  fhall  dwell  in  the  houfe  of 
God  for  ever.  Be  more  empty  as  the  Lord  fills  pu.  But  oh  the  fin  of  this  world- 
all  the  creatures  in  the  world  cannot  content,  but  grace  doth,  and  hence  menx^- 
gard  not  the  Lord ;  and  hence  you  perifti,  and  your  grace  ihall  perifh  alTo. 


■i(f:&A 


CHAP.  XI. 

Vnregenerate  ferfons  may  have  a  fence  of  their 
want  of  Grace. 

SECT.    I. 
CMr  Lamps  are  out. 

Bat  fooitjh  Virgmsy    or  unregenerate  -^er^ons  may  fee  and  [0  com- 
pUm  ofanutttrfvardof  aUjavtng  grace. 

Xookbut  upon  this  pattern,  they  thought  they  were  rich;  and 
had  fomething,  but  now  they  fee  they  have  nothing  ;  and  hence 
when  they  fearch  their  lives,our  lamps  areont jwhen  they  fearch 
their  hearts,  is  there  any  Grace,  or  Spirit  of  Chrift,  or  Chrift  by  his  Spirit 
there  /  no,  our  oyl  is  fpent,  and  hence  give  tis  of  jomojl ;  they  faw  nothin 


III 


novv. 


67 


Ufe  3. 


Obftrva* 
tian  1, 


The  F arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins^ 


now.  The  fame  perfons  than  are  foraerimes  fo  pufc  up,  that  they  thmkthey 
are  rich  and  ftand  in  need  of  nothmg,may  be  bafely  dejected,  and  fo  fv^ei  a  want 
of  all  things. 

Quefl-.  How  may  this  appear  ? 

tyinfrp.  Firft,  Beeaufe  this  is  no  more  than  what  the  Devils  have ;  if  this  be 
Sanaification,tofee,  I  have  no  Sanaification  ;  if  this  be  Humility,  to  fee,  I 
have  no  humility  ;  if  this  be  cleannefs,  to  fee,  I  have  nothing  but  uncleannefs ; 
the  Devils  then  are  fan6tified  and  cleanfed ;  who  as  they  are  unclean  fpirts^ 
and  accurfed  of  God,  and  fet  apart  to  ajl  evil  and  rin,and bound  up  in  the  chains 
of  darknefs,  fo  they  know  it ;  the-y  believe  the  Word,  arid  they  know  they  have 
no  Chrift,  no  Grace,  no  love  of  God,  never  fball  fee  mercy,  comf(J?t,^c, 
and  tremble  at  this,  rcith  whom  there  if  mthwg  hnt  a  fcrrful  lool^ng  for  of 
Judgement.  ■ 

Secondly,  Beeaufe  this  is  no  more  than  what  the  Law  may  bring  a  man  nw- 
lO'^Fcrbythe  Law  %sm.'i,.'2.o,  iS  the  knowledge  of  fin\  i.e,  not  only  of  grofs 
fins  but  alfo  of  fecret  fins ;  for  Confcience  which  is  in  every  mans  heart  will 
difcover  the  firft,  men  that  live  under  the  Law  fee  more ;  and  hence  T^///fpeaks 
of  himfelf,  fo  far  forth  as  tinder  the  Law^  %om.'j  .j^%c)yio^ii.  Now  that 
which  may  be  wrought  in  a  man  meerly  by  the  Law,  may  be  wroughtin  a  man 
under  the  Law ;  a  man  under  the  Law,  is  under  the  reign  of  the  Law,  which  is 
to  convince  of  pollution  univerfal,  and  fo  to  curfe ;  The  Law  is  not  the  mimftra- 
tionof  lifeta  anyman^  zCor^-^.j,  Gal.^.z^.  and  if  the  Law  may  convince  of 
fin  thus,  this  fight  of  fin  and  vilenefs  is  no  part  of  eternal  life.,  and  therefore 
foolifli  Virgins  may  well  come  thus  far ;  and  this  will  efpecially  be  found 
among  them  where  there  is  a  fearching  3S4iniftery,  that  there  is  fcarce  any 
clofe  conveyance  bun  the  Word  difcovers  them :  Gehaz,i  cannot  carry  it  fo 
t:lofely,  nor  Ananias  fo  cunninglyj  but  El'ijha  and  Peter  will  find  it  out  ,•  Heb. 
4. 1 2. The  Word  «  cjHickjind  powerful-,  andfearchethy\-\hich  is  but  a  common  work^ 
and  hence  when  Peter  had  told  Simon  Magus,  Thou  art  in  the  gall  of  bitternefs^ 
he  denieth  it  not,  but  faith,  Oh  pray  for  me ;  indeed  if  the  Word  difcovers  the 
firong-holds,  and  high  forts,  and  fecrec  lufts  and  imaginations,  and  beats  them 
down,  andfo  brings  the  Soul  in  fubjefti on  to  Ch rift,  and  into  captivity ,  that 
is  it  which  is  the  power  of  the  Gofpel,  and  love  of  Chrift  peculiar  to  his  peoples 
works ;  but  to  let  a  man  fee  he  hath  nothing  but  filth,  and  to  be  a  little  affect- 
ed vsith  it,  this  is  no  more  than  what  is  wrought  in  a  deceitful  hearer,  fam.i. 
25,24.  The  Law  or  Word  lets  a  gracelefs  heart  (a  forgetful  bearer)  fee  him- 
felf J.  and  what  can  it  truly  difcoyer  to  him  but  his  vilenefs  ?  this  glafs  will  difco- 
vei  their'fmalleft  fpots  -,  this  Sun  vVill  let  you  fee  motes  ;•  you  know  and  fee, 
and  that's  all. 

Thirdly,  Beeaufe  this  is  n  o  more  than  the  awakening  of  fleepy  Confcience, 
which  the  worft  man ,  and  clofeft  hypocrite  may  in  time  have;  Cains  confci- 
ence while  it  is  feeurre,thinks  his  offering  as  good  as  his  Brothers  j  but  when  awa- 
kened, now  my  fin  is  greater  than  I  can  bear  -^  Saul  goes  on  in  perfecuting 
Ttavld,  and  thinks  God  will  help  ;  and  hence  2  Sam.z^.  5.  goes  to  Urim,c^'c. 
but  God  anfwers  him  not;  nQW  he  fees  his  confiicion ,  and  makes  a  doleful 
complaint  of  it,  That  God  wasi departed,  and  ridanfwer :  Thisisufual-,  ?/>/. 
9.20.  Ttit  them  in  fear,  OGod,  that  they  may  know  themf elves  to  be  but  men ^ 
weak,  finful,  vile  men :  When  the  Lord  fets  up  his  Judgement  Sett  in  a  mans 
confcience,  not  only  grofs  evils,  but  the  fecrets  of  all  hearts,  all  mens  hypo- 
Gfifiesare  then  opened  to  themfelves,  as  at  1  aft  day  to  all  the  world;  and 
hence  as  hypocrites  confciences  fhall  be  broken  o^^w  ac  the  laft  day,  fo  now 
ajtfp  in  this  life ,  they  may  fee  thdr  profeflRon  to  be  bur  painr ;  hence  Ifa.  5^.14. 
Hypocrites'  are  afraid  when  God  appears  in  anger  ^  Oh  whafhall  dwell  with  God? 
ch^  are  fom^etime^  foconfoundeiwiththe^holinefsof  God,  and  the  terror 


opened  and  Applied. 


jof  God  from  rhcnce  againft  £m^  that  who  iliall  dwtl  with  God?  are  there 
I'any  ill  the  world  that  can  fhnd  before  him?  now  all  is  paint,  andvils  be- 
fore him. 

Fourthly ,  Becaufe  Hypocrites  may  have  experience  of  a  great  chanpe 
wrought  i a  them,  which  decaying  and  corrupting,  they  may  fenGbly  finde^a 
Jwantof  what  once  they  had^  which  though  they  thought  it  had  been  favin^ 
{grace,  or  that  whichwouid  commend  them  to  God;  now  they  fee  they  have 
j  no  grace  sc  all,  hence  are  left  as  thefe  Virgins ;  if  a  man  never  was  rich,  he 
I  cannot  be  fenfible  of  being  a  Bankrupt,  a  Beggar ;   Look  as  it  was  with  Adam^ 
jhe  was  in  a  happy  eftate,  in  the  im.age  of  God  -,  now  when  loft,  he  faw  himfelf 
Inaked,  and  was  alliamed,  and  was  this  faving  grace  ?  no :  So  though  Hypocrites 
i  attain  not  to  that  righteoufnefs,  yet  they  may  attain  to  many  fpirituai  excellen- 
icies,  whicbtheymay  prize  exceedingly,  asthofe  that  commend  them  before 
JGod  and  men  ;  butthefe  corrupting,  they  may  noweaiily  fee  their  naked- 
inefs,  and  vilenefs,  and  want  of  all :  Sa-dl  had  the  Spirit  of  God  we  know,  but 
ji  Sam.\6.i^.  an  evil  f^irlt  camCyandGods  Spirit  de-parted ;  did  noz  Saul  know 
Itbis?  the  having  of  Gods  Spirit  made  him  more  feniible  of  the  evil  i^int-^  fo 
it  is  with  many  a  man ;  the  Spirit  of  God  doth  depart,  and  he  cannot  pray  nor 
prophecy,  nor  fpeak,  nor  think,  nor  do,  as  he  did;  nay  he  may  find  an  evil 
fpirit  upon  him  ;  and  is  this  unknown  ?  may  not  fooliih  Virgins  know  this  ? 
as  Sampfon  when  fhaved.  • 

Fifthly,  Becaufe  that  which  is  fometimes  a  juft  Judgement  of  God  upon  a 
carnal  heart,  that  they  may  fee  and  feel;  but  nnany  times  (I  fay  nor  always, 
becaufe  the  Lord  doth  ufe  this  to  prepare  for  mercy)  it  is  fo  that  men  rhat  have 
defpifed  grace,  and  Chrift,  men  that  have  coloured  it  over  with  Cod,  and  | 
thought  highly  of  themfclves  for  what  they  had ;  they  {ball  fee  all  their  profeffi- 
on  is  Dut  paint,  and  all  their  Gold,  Tin  and  Copper .-  Joh.S.i i .  T0H  Jhallfeek^ 
jncy  and  ^ all  not  finde  me^  but  fhall  dye  in  yotir  fins  ;  feeking  ever  prefuppo- 
feth  a  want ;  fo  that  you  fhall  finde  a  want  of  me ;  and  if  of  mc,  of  all  life,  of 
all  grace,  of  all  comfort  and  godd ;  and  this  lofs  the  Lord  makes  a  puniihmenc 
which  they  fhall  bring  upon  themfelves  by  contempt  of  him. 


SEC  T.     IL 

eEnce  we  may  fee  the  wofui  condition  of  thofe.  viz.,  Firu?  Confiderhow 
far  from  eternal  life  thofe  are  that  never  knew  their  fall ;  the  foolifh  Vir- 
gins knew  their  want  of  oyl  and  fhiiiing  ,  and  yet  were  fooiidi,  and  yet  were 
Oiut  out ;  how  great  is  their  fall  then,  arid  how  great  their  mifery,  that  have  had 
burning  lamps,  but  novV  know  it  not  ?  this  is  the  ftate  of  many  a  profelTor , 
many  a  man  who  is  fallen  from  the  Lord,  andibe  affevS^ions  once  he  had,  but 
he  knows  it  not  ^  God  did  enlighten  him,  bur  now  he  is  blinding  of  him ;  he 
did  affed  him,  but  he  is  now  benumming  of  him  ;  he  did  make  him  render,  b«t 
not"  he  is  making  his  heart  fat ;-  he  did  make  hini  low  in  bis  own  eyes  fas  Saul^ 
but  when  aKing  then  pufc  up^  fo  God  is  fwelling  of  him ;  but  this  is  m.oft  grie- 
vous, he  knows  it  not,  7/^^.6.  If  a  man  did  know  his  lamp  were  going  our,  he 
might  feek,  asthefe,  forit,  andpoffiblyfindit;  butnowno  hope  uniefs  the 
Lord  help ;  as  we  fee  men  wounded  and  falling,  they  are  aftoniilied  at  the  blow, 
that  they  know  it  not,  and  may  die,  unlefs  thofe  about  themdrefs  them,  and 
fend  to  and  fro  for  help  for  thern;  fo  it  is  with  many  ;  men  are  fo  ftupified  with 
fome  blows  of  their  lufts,  that  unlefs  Chriflian  friends  exhort,  admonifliand 
fend  their  prayers  and  tears  to  heaven  to  the  Lord,  no  hope  of  recovery  again  •, 
and  whether  the  Lord  will  be  entreated  is  hard  to  fay ;  furely  it  is  rare,   and  yet 

-  ...  -  thus 


69 


U]e  I. 


*ieitmm»tHsm!^Bf^giep^ 


'O 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins^ 


Jcr.  9.  41. 


thus  ic  is  1  Joh.^.  fometitnes,  if  it  be  not  a  fin  unto  death;  but  in  a  Brother, 
grace  will  fetch  help;  but  if  the  man  never  had  grace,  and  now  fell  without 
feeling,  there's  little  hope  ;  if  a  man  can  feel  no  fun  riling  upon  hi.Ti,  nor  yet 
howthe^day  goes  away,  whether  the  Sun  be  fetcing  or  no,  it  argues  miferable 
carelefnefs ,  or  miferable  blindnefs ,  and  that  the  man  is  in  darknefs  j  fo 
here. 

Secondly,  What  will  become  of  them  that  were  never  caft  down  fo  low  as 
thefe,  that  never  came  to  be  fo  good  as  Hypocrites, 

.For  I.  You  were  born  and  have  lived  not  only  in  a  iinful  eftate,  but  in  a 
Chiiftlefs  eftate  ;  dead  without  all  life,  every  part  of  :hse  polluted. 

2.  If  the  Lord  doth  draw  any  out  of  this  eftate,  he  will  make  you  know 
what  poor  creatures  you  be,  that  you  fhall  fay,  I  thought  I  had  been  thus  and 
thus>  but  I  fee  I  am  wretched ;  I  thought  1  fhould  be  faved,  but  now  I  am  con- 
demned, fo  that  your  mouth  fhallb^  topped, '20i^.  5.21.  elfe  you  would  ne- 
ver come  to  the  Lord,  to  your  Fathers  houfe,  and  prize  the  grace  of  God,  if  any 
husks  to  Jive  upon  now. 

5.  You  never  knew  this ;  never  came  to  complain  to  any  Chriftian,'Oh 
my  oyl  is  fpent,  my  lamp  is  out ;  Chrift  and  Spirit,  and  all  good  is  gone  ; 
no,  you  think  your  felves  rich  and  want  nothing ;  you  have  fome  know- 
ledge, rettraint  of  good  affe<5tions,  and  full  of  thefe,  The  Lord  will  ffm  yon  om 
his  months  if  it  is  thus  with  you  •  Nay,although  you  have  means  and  hear  of 
it,  yet  all  the  world  cannot  make  you  know  your  nakednefs,  mifery,  fin 
and  emptinefs;  Well,  if  the  Lord  doth  notfet  up  a  Judgement-Seat  now, 
you  fhall  be  called  before  it  one  day,  and  then  your  fecrets  lliail  be  made 
manifeft  before  all  the  world ;  and  becaufe  yoa  fay  you  fee ,  therefore  your 
fin  remains  ;  fo  fay  I  to  you  :  You  never  did  contemn  God,  nor  hate 
God  ,  &c,  therefore  your  contempt  reniains  ;  if  it  be,  there  Chriit  will 
difcover  it ,  and  fo  remove  it  ;  but  is  it  n®n  fo  f  therefore  your  fin  Re- 
mains. 


SECT.     III. 

'^/^  -»  J-JEnce  fee  the  deceit  of  that  finful  opinion.  That  true  Sanftification  is 
"to  fee  I  have  no  San6lification ;  and  cleannefs  of  heart  to  fee  nothing 
but  uncleannefs  ;  and  that  this  is  poverty  of  Spirit,  to  fee  no  grace  in  a 
mans  felf,  nor  no  Chrift  there;  and  this  Kot  only hathjbeen,  but  itfeems 
is  fcattered  fiiU;  which  as  it  is  pleafing  to  many  a  gracelefs  heart,  andfuit- 
able  to  his  luft  ,  fo  it  carries  a  fair  cloak  of  Humility  and  Self-denial  in 
it,  and  makes  way  for  fuch  an  Evidejice  which  the  Scripture  did  never  yet 
declare. 

Poverty  of  Spirit  is  a  Grace  peculiar  to  them  that  fhall  have  the  Kingdom 
of  Heaven;  But  to  fee  no  Grace  is  common  tothofe  rhatihallbe  fhut  out 
of  the  Kingdom  of  heaven ;  none  but  thofe  that  are  juftified  can  ba  favingly 
faniSlified ;  many  that  fhall  be  condemned,  may  fee,  do  fee  that  they  have  no 
Sanguification:  And  therefore  this  is  no  Sanflification. 

1 .  If  this  be  Poverty  of  Spirit  to  fee  no  Grace,  then  Common-grace  is  Spe- 
cial-grace, peculiar  to  the  Eleft,  as  true  Poverty  is. 

2.  Then  it  is  a  grace  of  the  Spirit  of  God  to  maintain  an  untruth,  and  to 
give  the.holy  GhofUhe  lye;for  where  there  is  Poverty, there  is  Grace  and  Chrifi. 

5.  Then  the  Grace  of  Poverty  ofSpirit,  fhould  be  quite  contrary  to  the  Spi- 
rit of  Grace,  which  makes  us  k»ow  the  things  given  pis  of  God ;  but  this  poverty 
of  Spirit  makes  us  not  to  know  them  at  all. 

Yet 


opened  and  Affiled. 


\     7i 


Yet  many  will  profefs  this  txue  Poverty  of  fpiric,  and  this  is  true  San<ftiii- 
cation  indeed.  ' 

Firft,  It  is  true,  where  there  was  never  any  of  the  Grace  of  Chrift,  but 
men  have  run  upon  Reformation  without  Chrift ,  and  affedion,  &c.  there 
men  are  bound  to  fee  their  black  feet,  and  happy  is  the  heart  that  can  pull 
off  every  feather  from  fuch  erefts;  but  where  it  is,  and  the  Lord  hath  given 
evidence  thereby  according  to  his  Word  -,  now  to  deny  it  is  devililli ,  for 
it  was  he  that  faid  Joif  did  not  ferve  God  for  nonght^  and  is  a  lye,  of  which 
he  was  the  Father ;  and  is  great  unthankfulnefs  to  the  Spirit  for  what  he  hath 
done.  . 

Secondly,  If  there  b^  no  Grace  in  a  Chrftian  nor  Spirit,  but  all  in  Chrift, 
then  fay  it  upon  the  houfe  tp^s,  and  be  not  aftiamed  of  it ;  men  muft  fee 
nothing ,  becaufe  they  have  nothing  ;  otherwife  let  this  delufion  rot ,  and 
never  find  acceptance  in  holy  hearts ;  and  yet  how  many  ftill  defcribe  an  Hy- 
pocrite by  all  the  Graces  of  the  Spirit ,  Faith,  receiving  Chrift  as  King, 
Prieft,  and  prophet,  d'c.  and  fo  are  clean  creatures  and  upright  men,  by  fee- 
ing nothing  in  themfelves ,  contrary  to  Chrift,  Jo/?.  1 3.  Ton  are  clean^  hm 
not  aU. 

Thirdly,  It  is  true,  a  gracious  heart  is  apt  to  deny  all  the  Lord  hath  done 
for  him ;  jet  the  Lord  likes  not  this  •■,  as  Calvin  thinks  Teter  did,  Lord , 
hands,  and  feet,  and  all ;  no ,  faith  the  Lord ,  thou  art  clean  in  head,  and 
all  but  thy  feet  j  and  hence  needs  no  Waftiing  but  in  that :  And  what  more 
frequent  than  this  (in  ?  but  to  make  what  is  ftnful  a  duty,  this  is  to  turn 
day  into  night,  and  night  into  day,  to  call  evil  good,  and  bitter  fweet. 


SECT.    IV. 
Queft.  i.p  '^^  ^''^^  ^ot  the  Lord  bring  every   man  to  fee  nothing  in  him- 

^nfw.  Yes,  that  the  Lor^  doth  in  preparing  him  for  Chrift,  or  in  draw- 
ing him  toward  Chrift,  but  it  is  Where  there  is  nothing,  neither  poverty  or 
any  other  grace. 

Queft,2.  But  is  not  this  poverty  of  Ipirit^  or  do  not  th  of e  that  are  poor  t'nffi- 
iit  fee  nothing  ? 

t/^«/W.  I.  In  regard  of  their  unregcnerate  part,  which  the  longer  they 
five,  the  more  they  feel  of  the  evil  of  it,  andfo  the  more  poor  they  grow; 
they  fee  no  good  there,' and  fo  account  themfelves  the  moft  miferable  men, 
mourning  more  under  it  than  ever ;  yet  to  fee  no  good  at  all  in  themfelves, 
this,  if  their  eyes  be  open,  they  are  not  to  fay,  J  delight  in  the  Law  in  the 
inner  man ;  and  hence  a  regenerate  Ghriftian  is  vile  in  his  own  eyes  afrer  all 
duties  and  enlargements,  he  fees  how  all  is  defiled  with  a  filthy  heart,  and 
hence  Vrov.  50.4.  /  am  hutifh ;  and  he  fpeaks  of  his  natural  eftate,  and  in  that 
part,  for  elfe  it  is  crofs  tor  Cor. 2. 1  o. 

2.  They  fee  nothing  in  themfelves  to  commend  them  to  God  in  point  of 
Juftification ;  here  all  P^Ws  paft  and  prefent  righteoufnefs  is  accounted  dung. 

Queft.  3. /f  an  Hypocrite  fees  and  feels  nothings  and  thoje  that  are  poor  in  Jp!" 
rit  do  fo  ?  what  is  the  dijference  .<* 

Jlnf.  The  differences  are  many,  i .  He  that  is  truly  poor,  fees  fo  much  vik" 
nd^j^a^Jbat  heloaths  himfelf,  6z.ek.6.  But  the  Hypocrite  if  he  hatliany  ex- 
cellency, remains  full  of  it,  proud  with  it ;  if  it  be  gone,  hefeeks  himfdf  t- 
gain,  and  loaths not  himfelf. 

2.  True  poverty  of  fpirit  drives  a  man  out  of  himfelf,  and  all  carnal  con^ 

tents. 


V 


Vfc   3. 


Ufe   4. 


Tbe  T arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins ^ 


tents,  as  well  as  graces,  to  mercy,  £o  live  there,  and  cleave  there,  as  in  the  Pro- 
di'^al,  he  did  not  only  fee  a  want,  but  feel  a  need  of  bread;  I  die  without  it, 
?/^.4o.9,i  Q.  But  another  that  fees  no  good,  either  is  not  driven  out  of  his  con- 
tents, but  when  he  fees  nothing,  as  Cai»^  builds  Cities,or  if  he  iee's  fotne  good 
in  himfclf,  then  herisnot  driy^nout^^fhigifelf. 


S  E  C  X    V. 

HEnce  fee  which  is  the  furert  and  fafeft  s^ay  of  evidencing  our  good  eftatc, 
for  here  men  now  arc  perplexed,  either  'tis  by  feeing  no  grace,  andfo  ex- 
pecting the  wirnefs  of  the  Spirit,  or  by  feeing  fomefaving  work  of  grace,  and 
fo  looking  to  the  witnefs  of  the  Word,  and  waiting  for  the  confirmation  of  the 
Spirit;  forfealsdo  but  confirm  the  Promife  and  Covenant;  if  ic  be  by  feeing 
nograce,  then  either  by  feeing  no^race,  without  having  the  being  of  it,  and 
now  w^it  for  a  reveIation,and  then  'tis  a  delufion,  for  he  is  under  the  condemna- 
tion of  the  Word,and  therefore  far  from  confolation  of  the  Spiricjor  by  feeing  no 
grace  without  feeing  the  beiijg  of  ic :  If  fq,  then  a  man  muftfeek  for  a  wit- 
nefs of  the  Spirit,  without  underHanding  the  meaning  of  the  Spirit,  or  of  the 
witnefs  of  it ;  and  fo  a  man  muft  fliut  his  eyes  againft  part  of  the  truth,  that 
he  may  fee  another  part  -,  a  man  mutt  fee  that  he  is  beloved,  but  not  thou  be- 
liever, or  thou  called,  art  loved  or  juMed.  Oh  then  take  heed  of  this  way  of 
evidence-,  or  elfe  by  now  feeing  grace,  and  waiting  for  a  witnefs  •  now  this  is 
fafefti  for  when  ever  the  witnefs  comes  ic  is  certainly  right  now,  not  a  delufion : 
Hfcreby  we  fhall  fee  the  full  meaning  of  the  witnefs  and  compafs  of  the  Lords 
love.  And  therefore  take  heed  of  denying  all  grace,  and  feeing  nothing,  and 
then  wait  for  a  Revelation,  and  if  it  comes  now  'tis  right ;  no  fuch  matter ;  you 
may  fee  nothing,  and  to  helj,  and  no  confolation  to  them  that  fee  nothing ; 
think  not  that  this  is  poverty ;  itmaybeafeal  toablank,  tofucha  oncasthe 
Lord  never  intended  mercy  unto;  that  which  God  promifeth  pray  for,  Z^r/>. 
i3.«/^  firft,  tofay  It  is  my  people,  and  then  the  Lord  is  my  God  ;  find  that 
the  Lord  makes  you  his  people,  and  then  fay  fo.  Let  all  know  this  is  ne- 
ver quefiioned,  whether  the  Spirit  be  the  caufe  of  witnefs,  and  clearing  our  e- 
ftate ;  but  whether  by  feeing  nothing,  or  (hewing  fomething ;  here's  the  myftery 
of  it:  oh  that  God  would  make  you  hear,  that  are  called  away  from  the  fim- 
plicity  of  thcGofpelof  Chrift:  Thefefoolifli  Virgins  were  wiferthan  many 
nowadays  in  this  particular,  they  cried  for  oyl  in  their  lamps,  or  they  knew 
they  could  not  be  accepted  of  the  Bridegroom. 

Oh  fearch  and  try  your  felves  throughly,  for  you  may  come  in  time  to  fee  all 
your  paint  fall  off,  all  your  guilt  difcovered,  e^c . 


opened  and  Applied. 


\     ■'.  !l.."^..>t,-!'. 


75 


mkibMmBmmmii^^^ 


CHAP.    XIL 

Of  the  de fire  of  Grace  that  may  he  in  Hypocrites. 


SECT.    I. 
Give  us  of  pur  OyJ^  Sec, 

Hat  foo/i(h  virgins  maj-y  and  [crloHJly  do  dejire,  "not  only  Sal- 
vation^ t?ftt  Grace  It  [elf.  Forthefe  Virgins  did  not  oolyde- 
iire  the  Lord  to  open  ro  them,  but  gi-ve  hs  of  jour  oyl ;  and 
this  they  do  not  defire  in  llievv,  bucferioufly,  for  they  felt  a 
want  of  it ;  our  lamps  are  oiit,  our  oy]  is  fpenr,  our  mifery  is 
p  eat ;  Oh  now  help  us  with  your  grace  •*  This  may  appear  in 
thefe  particulars. 

Fird,  They  may  feel  a  lofs  and  a  want  of  ic,  and  having  fomehope  in  this 
life  to  gain  it,  hence  mayfeek  it ;  thus  not  only  the  Virgins,  but  S'mton  Magus 
A'cis  S.24.  when  he  was  convinced  he  was  in  the  gall  of  bitternefs ;  he  doth 
not  only  content  himfelf  with  his  own,  bat  doth  commend  himfelf  to  the  de- 
fires  of  the  Church,  and  ApoBles,  Oh  fray  for  mc^  that  none  of  thsfe  th  ngs 
may  come  upon  me^  but  that  I  may  be  brought  into  another  edate,  whereby  I 
may  efcape  all  this,  Amos  8.1 1,1 2.  /  i»ill  bring  a  famine^  not  of  bread,  hm  of 
hearing  the  Word^  l.e,  you  fhall  feel  a  woful  want  of  that,  and  of  the  cortfoIatJon, 
life,  and  fpirir  of  that,  and  you  fhall  go  from  fea  to  fea  to  find  it,  and  lliall  not : 
Oh  that  I  had  taken  my  time,  will  the  carelefs  ones  fay  1 

Secondly,  They  may  have  a  high  opinion  of  it,  and  fee  a  marvellous  ex- 
cellency in  it ,  and  hence  may  be  drawn  to  defire  it,  Jo/;.6.^  5,54.  A<fy  father 
gives  joptbre^d  from  heavm,  which  Mofes  gave  not ■y  andffich  bread  as  gives 
life  unto  the  world  i  then  f.iid  they,  Lird^  ever  give  as  of  this  bread-,  and  yet 
they  were  carnal,  anddefires  carnal,  arifing  from  the  fight  of  the  excellency 
of  it;  that  Scribe /I-/<7rf  A.  1 2.53,54.  To  love  the  Lord  thy  God  veith  all  thy  heart 
is  better  than  all  burnt  offerings  and  facrifices  ;  Oh  that's  admirable,  the  Ordi- 
nances arc  good,  and  Creatures  aregood,  but  this  is  better:  As  a  man  when 
l^e  admires  the  world,  he  ever  defires  the  world,  though  he  never  hath  it;  fo 
here,  as  m  Balaam  :  Not  [only  \'Vord  and  Spirit  may  cam.mendit,  and  fo 
they  may  defire  it,  but  the  excellency  of  it  in  the  lives  of  the  Saints  will  com- 
mend it,  fo  as  carnal  hearts  may  defire  the  company  and  love  of  fuchmen  a- 
bove  all  in  the  world,  Fev.-;^^.  Gin.26.22i.  H'cfaw  God  wjs  with  thee,  and  that 
thott  w  rt  blejfed of  the  Lord ;  and  hence  there  are  forne  defires  after  it,  z  Pn, 
2.1  g.  Men  efcape  pollutions  by  Chrifi.  '• 

Thirdly,  They  have  a  tafte  of  the  fweecnefsof  it,  and  hsnce  may  defire  it, 
Heb  6.  Jo/jw  was  a  burning  light,  and  they  rejoyced  in  him,  and  all  Jndea  xnd 
Jert'f.iLm  flocked  to  his  Minifiery,  and  came  into  the  wildernefs  after  him; 

Kkk  the 


Obferva- 
tion  g. 


74 


The  Parable  of  the  Ten  Virgim 


K  1. 


Vfe  2. 


the  favor  of  the  grace  of  Chrirt  may  wonderfully  draw  defires  after  k;  they 
may  find  fuch  a  fweetnefs  in  it,  L-^.i  5.26.  Mxfiy  (hall  fay^  Lord^  have  not  we 
eatanddrank^in  thy  fre[ence  ?  thac  is,  they  find  much  fweetnefs  there  ;  the 
Lord  tauEhc  among  them;  they  defi  red  him,  and  thought  he  was  their  own, 
yet  llmt  out ;  and  hence  verfe  24.  LMany  jhall  feek^  to  enter  m^  and  fhalL  net 
be  able. 

Fourthly,  They  may  and  do  grow  up  in  a  glorious  profeihon  in  the  ways  of 
orace,  and  fuch  a  profeflion  as  to  ftand  it  out  again  ft  peri  ecudon,  ■?.?,  the  thorny 
around  did,  and  may  have  fome  growth  toward  it,  which  cannot  be  without 
fome  defires  and  fpringings  pf  heart  after  it. 


SECT.    II. 

HEnce  let  this  be  an  item  to  all  the  people  of  God,  topreferve  with  all  care, 
and  not  to  lofe,  but  to  make  much  of  the  Spirit  of  Grace  inherent  in  them  j 
for  look  as  the  Lord  Jefus,  when  he  would  make  his  pifciples  wonder  at  their 
bleflednefs,  and  make  much  of  him,  and  his  love,  hiihbQy  Many  Kings  and 
Trophets  have  defred  to  fee  the fe  days  ^  and  have  not  feen  them',  fomany  pro- 
feffors  of  great  parts  and  gifts  {hall  defire  to  have  that  Spirit  of  Grace  and  Peace 
which  you  have,  and  {hall  never  fee  it,  never  fhall  have  it :  When  Davids 
heart  began  to  be  drawn  away  by  the  evils  of  the  world,  and  then  beheld  the 
vanity  of  that,  his  defires  are  now  turned  another  way,  Oh  n  ii  good  for  me 
to  draw- nigh  to  God ,  that's  good  •'  As  if  he  had  faid,  though  it  be  good  to 
have  the  things  themfelves  ;  yet  it  is  not  good  for  me  to  draw  too  nigh  in  my 
defires  and  efteem  of  them,  but  good  for  me  to  dratv  nigh  to  him.  It  may  be 
fometimes  your  hearts  are  taken  off  from  efteeming  your  co'^dition,  and  what 
the  Lord  hath  done  for  you ;  and  hence  no  defire  after  the  Lord  or  his  Grace, 
but  the  lawful  comforts  of  the  world,  not  inordinately,  bucif  I  h^dfomuch, 
orasgoodas  others,  then  well.  Pfal.i^i.^.  ©^^'/i  entreats  the  Lord  not  to 
encline  his  heart  after  any  evil  thing,  no  not  after  the  wickeds  good  things.  Let 
me  not  eat  of  their  dainties  ;  for  grant  that  thou  lofeft  all  thefe  things,  which 
others  have  •  the  time  will  come  when  the  greateft  Prince,  and  thofe  that  have 
their  defires  filled  here,  (hall  fay,  Oh  that  I  was  in  that  manseftatef  Let  the 
Lord  therefore  exercife  you  with  many  wants  and  forrows;  remember  this, 
your  end  will  be  peace ,  which  the  worft  would  g  ve  a  world  for  another 
day. 

What  then  will  become  of  them  that  never  defired  grace  at  all,  becaufe 
they  are  well  enough  without  it!  a  man  cannot  live  (Tay  they)  by  praying,  and 
hearing  of  Sermons;  fuch  duties  are  troublefom;  hinderances,  notdefirable 
helps ;  and  when  any  Ordinance  comes,  when  will  Sabbaths  be  ended  ?  and 
as  for  the  people  of  God  themfelves  they  can  fee  no  difference  between  them 
and  other  men,  nay,  they  think  them  worfe  -,  if  this  be  your  ReIigion,God  keep 
me  from  your  Religion.  Nay-,  they  can  fee  no  beauty  in  Chrift  to  defire  hi  m  j 
they  can  defire  that  they  were  not  kept  info  much  on  the  Sabbaths-,  nor  fo  much 
pains  taken  with  them  to  inftruct  them  ;  it  may  be  thefe  may  defire  that  their 
hands  be  kept  from  ftealing,  their  tongues  from  curfing,and  their  feet  from  run- 
ing  to  (hed  blood ;  but  the  life  of  Grace,  and  power  of  it,  they  defire  not  that, 
nor  never  did  :  I  remember  v\'hen  David  was  in  extremity,  Lord^  faith  he, 
my  groanings  are  not  hid  from  thee  ;  this  was  his  comfort  when  he  could  not 
pray,  Tfal.^^.^,  But  here  it  is  otherwife :  Canft  thou  if  extremity  fhould  come 
upon  thee,  fay,  Now  I.  am  not  able  to  fpeak.  Oh  remember  my  clofet  tears, 

^ •_ my 


opened  and  A f  plied. 


75 


;  my  midnight  groans,  and  daylight  complaints,  and  rhofe  daily  fighin^s  after 
'  thee  which  have  arifen  from  this  forrovvful  heart  ?  did  the  Lord  never  work 
:  this  in  thee?  if  extremity  comes,  and  thou  haft  no  fuch  thing  to  witnefs 
j  for  thee,  do  you  think  that  you  iTiall  meet  the  Bridegroom  in  peace  ?  oh 
I  no !  go  home,  and  make  thy  m^oan  over  thy  own  Soul  ;  the  Lord  is  far 
i  from  me  ;  if  Tnaf^y  feek^  to  enter  and  Jhall  never  be  able^  what  will  become 
jof  me? 

I  Hence  fee  how  many  people  deceive  themfelves  in  their  evidencing  of  a 
igood  eftate,  who  becaufe  they  fee  no  oyl  in  their  veflel,  nor  fee  no  Hainingin. 
I  their  Jives,  yet  becaufe  they  defire  it,  they  think  hereupon  the  Lord  accepts 
them  and  their  defires,  and  therefore  the  Lord  will  fulfill  them  j  this  very  con- 
ceit keeps  thoufands  ijt  their  fins  and  miferies,  and  that  under  convi^lion  of 
them ;  yet  I  defire  it  were  better  with  me  ;  and  they  think  Hypocrites 
make  {hews  of  tBis  amd  that,  yet  they  have  not  unfeigned  defires ;  and  here 
thoufands  reft,  and  this  flays  them,  zsProv.z-].'^,  The  defires  of  the  Jln^^ard 
kjHs  him. 


SECT.     III. 

Queft.'O  ^/-  doth  not  the  Lord  rejpeB  the  groamngs  of  his  people  ?  doth  not 
iI}Chrifi  fay,  Joh.  4.  lo.  if  thou  hadft  asked,  &c,  doth  not  the  Lord, 
look^  upon  the  inner  man  ,  the  very  frame ,  ^^/j  defires  that  have  been^ 
paft  /  ^  '  .  '■ 

Anfw.  Yes,  there  be  fome  defires  which  are  evidences;  fom.e  which  are  not ; 
I  fiball  difcover  them  that  be  unfound  in  the  particular  example  of  thefe  foolifh 
VirginSjC^^-. 

Firft,  Thofe  are  unfound  defires,which  arife  in  the  foul  eafily,  without  feel- 
ing a  need  of  the  Lords  almighty  power  and  Spirit  of  life  to  work  them  at  firft  ; 
we  lliallfinde  that  the  defires  of  regenerate  Ghriftiansdonotcomeeahly,hut 
they  finde  a  need  of  the  Lord  to  draw  them.  Jer,'^i. 10. Lam. >^.2.i.  butthede- 
fires  of  others  fpring  up  eafily  and  quickly  -,  as  thefe  fooliiln  Virgins,  they  want- 
ed oyl,  they  could  quickly  defire  it  ^  and  they  go  to  their  fellow-brethren  for 
help.  Oh  give  m  of  jonr  oyl.    Look  as  it  is  with  wilde  Rye  and  Peafe,  they  will 
come  up  at  the  feafon  of  the  year  in  abundance,  without:  fowing  or  plowing, 
the  ground  bears  them  naturally  -,  but  other  corn  and  grain  will  not  come  fo  ea- 
fily ;  your  ground  will  not  bear  it  till  plowed  and  digged,  and  then  the  hand  of 
manmuftfetit,  and  dye  it  muft,  before  it  can  live  again  ;  fohere,  if  defires 
come  and  fpring  up  eafily,  it  is  a  fign  they  at'e  wilde ;  the  Lord  muft  break  the 
heart,  and  then  fow  thefe,  and  plant  thefe  from  heaven,  and  you  mtift  fetch  it 
out  of  heaven,  elfe  it  is  naught;  for  when  the  Lord  works  faving  defires  in- 
deed, he  ever  fows  them  in  a  broken  heart,  which  is  throughly  broken  indeed  ; 
when  God  fets  the  fmoaklng  flax  on  fire  fwhich  are  defires)  he  firft  bruifetfaikj-; 
reed  itfelf.  .in^ 

Secondly,  The  fubjeft  in  which  thefe  defires  are  ?'  aniaahatha  Son  and  a 
Servant ;  the  Son  hath  all  his  defires  granted  him,  becaufe  he  hath  a  fonly  ff  i- 
T[t ;  all  the  Father  hath  is  for  him,   that  may  be  good  for  him;  a  Servant  de- 
■  fires  importunately,  but  he  prays  from  the  fpiritof  a  Servant,  and  all  that  his! 
I'^after  hath  is  not  for 'him ;  and  therefore  if  he  pray  for  the  inheritaaice  or  a 
part  of  it,  of  the  portion  of  the  Son,  iliall  he  have  it  ?  no,  helliall  have  what 
is  fit  for  a  Servant ;  fo  it  is  here,the  Lord  hath  fome  Sons  in  his  Churches  ;  thefe 
'  praying  and  defirinp  from  a  fon-like  fpirit,  all  that  God  hath  being  theirs,  tfaev 
"  -,-^      K  k  k    2  Ihail 


^/M. 


^6 


tJ: 


The  Parfibk  of  the  Tml  irgins^ 


:  ihall  haveic ,-.  atid  hence  'yjV.i^S-.i  ^'>i-9r^,9K  fi^  ^^'^^^P^^^ rW^j^T^''' 
\tbar  fear  hmty  Af^iov-rhir^^  *^U  dsiigh-^i.k^^felj  es-pi^^f^^)  forp^lristhe 
iGHrlike  difpohfiori ;  wbe-ii  ha  is  cut  ilioix  of  .'Jil  t;oiiiTQ;jLliii  the  AvdfM ,  my, 
,«ib)£n  he  may  hjv>  hisiill  Gt^t!:jem ,  yethede!^tght3ia.tH^J^#|.er3faca,  foVe^,  and 
sjrace,  andt'eltowihigj and. bpuibjPj^/.a 7^^.. rcr..vVj ^rcj^ejrs  ajM ohe'n'^^'.tb 
Cbrifr-,  hlngSt^si  but  now  there  axe  SeryautsuVtfiehcHifeofC^  ;^^ 
have  theij;  wills  ar  d  hats  Jno;thus  it  was  vvirh  thefe  focliiliVirgmsjthey  were  only 
Servants  in  the  houfe,  no  true  Spoufe  or  Son?,  ard  were  foolilli  ?.t  befi,  andhad 
not  the  ipirits  ot  Sons,  but  had  their  lulls ;.  n,evsr  iiverv-^"{?P*A^^^'^'^^'^"§lv  ^^  ^b" 
Lord  Jeius  hi-cifelf,  nor  laid  up  all  their  hogcm  him,  '^iT^^vN^^rbfooiit^  and  that 
I'isThe ground vvhy  others  dd^res  are  heard,;  110c dielrs,  ^V.'^J^  ^  "  -:  ; 
- :;  Thirdly^  llalbuiiddehres  make  after  a  certain  ineaTi;re.''pnIy,  whereas  the 
delires  ot"Sc\iRCsteek  after  chis  Grace  wichoucmearure  ;a4d' thus  the  looliiliVir- 
-gins  fell  iho^toi- the  wiie;  aiithat  they  could  ^ec  wssnttre-^aougfiTor  them- 
irhv^s ;  but  f  h$  EboliiL  look  atter  {o:ne  o£  their  oyl,  as^.any ,  a  man  lo.oks  up- 
on the  gitcs  and  parts  of  another;  Oh,  faitb-he^  it  Iwasasponel^,  as  humble 
a  man  as  fuch  acne  /  and  many  a  man  fetsup  fucha  meafure,  and  if  he  hath 
that,  is  well,  while  he  wants  that  n:iife:ably .-  Look  winly  upon  the  foolilli 
Vircins,  they  did  content  themfelves  with  a  meafure,  and  now  they  are  in  want 
of  it,  feekforit;  at  firft  a  iitde  did  content  them,  and  now  when  it  is  fpent,a 
little  will  lerve  them  again  •  And  what  is-  their  meafure  ? 

I.  So  much  as  will  beAutiiie  and  adorn  them  before  men ,   our  Lan:^ 

z.  Somiuch  as  will  comfort  them  againft  the  coming  of  Chrill;  fornow 
they  were  troubled  that  their  oyl  was  fpent,  whereby^  they  mdght  m.eer  the 
Bridegroom  :  he  that  defires  it  for  a  little  meafure  of  it,  his  deiires  are  cer- 
tainly unfound;  fo  much  as  will  ferve  his  turn  (he  cuts  his  coat  according  to 
his  cloth  j  but  he  that  deiires  it  without  meafure,  I  cmra^  zsT.ifiI,Phi/. 
:?.I2.  That  I  ns.iy  Affrehe?:dh  any  meafii\  ihat  for  which  J  nm  afp-shihjrd  : 
As  Chryfosfcm  cAls  F^.hI  that  irijAtiubilis  Del cnltor  y  for  he  m.akesit  M^hft 
end ;  as  he  that  deiires  wealth  \^'ithol^:  m^eafure,  though  he  gets  not  all  the 
wealth  cf  the  world,  yet  the  more  he  hath,  the  more  he  ciayes  i"  this  hi^  flelUy 
luft  is  his  lart  end.  _  ^  J',. 

Ob  j.  But  be  ntity  dejire  h  without  msafure  for  hu  ewnends, 

Anf.  Icontefs'tis  true  j  for  men  may  delire  honor  and  no  honor  but  by 
gifts, and  nogifts  but  by  grace,  and  hence  may  dehre  infinitely,  but  yet  it 
isbut  2  meafure,  vl^-.  to  ler^e  his  own  ends,  but'not  the  lords  ends  5  to  let  up 
himfetf ;  true  deiire-of  giac^^  isfpci^a^^hieh  may pi^llilp^ynfelf, aoi niake 
God  ail, Pp/. 1 19.4,5.    '  .  :    r-  '       '  .  ^^"' 

^  -Fourthly,  Ix  is  not  their  qnjy  dehre,  or  the  onlything  they  deli  re,  ^'/c.the 
i  good  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  and  that  they  might  not  live  or  any  thing  elfe  m  them, 
burthat  the  Lord  may  live,  and  his  Grace  and  Kingdom  may  prevail  in  their 
hearts;  the  deiires  of  Saints  are  only  after  this ;  or  if  their  deiires  are  after  orher 
things,  the  Spirit  lulls  againil  them,  2  i"^w.2 :;.  5.  As  carnal  deiires  are  after  life, 
'  iiime  comforts  of  it,  lb  ipiriaial  deiires  are  after  the  life  of  Chrill  in  them, 
land  the  comforts  of  the  Lord  thereby,  Tp/.  27.  :,4.  Ont  thing  I  harje  dcjl'-ed-, 
'^urdthat  IivlJlJec^for  ;  what  was  it  ?  a  Crown,  a  Kingdom  ?  no,^^?  tha;:  I  may 
'  'JweH  w  the  Lordi  iipnfe  for-  ever ,  axd  vlfit  bis  TempJe :  Notable  is  that  ex- 
.ample  of  Abraham^  Hd,i  i »  Two  things  he  met  with  that  might  draw  down 
iiis.  defires. 

i      I.  He  came  to  a  land  which  God  promifed  to  give  hiziij  where,  he  lives 5- 
g  enemies  and  in  fears. 

3.   He  mdght  have  returned  to  another  Country ,  and.  tiow  have  been 

^.  gadi 


opened  and  Applied. 


11 


:  I  3.  God  hlj^ed  kim^&e.  but  it  was  nothing  he  delired,  only  another  above ; 
'  .iieni:?  Gpd  is  not  afl:iamed  to  be  called  his  God  ^  but  the  foolifli  Virgins  fell 
jiliprcof  this,  and  hence  they  now  feek  oni^y  in  times  of  extremity":  And  this 
,[is  the  frarne  pf  many  gracelefs  hearts., in  time  of  extremity,  i.  whqn 
!  all  grace  is  gone.  2.  When  death  is  come,  then  they  feek  earneilily  ato  the 
'IXord,  and  Grace;  Oh  their  lin  lies  heay.y.J  Oh  then  ar\liumble  heart  is  fvveet ! 
but  before  their  hearts  were  overcome  with  lufts  after  oth^r  thinrs  •  >nnd  this 
•dtJMble  heatc  every  carnal  heart  hath,  Efkf.i.-^y  f^t^fiMi^jg  the  l-'fts'of.fh/mij-d, 
y.f.. Diabolical  lulls,  c^nd'liifi^^of  the  flejh,  i.e.  fenfual.  and.bealUy  iunVi-xt's  th>; 


ihteof  aUmen^  and  hence  promifes  are  not  made  hii'ipl.y  po  mens  feeklna  the. 
J.ord,.  for  they  may  mils,  but  to  them  that  doit  with  th9ir  whole  heart' §/^/. 
ii9.;2.  "fer.  29,13.  this  they  never  dp;  and  hencq  mqn  pray  daily,  .and  live 
in  their  Imling  all  the  day  after;   men  .loiig . in,,inife;t}^,    but  ar-^.i;opJ,  in; 
K^ce. 


■  "S-E  C  T.,;iV. 

j^gf^.O^f/ff/^^  there  is  in  S^.hns  two  Natures ^  fie(h' li^ftM^^'ffftlnfi'the 
'Y!}f}irit ,  and   fplrit  againfi   flejh ,  aftd  a   donble  heart  in  '\   Repror- 
bate ,  vpherehy  he   defres  grace  t^nd  other  things ,    how  f^all  we  diMi»o-u:[h 
them  f 

eAfjfw.  I.  The  lufts  after  grace  and  i^orldly  things  in  an  Hypocrite  a£;ree 
together  in  the  fame  he.irt ;  but  thole  lufts  which  are  after  the  flefti  and  fpirit 
in  a  regenerate  heart  arecontrary  one  to  another,  and  like  fire  and  water  one 
feeking  to  deftroy  the  whole  being  of  the  other.  Extrr?.  gr.  A  man  wants  the 
things  of  this  world,  he  feeks;  and  defires  after  them,  riches,  honor,  reft,  and 
peace;  but  thinks  he,  if  I  have  no  more  but  this,  I  may  tohell-,  if  noGrace; 
hence  he  deftres  that,  and  fo  doing  now  he  hath  peace,and  all  is  quiet  with  him, 
j^ndgoeson  fweetly  in  a  way  of  profeffior^audpr-iycr-,  and  a  gracious jheart 
is  ready  thus  to  do,  and  to  make  his  head  lyefofc  with  two  pillows,  but  yet  the 
Spirit  rifeth  up  againft  this,  that  the  foul  thinks,  I  ftiallfall  by  this  heart ;  Lord, 
how  apt  to  reft  in  thefe  lees !  lufts  in  Hypocrites  are  like  brethren,  that  help  one 
another  to  this  end  to  get  peace  ^  but  here  as  enemies  to  deftroy  fuch  a'  Gurfed 
peace  as  that  is  in  the  Godly. 

2.  In  a  falfe  heart,  lufts  and  defires  after  thefe  things  are  dear  to  them, 
like  their  limbs  or  beft  members,  rhey  cannot  be  nor  cannot  do  without  theai ; 
but  in  Saints  they  are  fotes  and  blains,  and  fo  hated  of  them  ;  ex.  gr.  Let  a' 
man  have  a  full  table,  rndfaireftate,  and  outward  blerrings,prom!iingmuch, 
and  the  Ordinances  of  God,  and  a  heart  to  follow  God  there;  now  fee  him 
lively  in  the  fervice  of  God ;  but  lee  him  be  brought  to  extremit'es ,  and  want 
of  all  this,  and  fears  of  poverty,  eftatewafteth,  poverty  appears,  many  rates 
come  in,  and  the  wife  crys out ;  now  befalls  down  to  the  earth  in  difcontent 
or  worldlinefs,  and  bis  life  andaffe^lion  to  Ordinances,  or. the  fervants  of  God 
is  now  gone;  as  it  is  with  a  bird,  when  lie  hath  twp'  wings  fhe  can  flye, 
but  when  fhe  hath  only  one,  then  ftie  falls,  and  the  fovvler  takes  her,  becaufe 
St  was  a  limb  precious  to  het ;:  fohere:  Thys  it  was  with  T)avlds  fervants  at 
^iglag^  iSam.io.^.  all  wept  till  they  cofUd  v^''ep  no  mors  ;  but  here  it  waf  other- 
wife  with  Davidy  he  could  f^yeto  God  without  thofe  wings;  fowhen  God 
gives  a  man  a  condition  notfo  great  as  he  would,  and  the  heart  lufts  after  fo 
miich,  and  God  crolfeth ;  he  cannot  be  content  with  a  Ikcle,  orwicba  mean 
^at€,  becaufe  his  luft  is  his  limb,  he  cannot  fuffer  it  to  be  cut  ofif ,  or  be  pa- 
uejj  J  if  a  man  hath  a  wooden  leg,  he  can  cut  it  anfvverabk  to  his  iTioQ,rbut  if 

but  i 


Gal. 


f.i. 


78 


Obferva- 
ttOK  3. 


The  V  arable  of  thz  Ten  Virgins  J 


but  a  limb,  hemuft  have  his  rt^ooe  cut  anfwerable  to  his  leg-,  becaufe  ids  his 
limb,  no  cutting  of  that  lets;,  oh  it  is  dear:  So  it  is  with  a  man  thathathaluft 
after  any  thing,  it  is  dear,  and  hence  he  is  faid  to  live  in  them,  and  to  be  in  the 
flelTTi  •  but  the  defires  after  thefe  things  In  a  gracious  heart,  they  are  blains,  they 
can  be  without  them  j  Oh  never  fuch  a  happinefs  if  th  i  Lord  vvould  dead  them 
to  me,  Gal.  5.24.  they  that  are  "in  Chnfi  have  crucified  the  jlefh'^  with  the  affeSii- 
ons  and  In fis  thereof,-  '  \ 

3.  The  lufls  and  defires  in  a  falfe  heart  are  reigning  lufts,  and  make  the  lufts 
after  grace  and  holinefsferve  them  ;  but  e  comra  in  a  holy  heart.  Ex.gr,  A 
man  prays  for  the  love  of  God,  and  the  Spirit  of  grace,  and 'tis  affe6lionate, 
but  yet 'lis  ever  for  fomelurt:  f^?».4.:?.amande{iresgracetoperfe6this  gifts, 
and  gifts  Co  deck  him,  and  purchafe  him  honor  before  men;  a  man  defires 
grace  to  qiiiet  his  confcience  in  afliirance  of  Cods  love,  and  pardon  of  fin,that; 
he  may  live  the  more  peaceably  with  his  fin,  7/4.58.5,4.  Now  in  a  gracious 
heart,  the  defires  of  thefe  things  ferve  the  defires  after  grace ;  for  he  defires 
the  things  of  this  world  to  be  the  more  holy,  Pr^-z/'.  ^0.7,8.  'Feed  me  with^food 
conveKient-i  that  I  may  not  temp  thee  ^  he  defires  and  hath  them  for  Ifraels  fake, 
2  Sam.'^.\2»  Like  a  Tradefman,  he  buys  and  fells ,  but  it  is  for  gain,  Phll.i.ic. 
Oh  confider  of  thefe  things,  and  if  yotir  hearts  have  had  only  fuch  falfe  defires 
as  thefe,  know  it,  that  as  verily  as  thefe  Virgins  were  fhut  out,  To  fhall  you  ari-" 
other  day.. 


^mTTu^chffjmchtfcCT^dioirotjD „ _,_„ 


CH:A  p.  XIIL 

The  defires  and  enheavors  of  Hypocrites  after 
Grace  are  not  lajiing. 


^^\ 


SECT.    L 


Hat  fool'i^  Virgins  In  ihrlr  firfi  endeavors  after  the  Spirit  &f 
Grace ,  ufually  ceafe  from  feekjng  fart  her  .y  before  they  have 
got  that  Tmajnre  and  fnlnefi  of  it  ivhich  will  continue  to  the, 
lajl.  Or,  .     / 

That  there  is  ever  a  cejfation  In  the  fir Ji  endeavors  of  carnal  fro- 
feffors  from  feekjng  after  that  meafure  of  grace  which  rpill  Indeed 
lafi  and  continue  Hntil'^thelr  meeting  with^and  aff  earing  before  the  Lord  Jeff*s 
\Chrlfi. 

For  thefe  Virgins  here  did  feek  after  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  and  the  Spirit, 
of  Chrift,  and  hence  did  get  that  meafure  which  lighted  their  lamps  for  a  good 
feafon ;  and  they  contented  themfelves  with  this,  and  gave  over  feeking  un- 
till  it  is  too  late;  and  therefore  now  they  fay.  Give  ^s  of  your  oyl,  our  Lamps 
are  out\  Thefe  foolifh  Virgins  when  they  had  got  fomewbat,they  are' carried  with 
abundance  of  affe6lion  and  profefiiory,  they  think  themfelves  as  good;  as  the 
beft,and  what  need  they  feek  for  more !  and  then  grow  fecure  and  fall  afleep  until 

all 


opened  and  jiff  lied. 


19 


|all  is  fpenc.    The  Scripture  is  pregnant  every  where  for  this.    But  \^z  us  look 
and  fee  the  caufes  of  this. 

Firft,  Sometime  it  isbecaufe  they  know  not  vvhat  that  meafure  is  which  doth 
accompany  falvation  ■-,  but  they  fet  up  an  imagination  of  their  own  heads 
whichisafalfe  image  of  Saving-grace,  and  when  they  have  that,  now  they 
think  allis  wel!,  and  they  go  no  further.  J^4«^.2.i  1,12.  People  that  know  not 
theLord,nc«-  th^  poAer  of  his  grace,7y////««/>  other  gods  yandfervethem^znd  there 
red  ,•  until  it  is  with  them,as  it  was  with  thofe,vs  hen  the  anger  "fthe  Lord  wax.th 
hot ^tpidff  oilers  come^no'N  they  cry  unto  the  Lord  j  "What  is  the  reafon  why  many 
amanfallsfiiortof  the  righteoufnefs  which  is  of  God,  i/??:.,  of  Faith  ?  Becaufe 
he  fets  up  in  his  head  a  righteoufnefs  of  his  own  -,  and  if  I  get  that,  then  I  hope 
the  Lord  will  accept  me,  andforgive  me  ;  and  hence  7?^o»?.p. 3 1,^2.  vvhy  did 
they  mifs  of  it  ?  Becaufe  they  fought  ic  by  a  righteoufnefs  which  is  of  their 
own  ;  fo  why  do  many  mifs  of  Faitn  ?  becaufe  they  think  it  is  an  affurance  j  or 
when  a  man  refts  upon  Chrifl:,  not  confidering  the  need  of  an  Almighty  powers 
andbence  the  Apo(iIepraysforthis,  £;?/jf/.i.i9.    So  for  Repentance,  why  do 
men  fall  fhorcofit?  they  think  it  is  when  Gods  anger  is  exprert,  the  foul  then 
comes  to  feek  the  Lord,  andfindes  fomecomfoK  P/W/.  78.  (Jl4atth.-^.    and 
fo  runs  away  with  it:  So  forHolincfs,  they  think  it  is  to  be  like  others;  and 
then  well,  they  think  thefe  are  the  men  that  fhall  live,  and  are  happy;  and 
look  as  ic  is  like  it  was  at  Bahel^  when  head  and  tongues  were  confounded, 
one  calls  for  a  Brick,  the  other  brings  him  a  Trowel,  Hammer  or  Tile,  be- 
caufe he  did  bun  imagine  what  he  fpake,  and  fo  underftood  not  his  language  •, 
So  'tis  here ;  men  read  and  hear  God  fpeak,  and  Minifters  call  for  Faith,  and 
knowledge  of  God ;  but  earthly  minds  cannot  underftand  heavenly  language ; 
and  hence  they  imagine  that  is  Faith  and  Repentance  which  indeed  is  not,  and 
fo  mifs  of  that  which  indeed  elfe  would  continue ;  and  this  is  the  mifery  of  ma- 
ny thoufands  that  in  feeing  fee  not.    The  experience  of  the  work  of  grace, 
qiakes  men  favingly  to  know  what  Grace  is,   f^^»5. 57,  58.    Now  men 
gracelefs  never  felt  ic  in  the  life  and  power  of  ic ,  and  therefore  cannot 
tell  if. 

Secondly,  From  the  nature  of  Common-grace ;  the  natura  of  which  is  as 
the  Apoftle  fpeaks  of  lifelefs  knowledge,  i  Cor.8.i .  to  pujf  up  -^  it  never  leaves 
the  foul  more fenfible of  hisvilenefs,  as  Saving-grace  doth,  Ez.ek^T6.uU.  and 
fo  makes  a  man  never  reft  in  feeking  after  the  Lord;  but  makes  the  foul  feel 
himfelffull,  andhenee  the  ftomackis  gone  from  feeking  after  more,  as  Rev. 
5.1 7.  She  thoHght  Jhe  was  richy&c.   The  Spirit  of  Grace  which  is  but  common, 
that  heals  a  vile,  proud  heart,  iceafethhim,  it  quiets  him,  in  healing  fome  fin, 
which  lies  fore  on  the  confcience-,  ic  heals  and  quiets  the  man,  foheiswell, 
needs  no  repentance ;  but  th3  Spirit  of  life  indeed  deft royeth  the  man,  and 
Qays  corruption,  and  hence  he  reftfts;  and  now  faith  the  foul,  I  never  felt  my 
heart  fo  vile  as  now;  and  hence,  faith  Fau/j  Sin  revived,  a»d  led  me  captive  y 
Oh  voretched  manl  as  ic  is  with  a  Prince,  if  any  great  ones  come  and  ferve  him, 
helikesthem,  this  gives  him  reft,  fettles  him  in  hi?  Throne;  but  if  any  one 
come  to  reign  over  him,  now  he  gathers  all  his  ftrength  to  pppofe :  So  Com<. 
men  grace  ic  ever  comes  as  a  fervanr  to  corrupt ;  and  hence  take  a  man  of  beft 
wit  and  parts ,  he  turns  them  againft  the  Lord  ,  add  makes  them  ferve 
himfelf.  - 

Thirdly ,  From  an  appreheniion  of  this  difficulty ,  and  an  unwiilingnefs 
in  the  heart  to  break  thorowthe  difficulty  of  feeking  after  the  Lord;  m.anya 
man  fees  (  ^s  1>ives  in  hell,  ^hraham  afar  off )  Grace,  and  God,  and 
Chrift  afar  off;  but  there  is  a  great  gulf  between  them  and  Grace  •,  now  to  be 
watching,  falling,  feeking  the  Lord  diligently,  to  follow  the  Lord  hard,  ?//</. 
63.  to  kee^  the  heart  lamenting  till  the  Lord  comes,  chisis  hard,  zsHel.^, 

'tis 

I ,iiiaMj.iL.y  '■'■  .  ' I      I.I    I  .1   I  ^  ■  — Jifc— 


H 


JO 


The  1l  arable  of  tht  Ten  Virgins^ 


14.9. 


'ill  ii\.d^^  They.  coiiUmt  emer  in  becanfe  of  unbelief,     i.Theychoughc they  could 
niver  overc  ;me.     2.  They  thought  the  Lord  did  therefore  hate  them,  'D^eut. 
1.27.' they  did  not  regard  the  ft rength  of  God»  they  psall  be  bm  bread  for  us 
fmhCdeb;  they  could  not  believe  that  to  be  bread  that  is  fo  hazzardful.   So 
'tis  with  many  a  man  -,  a:nd  hence  he  fits  dcwrn  with  defires  and  hopes,  and  fo 
periihech  ;  tke  jluggards  defires  flay  him;  hencemany  complain  of  difficulty, 
buc  never  break  difjicultie5,  and  fo  perifh -,  and  fonot  like  to  the  Merchant 
that  goes  farfor  pearl.    It  is  his  bufinefs,  and  noftormsnor  ill  weather  drive 
him  "to  defire  the  fmoak  of  his  chimney,  till  he  hath  got  them,  he  hath  now 
refolv'cdto  venture  all  /or,  Trov.2.<^.  if  thou  dig  for  fiher^&c.  many  prize 
Chriftand  Grace  ^  Oh  that  I  had  it,  but  are  loth  to  dig  for  it,  they  love  their 
eafe  fo  well,  and  hence  rett  in  their  defire  after  it ;  but  indeed  mifs  it ;  and 
hericemany  cancometo,  and  follow  God  in  outward  Ordinances,  but  never 
find  fniit  and  comfort  in  any  of  them,  becaufe  of  difficulty,  yet  fit  down  con- 
tent becau  let  hey  feek  for  Ordinances,  as  Pr(?z/.  12.27.  The  fliiggard  reafls  not 
whtnthe  had  took  in  h'jnung  j  there  is  a  very  great  delight  in  coming  to  Ordi- 
nances, as  travellers  under  thefhadow,  but  then  to  climb  the  tree  that  is  hard, 
and  hence  lofe  the  fruit ;  and  hence  God  feeing  a  man  love  his  flotb^  and  hath 
that  bafeeikem  of  his  Grace,  as  that  he  will  not  follow  fohard  after  it  as  he 
hath  done  after  his  lufts,  lee's  loofe  Satan,  and  he  comes-and  flakes  dawn  a  fin-^ 
ner  in  this,  God  mufl  do  all,  and  there  he  refts,  and  fo  he  falls  lliort ;  like  one 
that  comes  to  Husbandmen,  and  tells  them  they  have  taken  much  pains  and 
care  to  get  their  ground  good  to  bring  forth  much,  but  for  time  to  come  their 
ground  iiiall  bring  forth  fruit  without  planting  or  fowin^,  only  reap  you  the 
fruit,  it  would  be  good  news  to  them,  and  they  beleive  it,  and  then  whe-n  the 
year  comes  about,  they  are  to  feek  for  corn ;  fo  this  affe5ls,and  here  they  reft,  and 
by  this  means  want.  ■  •  \.  .    /  . 

Fourthly,  From  feelirtg  the  unprofitableriefs  of  feeking  the  Lord  through 
difficulties,  and  hence  they  give  over  but  a  little  before  they  finde  that  that  will 
continue. 

1.  Some  follow  the  Lord  for  carnal  ends,  as  Ji^i^^  did,  but  he  finding  the 
porfe  grow  lank,  and  the  bag  empty,  he  forfakes  the  Lord. 

2.  Some  for  comfort,  and  hence  pray  and  mourn;  and  hence  MaL'^.i^. 
what  profit  is  there  that  we  have  walked  fo  ?  as  it  was  with  iVkc?^/,  when  ftie  re- 
turned home,both  her  daughters  accompany  her  fome  part  of  herjway,^^r«r»  a- 
^<«/w,faith  ih.t.jtoyoHr  fricnas^here  ii  no  Husband  for  yon  rohere  1  go  ;  the  one  Would 
not  be  beaten  off,  it  is  not  a  Husband  I  came  for,  but  a  God  ;  thy  God  fha  II  be 
mj  God'^  the  other  hearing  her  fpeeches,  and  ioving  her  Fathers  houfe,  and 
Country,  goes  back,  not  without  fome  afFe6iion  ;  fo  ic  is  here  j  whereas  Faith 
will  cry  the  more. 

Fifthly,  From  the  offences  which  ufually  Satan  cafts  in'when  they  are  in  the 
heat  of  their  firft  endeavours  ;  as  the  -ftony  ground .  being  offended  fell  a- 
way.      As,  ' '  ^-i-^  i- 

I .  Perfecution,  and  hence  they  fall ;  a  childe  begih^  to"io6ic  towards  God ; 
the  Father,  Mother,  Friends  feoff  and  reproach. 

-'2.  Corrupt  Teachers,  yl<f<3fr^.24.  that  lik^  falfe  Ch rifts  deceive,  and  put  a 
world  of  fcruples  into  mens  heads,  and  then  lead  them  away ;  as  the  GaUti- 
zz;;/ that  vyould  pull  out  their  eyes  for  ?<««/,  yet  by  love  and  fmooth  carriage  of 
faffe  Teachers  fo  plaufible,  they  fell  off  ftrangely. 

5.  Corrupt  company  ,  women  or  men ;  many  ftrbng  men  have  fallen 
by  the  one,  and  men  alfo  who  having  a  form  of  godlinefs.^  yet  denying  the  poTPer 
0/ />,  their  hearts  be  taken  in  thefe  fnares.  ■ 

■   4.  Somehardpointofdodrine,  7«?/7.6.6o,6<^.  fomethin^is  preacht  that  is 
crofs  to  Our  apprehenfions  i  He  never  believe  it,  fay  they ;  and  away  they  fall.- 

-r^    Sixthly, 


opened  and  Affiled. 


81 


Sixthly,  Becaufe  of  falfe  comforts  which  tifually  men  msec  with  before 
they  g^.t  that  which  will  abide  in  them ,  in  their  wor(i  hours  ;  and  this 
quiets  all. 

I.  From  themfelves ;  A  man  fees  Chrifl  only  can  redeem  him  by  price, 
but  he  feels  no  need  of  Chrift  to  redeem  him  by  power ;  and  now  feein^  what 
a  miferable  creature  he  is ,  ftays  himfelf  upon  the  Lord,  and  that  it  may  be  by 
fome  word  v\hich  he  hears.  John  8. 50,  u  ■  when  they  heard  th^t^  they  hcUe'vei  ; 
yet  the  Lord  tells  them,  they  are  not  free,'  but  were  yet  captive  to  their  fin, 
v\hich  they  need  the  Son  himfelf  to  dye  t6  fave  them  from;  ard  io  ma- 
ny a  one  comforts  himfelf,  and  ftayes  here,  though  he  have  no  other  af- 
fu  ranee. 

2.  The  approbation  and  comfort  of  others,  Ezieln^  i  ?.  :?,4. 

^.Strange  extafies  of  joy  which  many  a  man  meets  with  fuddenly ;  they  have 
eaten  and  drunk  in  Chrifts  prefence,  and  have  bgen  comforted  at  fuch  and 
fuch  a  time  in  fuch  a  manner  •,  this ,  we  fhall  finde  it,  perfwades  men  that 
God  is  theirs ,  without  revealing  the  fubje6V,  viz.,  v\^e  be  his  peopje,  and  that 
change  which  God  hath  made. 


S  E  C  T.    IL 

Qucft.T  TV7  Hmt^is  that  measure  which  will  lafi  ^    afid  throughout  con-^ 
V     V   tmue  ? 

^»fpc.  I  have  fpoken  of  this  at  large  i  but  he  that  loves  the  truth  as  his  dai- 
ly bread,  will  feed  upon  it,  when  ever  it  is  fee  before  him :  Now  there  is  one 
thing  Cthis  is  different  j  and  I  ihallexprefs  myfelf  in  one  thing  only,  viz.. 
Ihey  give  over  before  they  have  tafieda?id  drunks  the  fatis fling  [rvxtnefs  of 
the  grace  of  Chri^Ty  and  the  -preftnce  of  his  grace  in  their  fouls :  That  look 
as  it  was  with //>^f/,  they  came  out  of  f^;^^?,  andfaw  the  wonders  of  God  in 
the  wildernefs,  and  had  his  fiery  Law,  and  glorious  Tabernacle  among  them, 
yet  they  never  came  to  the  la'-  d  of  rert  ;  fo  it  is  at  this  day  with  many,  they  have, 
fome  glimpfesof  the  excellency  of  Chrift,  and  his  grace,  and  fome  defires  af- 
ter it,  and  fome  taftes  of  it ;  they  are  pulled  out  of  their  woful  bondage,  and 
feeing  words  of  God,  are  oft  affeiled,  yet  their  carkaiTes  murtfallin  thevvil- 
nefs,  becaufe  they  never  come  to  reft  ;  they  fall  otf  from  God  becaufe  they  ne- 
ver knew  what  this  reft  meaneth,/;/^^.^.!  i . 

Hypocrites  have  awakening  grace,  and  are  much  troubled ;  they  have  en- 
lightning  grace,  and  know  more  than  many  Chiiftians ;  they  have  affecting 
grace,  and  are  wonderfully  taken  with  the  glad  tidings  of  the  Gofpel^  butfa- 
tisfying  grace,  or  that  grace  which  brings  them  to  full  reft,  and  fatisfying  fweet- 
nefsinGod,not  only  to  their  confciences  but  to  their  hearts^not  carnal,but  fpiri- 
tual,this  they  never  came  io-,Joh.j^.i^.he  that  dnnkj  the  wat:rl  giv^^fhaU never  I 
thirflr  again  -y  Joh.^.^4.  If  ye  eat  my  fleflo  anddrin^my  bloody  there  is  life y  if  i 
not,  no  life ;  eating  and  drinking,is  nor  fipping  and  tafting ;  many  may  eat  and 
drink  in  his  prefence,  as  rbofe  Exod.i^.i  i.  bur  yet  not  feed  at  all  on  his  perfon ; 
thismakeschefoulholdout,  *Pr<?z/.2.io,ii.*P/«/.90.i4.  this  makes  the  foul 
glad  in  God,  and  in  all  the  days  of  bis  life ;  where  any  creature-is  at  reft,  there 
it  is  in  the  proper  place  •  it  is  a  token  the  Lord  is  the  proper  plate  of  the  foul, 
(not  fm,  nor  hell,  which  was  Jw^^^j-  proper  place  j  when  ir  is  ac  reft  there  ^  and 
this  is  the  laft  end,  and  fruit  of  the  redemption  of  Chr  ft,  Jer,^  1.11,14.  '•^-  ^^'^ 
having  fo  much  of  God  as  to  be  a  God-glutted  Chriftian  (as  he  faid)  but  fo  fa- 
tiate  as  not  to  defire  other  things,  but  there  to  ftay,  .though  the  heart  doth  oft 
feel  not  the  fame  fweernefs. 

Lll  SECT.  III. 


The  Parable  of  the  Ten  Virgimy 


SEC  T.    III. 

T  Ovv  there  be  four  things  which  do  concur  to  this  fulnefs  of  fatisfying 
fweecnefs. 

Firft,  Manifertation of  the  Lord  Jefusin  his  full  proportion,  and  in  all 
the  dimenfions  of  his  goodnefs  to  the  loul ;  the  foul  of  man  is  made  for,  and  fo 
defires  an  infinite  eternal  good;  whiles  this  good  is  not  known  to  be  fuch  a  one, 
it  never  facisfies ;  and  hence  let  a  man  look  upon  any  one  creature,  there  is 
much  fweecnefs  in  it,  but  not  all  j  hence  it  fatisfies  not;  there's  fweetnefsin 
honor  and  wealth,  butif  fick,  a  miferable  man^  there  is  fweetnefsin  health, 
but  if  poor  and  naked,  a  defolateman;  and  if  pne  creature  bad  allinir,  yet 
when  one  thinks  this  muft  be  taken  from  me,  it  is  like  Jonah's  gourd  ,  it  never 
fatisfies  ; 

Now  the  Grace  which  fatisfies  muft  firft,  Manifeft  (the  fulnefs  of  infinite 
gooJnefs  fuicable  to  me  in  the  Lord ;  if  that  now  do  I  want  any  outward  bleiling 
ic  is  in  Chrift,  for  he  is  Heir  not  only  of  heaven,  but  of  all  the  world, 

2.  Do  I  want  fpiritual  blefTings  .<*  Ephef.^,  there  is  all  in  him  j  life^and 
peace  and  glory, 

'^.  Have  I  nothing  to  move  the  Lord  to  doany  of  thefe  tome?  yet  there 
is  fulnefs  of  tender  mercy,  and  pity  in  him,  Ephcf. i,ij,  and  3,18. 

Secondly,  Poffeflion  of  this  good  as  mine ;  lee  a  poor  man  fee  heaps  of 
gold  before  him,  it  fatisfies  not  him,  becaufeit  is  none  of  his ;  let  a  Chriftian 
hear  of  Kingdoms,  peace,  glory,  in  and  with  Chrift,  yet  it  fatisfies  not  him  i 
it  troubles  him  the  more,  if  Chrift  forfakehim,  and  grow  ftrange  to  him  ;  but 
to  be  fure  that  Chrift  is  mine,  this  makes  the  foul  do,  nay  fufter  the  utmoft  for 
Chrift,  and  to  know  that  nothing  can  feparate,e^c.  as  a  man  that  knows  hefhall 
kill,  and  notlofe  his  life,  will  venture  likQ Sampfo/i  upon  an  hoaftof  men; 
they  may  wound  me,  they  cannot  bind  nor  flay  me,  '^»?.8.0fr.  there  is 
joy  and  fome  fatisfaclion  in  finding  the  pearl  of  great  price,  what  joy  when  it 
is  pofTelTed ! 

Thirdly,  Communication  of  this  good  to  the  foul ;  let  a  man  have  meat 
and  drink,  but  he  cannot  come  at  ic  when  he  hath  need  of  ic,  will  this  facisfie  if 
itbelocktup?  let  a  man  have  real  poffeflion  of  never  fo  many  lands,  yet  if 
he  hath  not  the  benefit  fure  to  him,  as  well  as  the  thing,  he  will  never  hold 
out  •  what  am  I  the  better,  ?  fo  that  grace  fatisfies  that  brings  the  foul  to  fruition 
of  the  good,  that  ic  is  now  in  refpe,Sl  of  the  benefit  of  ic  conveyed  to  the  foul, 
P/^/,16.4,5,  the  Lordisthe  portion  of  mj  lot  and  cu.fy  and  he  maintains  both  ; 
andhence  J^r.i4.p.  n^hy  art  thou  like  ama»  aftom(Jotdy  jetlfithemidfiofus  I  if  a 
man  have  meat  and  clothes,  and  the  one  never  feeds,  the  other  never  warms, 
would  this  fatisfie  ?  no,  unlefs  that  he  may  feel  them,  nay  he  would  think  this  a 
curfe;  fo  let  Saints  have  God  in  his  Ordinances,  tiae  beft  in  the  world  there 
is,  if  not  fed  thereby,  Lord !  what  a  mifery  is  this  ?  efpecially  if  the  Lord  helps 
not  in  time  of  need. 

Fourthly,  Reflexion  of  good  again  to  the  good  which  doch  refrefh  us,  elk 
ic  never  fatisfies ;  if  a  man  have  meat  dealt  out,  and  ids  very  fweer ,  yec  if  ic 
gives  him  nofkength  to  perform  aftsof  life;  if  a  man  have  a  friend,  and 
he  cannot  love  again,  nor  fhew  teftimony  of  love,  ic  will  not  facisfie  hira  ;  fo 
that  grace  fatisfies  which  makes  the  foul  refieil:  the  love  of  God  to  God  again ; 
(halll  ferve  the  Lord^  i^3.id'Davidy  of  tha.t  which  cofl  me  '/nothing}  you  knoW 
the  Vine  and  Olive,  Jfidg^g.^tvt  quietted  by  this ,  that  they  did  reioyce  the  heart 
of  (jod  and  man  ;  what  do  youtell  me  of  bonds  ?  laccoHxa  net  my  life  dear  to  fi- 
mfhrnjcourfe^iziihTaHL  I 

Now! 


opened  and  Af  plied. 


Now  a  carna-l  hearc  gives  over  b.^forc  he  fees  or  porfTefleth  or  enjoy- 
etli  th:;  Lord ,  or  ibund  the  fweetnefs  of  a  holy  life  in  walking  with  C^od. 
Hv^nce, 

I .  He  loaths  and  is  weary  of  all  his  profeffion  and  truth  he  knows,  and  the 
God  be  talks  of. 

2.Hence  they  break  out  to  fome  lufts  or  others ;  which  becaufe  if  not  fatisfied 
here,  they  miift' fatisfie  themfelves  fome  other  way,  either  in  vain  conceits  or 
opinions,  or  lufis  of  the  world. 

xi.;  i*^;  Hence,  defpe rate  doubts ,  Is  the  Lord  mine  ?  whereas  if  it  were  other- 
wife,  then  as  it  is  with  a  man,  ask  him,  how  do  you  knowyoueat  and  drink  ?  it 
fatisties  me,  faith  he,  it  puts  iUength,  I  fhould  die  daily  elfe. 


S  E  C  T.     IV. 

C^F  Examination,  Inftru<9:ion,  and  Exhortation  to  all  thofe  who  have  reft 
^content  with  that  meafure  of  the  Spirit  which  will  never  laft,  to  begin  a- 
gain,  and  lay  a  better  foundation,  left  it  befall  you  as  it  did  thefe  Virgins,  or  as 
the  (inner  in  Prov.^.i  1^12,1^.  jroft  mourn  whsn  yoti^not  your  ftefh^  bm  foul u eoH- 
f limed ;  Oh  how  have  I  defpifed  inftrHBion  \  left  wrath  break  out  which  cannot 
bi  quenched,  for  dealing  (lightly  with  God  and  your  own  fouls;  how  many 
Chriftians  take  that  for  grace,  which  when  it  comes  to  tryal  will  be  found  too 
light,  and  know  it  not,  and  regard  it  not,  till  the  hmd-  wltin^  of  God  u  upon  their 
confcietices ! 

If  therefore  you  have  not  found  the  Satisfying  fweetnefs  of  the  Spirit  of 
Gods  grace,  that  water  which  quencheth  all  your  inordinate  thirfl,  that  bread 
which  feeds  you  to  life,  bcfure  youroyl  will  be  fpent,and  your  light  will  go 
out  before  you  dye. 


SEC  T.    V, 


Queft. 


Ovif  jho'ld I  k^ow  that  fatisfyiMg  fiveetmfsf 

^Anfre.  Ah  methinks  you  lliould  fay,Oh  that  I  did  know  it !  yet 
wary  I  would  be  of  giving  any  juft  occafionto  break  off  what  the  Lord  in  his 
grace  hath  wrought;  yet  you  may  know  fomething  of  it  by  this. 
"   I.  When  the  Spirit  of  Gods  grace  difpenfed  in  his  Ordinances  doth  glut 
you  and  flay  you,  and  make  you  worfe;  here  is  nottiie  grace  of  Ch rift  which 
doth  fatisfie  you ;  if  the  more  knowledge  you  have  of  the  truth,  the  lefs  glory  you 
fee  in  the  truth,  and  the  lefs  you  love  the  truth ;  if  the  more  comfort  you  have 
found  by  it,  the  lefs  you  now  defire  after  it ;  if  the  more  abilities  you  have  re- 
ceived by  it,  the  more  proud  you  grow,  and  high-minded ;  if  having  come  for 
to  feekthe  Ordinances  of  God,  the  lefs  good  you  find  by  them,  I'he  more  weary 
you  grow  of  them,  and  the  more  you  defpife  them  ^  ic  is  certain,  the  fatisfying 
gtAceof  Chriftis  not  here,  when  the  bread  to  feed,  is  poifon  to  flay;  is  nor 
1  this  the  condition  of  many?  what  is  the  caufe  they  are  growing  worfe,,  that 
they  are  worfe  in  their  latter  end  and  middle  of  their  Chriftim  profeifion,  than 
I  the  begining,  becaufe  they  are  grown  full  by  Gods  Ordinances,  and  fo  worfe ; 
what  is  the  caufe  in  places  of  perfecucion  the  Lords  Ordinances  were  precious, 
;  not  when  they  come  to  theai  ?  Gods  Ordinances  plenty  makes  them  to  under- 
value them  through  their  fin;  that  look  as  it  is  with  men  in  confumptions, 
\  whofe  life  is  going  out,  they  chink  they  can  eat,  yet  when  ic  is  before  them 


\,r. 


L  \  I 


loath 


85 


Ufe  I. 


The  Parable  of  the  Ten  firgim^ 


loath  the  fmell  of  it,  or  a  little  ferves  them  ,  whereas  another  finds  it  other- 
wits  ;  not  but  that  Saints  may  think  thus,  but  they  with  Hez,eklah  mourn  un- 
der it,  iChrofi.-^z.  Hof.6.$.  I  have  hev^en  and  jlaln^  what  is  the  caufe  ?  he- 
catifp  your  goodnefs  is  like  a  morning  deyfiywhichjoanvanijketh^thereforehave  J 
flmn  //jfw.Oh  Cod  loves  us,  and  we  are  the  beft  people  in  the  world,  becaufe 
we  have  Ordinances;  no,  but  becaufe  you  be  fhaliow,  hence  yoa  iliall  have 
prophets  to  flay  you. 

Secondly,  If  any  man  maintains  any  living  luft  inhimfelf  inthemidftof 
his  profeffion,  and  hungers  after  it,  and  the  life  of- it;  for  when  a  man  hath 
better  food  to  feed  upon,  he  will  negledhis  own  at  home,  as  Ghriii  faid  to 
them  when  they  Risked  him,  why  he  did  not  eaci  bow  many  be  there  which 
have  ft  range  oifts,and  have  had  marvellous  ebbings  and  flowings  of  the  Spirit  of 
Life  and  Peace,  and  yet  one  fin  have  they  lived  in,  and  would  not,  could  not 
live  wi  hout  it.  Look  as  it  was  in  the  wildernefs,  they  were  for  a  time  pretty 
well  concent  with  their  allowance  and  wildernefs-walks  andprovilions,  but 
they  could  not  flay  long,  They  asked  meat  for  their  hfts^  ^m  he  fent  leannefi in- 
to their  fou/s,  PfaL  i o 6. 1 4,1 5.S0  that  there  it  is,  if  luft  be  fiirring,  the  Lord  cither 
denies  it  his  own  people,  becaufe  he  will  ftarve  the  luft,  that  the  foul  may  grow, 
or  if  he  gives  ir,  flays  the  luft  by  it,  gluts  it,  makes  the  foul  grow  weary  of  in, 
and  prize  his  firft  Husband  more  ;  as  Solomon  hy  his  experimental  difcovery  of 
the  creature :  Many  men  confefs  and  pray  againft  their  fins,  but  by  their  for- 
rpws  and  defires,  they  do  maintain  the  life  of  their  fin,  fallro  it  as  the  dog  to 
tbe  vomit  •  you  will  be  caft  away  at  laft,  i  Cor.g.  ult,  J  heat  ngt  the  air^  lefilh- 
come  a  c.^ft-4if>ay;  \vhQvc2LS  z  gracious  heart  doth  not  maijitain,  but  wafteand 
confume  his  luft.  His  life  is  to  live  to  God. 

Thirdly,  If  a  mans  heart  and  afiedlions  reach  not  the  people  of  God  with 
the  deareft  embracing?,  nor  yet  mourn  for  the  want  of  fuch  a  heart  •,  for  fome- 
rimes  there  are  fome  drops  of  the  Lords  goodnefs  falling  into  the  heart , 
whereby  the  foul  cleaves  unto  the  Lord,  and  is  moved  and  ravilhed,  and  bears 
much  love,  as  it  thinks,  towards  him;  but  look  to  their  love  to  the  people  of 
God,  there  they  fall  fhort ;  becaufe  the  lov«  of  Chrifi  is  not  (hed  ahread  ahun-^ 
dantly  into  their  hearts^  filling  and  fatisfylng  of  them  ^  and  hence  have  none  to 
poure  out  upon  the  fouls  of  their  neighbors,  i  John^.  20, 21.  In  our  own 
Country,  what  was  the  accufation  of  Saints  ?  viz,.  They  are  Hypocrites  be- 
fore God ;  What  did  you  think  of  thofe  menrhat  faid  fo  j*  ^;i/»'.|Surely  they 
were  enemies  tb  the  Lord,  and  that  never  loved  him  ;  for  then  they  would 
love  his  people.  But  what  is  the  occafion  here  ?  Now  they  fay  they  come  far 
for  Ordinances ;  but  they  are  unjuft  opprefTors,  cruel ;  poor  men  may  ftarve 
before  regarded  by  them ;  andfo  they  caft  reproach  not  only  upon  fom.e  few, 
but  all  the  people  of  God,  and  Church  of  God ;  If  that  it  be  fo,  their  accufa- 
tion is  Gods  accufation;  if  not  Cas  generally  it  is  j  for  many,  though  unable 
to  do  much,  yet  if  called  to  it,  would  lay  down  their  eftates  and  lives  for  0- 
thers ;  then  know  thou  never  hadft  Chrift's  love  llied  in  thy  heart  ( which 
will  continue  j  but  drops  of  it  only  ;  becaufe  thy  love  cannot  reach  to  thefe. 
Beloved,  whatis  the  end  of  your  comino  over  hither?  is  it  not  to  enjoy  firft 
Chrift,  and  nextly  his  People,  fo  his- Ordinances  ?  becaufe  next  to  fellowftiip  of 
Chrift,  the  Saints  company  ismoft  precious;  and  do  yon  here  bite,  andcen- 
fure,  and  devoure,  and  negleft,  and  reproach  one  another,  and  upon  any 
conceived  injury  ftumble  ?  are  poor  men  neglected  ?  It  is  a  fad  fign  the  love  of 
Chriftinnotin  power,  Hf/'.'5,9,io.;;'*:n? 

Fourthly,  If  there  have  been  abundance  of  fweet  affeiiion  s  and  fweet  refrefh- 
ings,thereby  rifin'4  up  within  the  foul,without  the  death,and  k'lling,and  removal 
of  the  contrary  lufts  and  fins;  it  js  certain  this  foul  was  never  truly  filled  nor  faiif- 
;^dvyifh  the  Spirit  of  Gods  grace;  for  as  it  is  with  yef&ls/>vhiie  they  be  filled 
-.11- with 


ii.jia,j,j.,,ijtLiiy 


I  jiw'ii^'^.,.,  iui_ai 


opened  and  J f plied. 


;»gj;r4- 


jwich  lime  or  chaff,  rhey  cannot  be  filled  with  wheat  or  with  water;  fo  while 
I'thehtiarc  is  filled  with  fo me  noifom  diftempers,  it  cannot  be  filled  or  facisfied 
jWith  the  Lord  I  look  but  abroad  in  the  Churches  ^  bow  many  be  there  that  lay 
land  think  they  hate  their  fin  as  the  only  evil ,  they  clofe  with  the  Lord  Jefus, 
[they  love  the  people  of  God  all  of  them,  they  feek  the  glory  of  God,  and  yet 
they  do  but  think  fo  /  for  chough  they  hate  fin,  yet  it  is  unfoundiy,  b^caufe  they 
^fee  nothow  clofely  their  hands  are  knit  to  their  fin;  th-y  never  did  believe 
ibecaufe  they  never  felt  their  unwilling  heart  to  clofe  vvinh  Chrift  ;  they  ne- 
jver  loved  the  Saints,  becaufe  they  never  felt  their  contempt  of  Saints;  never 
ifought  Gods  giory,  becaufe  they  never  mourned  under  that  which  did  fiain  j 
lit;  they  never  make  work  with  their  own  hearts  ;   the  ftony  and  thorny 
'ground  withered  becaufe  their  foil  was  naught;  a  heart  filled  with  fvveec  af- 
fections, which^  never  felt  the  ftrength  of  contrary  corruptions  lying  under- 
ti^gth)  it  is  an  ill  foil,  and  where  thofe  affedlions  will  never  profper,  noi 
prove  right ;  and  hence,  2  Tim.i.zOjZi.  he  that  purgeth  himfelf  from  theTe 
tbin|srnailbea  velfell  of  honor,  ever  preferved>  never  broken.    Do  not  put 
it  to  a  venture,  it  may  be  I  may  have  grace,  and  fo  put  your  lalvation  on  the 
ha?atd  of  fuch  hopes ;  but  tlieLord  that  hath  come  to  thee  knocking,  open  the 
dpor  that  he  may  come  in  and  featt;   cry  for  infinite  creating  power  and 
'mercy  to  make  hafte  and  comeand  help  thee ;  what  have  you  to  do  elfe  but  to 
get  your  old  lufts  purged  away  .?  what  do  you  labor  for  elfe?  if  you  havechil- 
drclito  bring  up,  if  you  have  any  love  tothem>  nay  if  fwinepr  cattel,  meat 
you  will  have  to  feed  them,  and  fatisfie  them  if  pomble  j  and  yet  behold  thy 
foul  perilHrig  for  want  of  true  fpiritual  refrefhin^s  ! 


SECT.     VI. 

OF  Exhortation  to  all  young  beginners ,  and  fo  to  all  others;  Take  heed 
you  chop  not  at  your  comfort  too  foon  ;  take  heed  you  do  not  perilhin 
the  way,  that  whiles  feeking  after  the  Lord  and  reft,  you  fall  from  the  Lord  by 
fecuricy  and  fcandal,  and  fo  you  perilli  ♦,  but  labor  for  that  which  will  continue 
and  laft. 

I .  Mariners  when  they  go  a  voyage,  they  will  trim  their  veffel,  and  fearch  if 
there  be  not  fomethijig  amifs  which  may  fink  the  fhip  at  laft ;  if  once  out  at  fea, 
they  may  dye  before  they  come  home ;  and  hence  at  firft  fetting  oiit  are  care- 
ful ;    fo  do  you. 

3.  You  will  meet  with  trials  enough  to  exercife  all  yoiir  grace,  th:^t  Yq^  will 
fii^d^lljictleenough  intheiflue, 

3.  This  will  be  your  comfort  at  death,  that  though  it  be  difficult,  yet  if  you 
have  fought  a  good  fight,  and  run  a  good  race,  there  is  now  a  crovyn,  this  will 
make  you  to  go  out  of  the  world  wondering,  and  go  up  to  eternity  in  your 
triumphant  Chariot  of  glory,  when  you  fhall  fee  on  the,  on^  fide,  hereaDi?- 
ma^  forfaking,  therea  J'^das  b^trayin;^;  here  one  ChriiUan  vyichered,   there 
another  fcandalifed  and  offended,  and  yet  the  Lord  bath  upheld  thee  ('in  thy 
integrity  j  a  poor  creature ,  that  thoughft  thou  fhouldft  never  have  held  @uc 
at  all. 
;:;Tt|at  you  may  do  thus,  two  things  are  to  be  done, 
"  Tirfl,  Befure  your  wound  at  firft  for  fin  be  deep  enoi.'gh;  fpr  all  theeirrox 
in  a  maiTS  Faith  and  Sarftification  it  fprings  from  that  firft  error  of  his 
tluiniliafio^  .,   if  a  mans  Humiliation  be  falfe  >  and  we^k ,  and  little^,  his 
Faith^isJight,  and  his  San6lification  counterfeit,  as  may  be  f^en  in  the  ftony  and 
tljorny  foil  J  if  a  mans  wound  be  right,  and  Humiliation  de?p  enough,  t|iac  mans 
"  '  „.  Faith 


85 


Vfe  2. 


Joh.  i6.  szj 


The  F  arable  of  tht  Ten  Virgins j 


I  Faith  is  righ:,  and  his  Sanitification  is  glorious ;  for  Chrift  cannot  be  exceeding 

V  fweet  and  fadsfaftory  to  the  foul,  unlefs  fin  be  firft  exceeding  bitter ;  and  this 

is  the  reafon  why  Chrift  is  not  fweet  nor  precious  at  firft  nor  afterward,  becaufe 

fin  IS  not  fo  bitter  to  them,  efpecially  heart  fins ;  Chriftians  fhaJI  find  it,  the 

eftcem  and  price  of  Chrift  falls,  whiles  fin  lies  light  and  is  not  bitter. 


SECT.    VH. 


Queft. 


Otv  bitter  mtifi  it  be  ? 
Q^nfw.  So  bitter  as  that  nothing  contents  your  heart,  whiles  fin 
is  with  you,  and  the  Lord  is  gone  from  you,  Lam.'^.^g,  Mine  eye  ceafsthnot 
mournings  till  the  Lord  lool^  down  from  heaven ;  as  a  man  that  looks  for  a  Prince 
to  come  and  live  with  him,  he  prepares  rooms  for  all  his  attendants,  but  he 
relerves  the  beft  lodgings  for  the  Prince  himfelf,  and  they  are  kept  empty  whiles 
he  comes  :   So  the  Ibul  entertains  Creatures,  and  Ordinances,  and  Saints  of 
God,biic  yet  theheart  is  not  content,  but  firs  empty,  defolate  whiles  the  Lord  is 
gone  ;for  whiles  the  heart  is  delighted  with  fomewhat  elfe  befide  the  Lord(chat  if 
the  Lord  comes,  it  is  well,  if  not,  it  is  merry  and  jolly )  fee  what  the  Lord  there 
fpeaks,  J^w?.  4.  8,9,10.  Clcanfe  ymr  hearts  and  he  will  draw  nigh  unto  you  i 
turn  laughter  to  mourning,  elfe  you  are  not  humbled.    Let  Gods  own  people 
dofo,  it  fiopsup  the  fountain  of  Gods  love,  and  fweetnefsof  m.ercy,  Tfal, 
^0.7,  when  carnally  confident^  I  was  troubled ',  as  it  is  in  marriage,  if  a  man 
knows  there  is  familiarity  between  the  woman  and  another  Lover  he  will  have 
none  of  her;  but  when  fin  is  thus  bitter,  the  Lord  hath  the  garments  of  joy 
to  give  for  the  fpirit  of  heavinefs,  //<«.6 1.1,2.  Qh  therefore,  though  it  be  crois 
to  have  limbs  cut  off,  andbreafts  feared,  bones  broken, c^r.  yet  part  with  all 
for  life ,  even  this  life  of  Chrift  in  you ,  which  will  give  you  full  con- 
tent. 


SECT.    VIIL 


Queft. 


Ow  jhall  I  do  thus  J  my  heart  mtll  be  wanton  and  cizrnal} 

ty4nfw.i*  Set  this  down  for  a  conclufion,  I  fhal!  never  be  com- 
forted by  the  Lord,  whiles  any  thing  elfe  comforts  my  heart,  /.  e.  for  it  felf,  as 
hath  been  proved ;  and  if  this  was  well  thought  of,  this  would  make  a  man  above 
all  other  things  deteft  his  carnal  content,  becaufe  this  indeed  keeps  the  Lord 
from  him. 

2.  Keep  the  remembrance  of  the  bitter  nefs  of  yourfin  and  evil  in  it-  thus 
'^avidy'Tlal.^T.^.  fet  it  ever  before  him ;  for  all  the  fweet  of  fin  comes  into 
the  heart  by  a  delufion  firft  begot  in  the  mind,  of  fome  prefentgood  in  it,  which 
the  foul  not  attending  to  is  drawn  away  by  it,  J  am. i.ix:^.  drawn  away  and  enti- 
ced ;  hence  fortifie  here.  Three  things  in  fin,  which  if  remembred,  would  make 
it  bitter. 

1.  Sentence  of  condemnation  paft  upon  thee  by  the  Law  of  God  for  it, 
which  may  make  afoul  to  mourn  :  Little  c.ntei  t  do  men  take  in  their  Pri- 
fon-bolts. 

2.  The  death,  and  agonies,  and  forrows  of  the  Lord  Jefus,  to  acquit  the  foul 
from  this  condemnation  ;  this  is  that  which  may  work  bitter  nefs  as  for  a  frfl 
born-fZach.iz, lo^li, 

^.Croflingthe  will,  andfo  grieving  the  heart  of  Chrift  now  in  glory;  as 

when 


opened  and  jpplkd. 


I  .  .        .,      .      .  '  -  :  ^ — '  y  „  . : 1 — - — — - —   I 

wTien  the  old  vvorld  grew  fenfual  it  grieved  God  co  che  heart ;  keep  rhefei;]  re- 
,|me;iibiance  ;  what  plejfure  canll  rhou  cake  in  that  which  makes  the  Lord  fioh  ? 

I  :,  Secondly,  T^ke  heed  you  mifs  not  ofthatFaich  which  will  bring  in  fupply 
1^/^.4.1,2.  Take  heed  left  a  promife  being  left,  anyfall  (horr  of  that  reft  v\'hich 
cornes  by  the  pro'nife,  by  an  unbelievmg  heart  ^  for  many  defire  the  Lord,  and 
re(t  upon  rhe  Lord,  and  they  are  fatisfisd  with  their  hunger,  and  with  their  reft  on 
hkmj  without  receiving  iif?  from  him  ;  trulyyou  will  fallfrom  the  Lord  then  ; 
for  if  the  Lord  doth  not  daily  drop  life  into  your  hearts,  you  will  grow  weary  of 
hiiii  j  and  Ordinances  they  are  empty  weils ,  andProlnires  t!:iey  are  dry  bfeafts ; 
iT  yoii  have  bread  jbuc  it  feed  you  not,  you  will  not  care  for  it.  "'    • 


SECT,    IX. 


CHAP. 


Qr'eft.rrOn'  (hall  I  get  this  Faith  f 

^  :*— ■•  -<^~»/^.  I .  i^pnor  and  advance  the  Lord's  rich  gra  ce  in  thy  heart, 
'bifore  thou  goeft  to  him  for  the  Spirit  of  life ;  thus  that  poor  woman,  If  I  can 
bnt  touch  his  skirt  j  I  [hall  he  whole '^  if  lean  come  to  him,  I  (Kail  have  help  5 
many  can  think  before  they  goto  Chrift,  I  ftiall  never  fpeed,  I  fhall  never  o- 
vercome  thefe  eyils ;  and  hence  che  Ifrae/ifes  no.  excluded  C<««^<3«:  though  I 
kriow  the  Lord  doth  pity  his  poor  people  when  they  believe,  though  not  thus 
far  5  as  it  is  with  men,  if  you  would  gee  their  hearts  from  them,  commend  them ; 
fo  here ;  and  though  this  doth  not  move  the  Lord,  yet  it  is  an  Ordinance  -j  'tis  a 
way  of  GodyMicah  ^.i^^iS. 

2.  Take  up  a  firm  refolution  never  to  let  thy  heart  go  from  feeking  the  Lord 
till  this  is  wrought,  P/^/. 2 7.4.  this  Iwlll  feek^afier  y  fee  that  thou  muft  needs 
have  this;  and  hence  do  not  fay,  I  have  defired  and  gone  to  the  Lord,  and  no 
help  comes,  and  now  fit  down  j  no,  but  take  advantage  hereupon  to  delire  the 
more,  and  to  make  the  Lord's  denials  or  delays  the  ground  of  thy  crys  j  as  f|ie 
Canaanitijh  woman,  crums  J  as  Jacoh  by  wrertling  againft  the  Angel,  be  had  the 
blelTing  at  laft  'y  Say,  as  it  hath  been  long,  fo  therefore  Lord  help  b^caufe  of  thac. 
But  fins  are  many,  and  the  heart  is  worfe :  Oh  the  more  need  of  Gj:af£; ;  #w/ 
Exod.55.l8.  If  thoHTviltnot go  mthm^carryusnot  u^  her.c;. 

3.  Wait  for  the  Lord  quietly,  and  look  out  when  will  it  bebettet.  y/>. 
54.4.  eye  hath  notfeen ;  and  wait  for  him  firft  j  and  fo  for  other  things,  Ifa.-^o, 1 8. 
Ble^ed  are  thej^  that  watt  for  him. 

4.  If  the  Lord  gives  not ;  yet  feek  to  give  him  content,  though  he  doth  not 
content  thee  ^  ^sMary^  foh.2.  when  they  wanted  wine,  i  Joh.^.zi,  vyedo  what 
pleafeth  him ;  and  hence  have  our  anfwer ;  this  will  fetch  it. 


\\\".'      '     irri r  • 


88 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins^ 


CHAP.  XIV. 

Shen^f  that  the  Grace  of  one  ferfon  mil  not  ad- 
vantage another  that  wants  Grace  himfe/fi 
ani  that  the  beji  Chrijiians  cannot  dijfenfe 
Grace  to  thofe  that  want  it. 


V  E  R  S  E     J. 

But  the  mfe  mjweredy  fajing^  Not  fo,  lefl  there  be  not  enough  for  h$ 
andfOH'j  hut  go  je  rather  to  them  that  [eH^  and huj  for  your  [elves. 


SECT,    I. 


Erein  is  fee  down  the  Anfwer  of  the  wife  to  the  Requeft  of  the 
foolifli  Virgins. 
This  Anfwer  of  the  wife  Virgins  contains  two  things. 
Firft,  A  denial,  together  with  the  reafon  of  it,  which  is  a 
check  to  their  folly. 
Secondly  Their  counfel  and  advice  dire£^ing  them  to  the  re- 
medy,if  there  be  any  which  might  fupply  them  with  oyl ;  Go  to  them  that  Jell  and 
hnj  for  jour  [elves.  The  Spirit  of  Grace  comes  not  fo  lightly  by :  You  would 
have  it  given ;  no,  you  mult  buy  it ;  you  would  have  us  help  you ;  no,  there 
are  others  appointed  for  to  fell  it  you ;  away  to  them  before  the  Bridegroom 
comes. 

1.  Not  fo']  They  are  words  inferred  in  the  EnglifliText,  notfoin  the  o- 
riginal ;  but  yet  they  arc  fafely  put  in  ,  partly  becaufe  they  are  intended  dired- 
ly  in  the  ftrength  cf  their  reafon,  and  involved  therein,  implied  thereby ;  part- 
ly becaufe  they  do  more  clearly  exprefs  the  meaning  of  the  words,  and  give 
their  fenfe  more  dilUn^lly. 

2,  Lefi  there  be  not  enough  for  us  and  for  yoti^  What  did  the  fooliili  now 
look  toworksof  fupererogationand  prayers  of  Saints,  and  thetreafury  of  the 
Churches  holinefs  and  Indulgencies  ?  furely  no,for  rhefe  were  Virgins,had  efca- 
ped  the  pollution  of  Antichrirt,andtheygofor  this  not  to  Po-)il'h  Treafurers,buc 
untoihem  that  are  wife  •,  neither  is  it  likely  that  Chrift's  coming  could  awaken 
them  out  of  their  fecurity  to  fall  to  grofs  Popery  fo  fuddehly,whiles  they  were  the 
Companions  and  Imitators  of  the  wife,  and  therefore  this  is  not  the  mean- 
ing ,  as  feme  have  wrefted  the  words ,  and  fo  make  the  Anfwer  of  the 
wife  to  be  a  Proteftant  Anfwer  to  a  Popiili  Petition,  and  therefore  bid  them 

so 


J  prayers,  and  Mcncs. 


Opened  and  A^^lied. 


go  to   Sbavelirigg  that  will  for  money  fell  Pardons,  and  Indulgencies,  and 


SECT.     II. 


•  Qiieft.  \X  7 ^<^^ t^^^  ^^^ ^^^ ^(A  ^^^'ll''^f^g  (0 communlcaie  of  the  Graces  they 
W   have}  what  Chrlfiiaa  but  is  willing?. 

^>?/j)^.Firft,  We  are  not,  to  adhere  to  words  in  opening  Parables,  but  the 
fcope ;  now  their  fcope  was  hereby ,  Firft  to  fink  and  humble  the  hearts  of 
the  foolilli,  and  to  let  them  know  that  all  that  which  they  had  in  time  of  extre- 
mity,  vvas  little  enough  for  therafelves  at  this  feafon. 
'-'.  Secondly,  This  anfwer  is  made  anfwerableto  the  ground  of  their  requeft  j 
■you  know  how  Hypocrites  in  Churches  reft  in  outward  priviledges,  and  how 
they  are  carried  unto  Ordinances,  but  not  above  Ordinances  indeed  to  Chrift ; 
and  though  tbey  have  fome  knowledge  of,  and  lookings  above  them  unto 
Chrift,  yet  miflinghim,  like  men  finking.cacch  hoI4  upon  that  which  is  next, 
4nd  fo  look  for  help  thence  ;  fo  thefe  being  in  the  fellowfliip  of  the  wife,  and 
admirers  of  them-,  andhayin^got  goodby  tiiem,  a«d  imitated  them,  hence 
they  relye  too  "miich  upon  them  for  it ;  and  hence  they  anfwer.  We  have  but 
our  meafurC)  and  therefore  it  is  nor  in  our  hands  to  difpenfe  grace  in  times  of  ex- 
tremjry;  that  niuft  come  from  him  that  hath  received  the  Spirit  without  mea- 
fure  ;  fothat  this  anfwer  doth  not  imply  unwillingaefs  tocommunicate,-^  btit  to 
\zt  the  others  fee  chat  they  vvere  not  the  firft  thatxould  communitate. 

Thirdly,  Ypu- a,re  to  ebnfider  .that  'God  had  now  broken  open  theconfci- 
ences  of  the  fooUili,  that-  they  profefled  they  had , no  oy I ;  hereupon  tfie  wife 
yif gi^s- -are-  not  tinwiilTng  to  comm.unicate  altogether' ;    but 


confidering 


bther-  means  are  fandified  to  beget  Grace  where  in  never  was,  or  rather 
of  greater  efficacy  and  power ;  hence '  they  fend  them  to  other  vmeans , 
to -them  that  fell,  profeffing  this  for  their  ground,  that  they  had  little  e- 
pough  for  themfelves;  and  it  was  not  in  their  powernow  to  .-convey  any  : 
Wsltohc^iveis  thedire«ft  Tcopeof  the  Parable  in  this  Verfe:  Hence  three 
Notes. 


SEC  T.    IIL 

Hat  the  Grace  of  Gods  Spirir  in  other  wife-hearted  Chrlfilans^  will  do m 
good  to  foohfh-  Virgi}<is  ^.  and-'fiothfttl  Ckrlfiians  in  ths  days  of  their  ex- 
iremity.  ' :'E2tk.i4.2o.  Though  fob  and  Daniel  ^ood  before  me ^  they  fhall  but 
'deliver  their  own  fouls  ^  gracious  holy  men,  if  not  only  in  mifery  but  fin  i  Joh. 
5.1 6.  they  fhall  recover ;  not  others,  J:  r.4.4.  lefi  my  wrath  breaks  ottt  like  fire. 
Oh  therefore  dally  not  under  Ordinances ;  to  have  them,  but  no  gain  of  them"  j 
to  have  Vines  planted,  but  not  to  eat  fruit  of  them,and  all  by  reafon  of  a  flothful 
heart,  is  a  dangerous  thing  ;  as  many  a  man  hath  a  rich  ftock,  and  a  good  trade, 
and  yet  thrives  not  •,  Oh  he  is  not  careful  to  keep,  nor  diligent  to  improve,  bat 
is  idle;  fohere  ■      '■ 

Oh  confider  the  wrath  of  God!  Li  extremity  ufually  the  Lord  hears  and 
helps  His  poor  people  •,  but  it  fhall  be  far  from  the  Lord,  when  others  fhall  fay 
Lord  help -J  no,  let  others  tears  and  prayers  be  regarded  j  no,  what  Lord,  not 
,in  extremity  ?  no,  not  in  extremity. 


M  m  m 


SECT.  IV- 


89 


Obferva- 
tion  T„ 


90   i 


Ohferva- 
tion  2. 


Reafon  i. 


ReafoK 


1. 


"Kjafon  3, 


The  F arable  of  the  Ten  Virgim:, 


S  E  C  T.    IV. 

^HtHtltismt  In  the  hand  @f  the  mofi  eminent  Chrtfiiansto  dlfience  the  Grace 
^  ef  C'hrift  to  whem y  and  tvhen ,  and  inhere  they  will:  Not  in  all  fepa- 
rably,  nor  in  all  joyntly ;  it  is  not  in  all  the  wife  Virgins  hands  together  ••  It 
is  not  in  the  hands  of  a  whole  Church,  or  all  Churches  to  do  this.  Thsfe  poor 
foolilh  Virgins  it  may  be  they  did  not  in  their  judgments  think  thus  •  how- 
ever in  their  praftice  they  now  cruft  to  this.  But  thefe  anfwer.  It  is  not 
in  us. 

It  is  not  in  LMofes  to  give  his  fpiric  to  whom  he  would,  but  the  Lord, 
NHmh.ii,!-]. 

It  is  not  in  Paul  nox  ^Apollos^  the  one  deep  in  wifdom,  the  other  admi- 
rable in  expreflion,  but  in  God,  who  gives  the  commiffion  to  fetch  the  whole 
world  in,  iCor.3.5,6. 

It  is  not  in  Chrift  as  Man ,  to  give  to  one  to  fit  at  his  right  hand  or 
left. 

It  is  not  in  the  hands  of  the  beft  Patents  j  It  is  not  in  the  wills  of  all  men 
living,  foh.i.i^. 


SECT.    V. 

Ecaufe  they  have  but  their  meafure  received  wholly,  and  dependent  whol- 
ly from  another,  anfwerable  to  their  own  neceffities ;  therefore  it  is  not 
in  their  freedom,  but  in  the  hands  of  him  who  hath  received  it  without  mea- 
fure, Js/?;?  5.34,^5.  hut  the  Father  hath  put  all  things  into  his  hands',  as  it  is  in 
ftars,  one  ftar  doth  not  give  light  to  another,  but  the  Sun  to  all,  having  received 
it  without  meafure  comparatively ;  fo  one  Spring  doth  not  beget  another,  but 
it  is  in  the  Sea,  which  bathwater  without  meafure,  from  whence  they  come 
and  return  again. 

Becaufe  all  the  Saints,  and'all  the  fellowfbip  of  God's  people,  it  is  but  a 
means,  or  they  are  but  inftruments  in  the  hands  of  Chrift  to  convey  Grace  ;now 
you  know  all  inftruments  ad  and  work  according  to  the  will  of  the  principal 
agent ;  as  it  is  not  in  the  axes  hand  to  cut  down  one  tree  for  fuel,  another  for 
building ;  but  m  the  agents  hand  ,  efpecially  if  the  inftrument  be  weak  and 
powerlefs,and  fuch  are  the  people  of  Godi  i  Cor.i.zg.  they  are  foorthingsy  and 
voeak^  thi'^gs^and  nothings  J  things  that  are  not  \  2  Qoi.-2,.'^.nst  [0  mnch  as  to  thinly 
any  thing  of  themfehes :  It  is  not  in  the  people  of  God  as  it  is  in  falves,  that 
there  is  an  inherent  vertue  abiding  alway  to  heal,  and  that  in  any  man  which  is 
cureable  ;  but  there  is  only  an  adherent  vertue  which  doth  riot  alway  abide ; 
and  when  it  is  there,  works  not  upon  all,  but  only  at  the  pleafure  of  the  prin- 
cipal Agent  the  Lord  Jefus;  thofe  means  which  providence  hath  put  an  in- 
herent vertue  into,  cannot  blefs,  but  as  the  Lord  will;  meat  cannot  noiiriOi 
fometimes,  muchlefs  can  thefe  without  the  will  of  another ;  hence  Sfhef,^.i6. 
the  Saints  are  edified  by  this,  but  from  Chrift  ftill. 

In  regard  of  the  greatnefs  of  the  power  and  honor  that  is  required  to 
difpence  the  Grace  of  God,  and  the  Spirit  of  Grace,  which  the  Church  is 
not  capable  of. 

Firft,  Knowledge  of  the  Eled ;  the  Spirt  of  Grace  which  accompanies 
Salvation,  fhall  never  begirentoany  buttothem,i?fl/w.ii.7.  the  election  have 
ohatnedit'y  hence  they  muftbe  known  firft  to  them  that  have  power  to  dif- 
pence 


opened  and  J f plied. 


ipencc  it ;  now  that  they- cannot  teli ;  indeed  Pml  by  Teeino  the  power  puc 
;forch,  knewth^  eieaion  of  the  Tkeffalomans,  i  Th.-f.  i,^.\\x\i  not  before- 
jhe  could  not  fay  This  man  I  wifl  give  grace  unto,  and  not  to  chat ;  a  Minuter' 
\sd  ^/dHl,  A^s  i  S.io.  may  in  general  knovv  that  there  is  fome  people  m  fuch 
'a- place,  at  lealt probably,  but  who  they  be  he  knows  not,  no  more  than 
Samt^-el,  who  knew  one  of  Jejfes  Sons  was  to  be  King,  but  not  one  vvhom  he 
liked,  butvvhnm  the  Lord  did  chafe;  and  hence  a  Minifter  cilis  all,  becaufe 
he-knows  not  who  they  be:  only- fome  are  called,  becaufe  Chriftknew,  and 
therefore  in  his  hand  it  is . 

Secondly,  The  power  mutVbe"omnipotent,both  to  lay  the  foundation,  and 
to  go  on  with  the  building ;  now  that  cannot  be  put  forth  by  a  poor  finite  crea- 
ture, when  it  will,  but  when  the  Lord  will ;  a  Miniller  m.ay  preach  and  quicken, 
aGhfiftian  may  exhort  and  comfort,  and  yet  they  may  hear  and  meeta^^ain 
cwenty  time's  and  never  find  thetecky>-becaufe.diir  weapoias  are  only  xniohcy 
throughGod,  2,CVr.io.4,5.     'b  ^'i:i^:;^  ■  ;-/i)nfi,>-  ^...-  .t;  1  :.- 

Thirdly,  Shedding  of  bloodj  dying  andbeai-ing  wrath,  to  purchafe  and  fo  to 
have  the  Spirit  CO  fend  ;  for  the  Spirit  of  Grace  could  never  be  given,  noren- 
ereafed>nor  continued  in  any,  had  not  blood  firft  purchafed  this  j  our  fins 
are  faid  to  be  healed  by  blood,  and  we  ckanfed  fromi  them  by  it,  z>.  by  the 
Spirit  purchafed  by  it,  Hf^.9.14.  Blood  ffrinkled  pur if^es  your  coyifciences  -nDith' 
yiood.^t.  e.  the  vertue  of  blood  applied  by  the  Spirii: :  If  any  of  the  Saints  fhed 
blood  for  the  Church  to  redeem  it,  then  they  have  power  to  convey  the  Spi- 
rit of  Grace  to  the  Church ;  •  and  it  is  as  hard  to  convey  one  dram  of  Grace  as 
CO  dye. 


•<^i4~fkv°^">!?^  \f\i*yf\ 


SEIG  t.    VII. 

HEncewe  may  fee  the  glory  and  excellency  of  the  Lord.  JeCus  above  all 
men  j  nay,  above  all  the  beft  men  and  beii  Churches  living  ;  ask  T>^vid 
whom  he  loves  and  honors  moftj  he  will  cell  pa,  /T^/.  15.4.  He  dcjfiftfh.a 
vile  prrfo'n  y  knd  honors  them  that  fear  the  Lord;  and  that  Chriftian'that  J5 
moftexcellentfaadall  his  heart-,  ask  any  Chri^^ian,  to  what  men  his  heart  is  j 
moft  knit,  and  whom  he  doth  mofi  of  all  honor,  if  he  fees' one  man  in.forty  |- 
moft  holy  m.oft  humble,  moil:  like  to  God,  moft  acquainted  with  God,  and 
the; mind  of  God  ;  a  T^^/for  wirdom.  a  'D^rt'Aifor  brokennets  of  fpirir,  an 
Ahffham  ?oT:Vni\\y  a  5rewK  for- Courage  and  zeal,  crc.  their  very  feet  are 
beautiful^  their  very  names  are  an  alablalkr-bos  broken  up..   And  why  doth 
he  thus?   Becaufe  he  fees  they  are  holy,  and  like  to  God;  Ohbuttoahder 
cHey-  cannot  make  thee  holy,  it  is  not  in  their  liberty  ;  though  they  ihould 
like  thee,they  cannot  teach  thee  one  truth  faving!Y;chon  hai^  a  rugged  heart,they 
cannot  poliili  thee  ;  and  wilde,  they  cannot  tame  it ;  they  cannot  convey  j 
one  dram, or  tafie,  or  favor  of  the  life  of  Grace  to  thee:    Oh  if  thefe  be 
lovely  who  only  have  oyl  in  their  Vefiels,  though  they  can  give  none  for  thee ; 
^A^hat  is  the  Lord  Jefus  then  ?^vVho  is  not  only  holy,  fairer  than  the  cfaildreja  j 
of  men,  having  all  without  meafure  ;•  but  can  alfo  make  thee  holy,  which  nqne 
of  the  Saints  can;  who  not  only  is  goodandholy,  but  doth '^ood,  and  makes 
holy.     Thou  lookeftfometimes  upon  Saints,  andfeeft  their  grace  and  life,  and 
mournert  for  vvanc  of  it ,  keepeR   company  with  them,,  and   wilTiell'thou 
hadrt  their  oyl,  but  they  cannot  help  thee  to  it  :    Oh  look  up  to  the  Lord:  ' 
If  thou  loveftand  prizeft  them,  oh  prize  and  love  the  Lord  much  more  who  j 
bath  it  in  his  hands  to  give  it  unto  thee :  who  "like  a  Spring  fends  not  fiorth  its } 
L^reams  to  refrefh  it  felf ,  but  the  weary,  but  the  faint,  //^.^D.4.  who  like  \ 
ilL  M  m  m    2  the  i 


91 


Cor. 


4.^. 


ure 


I. 


■  ■■— ^  ■^■■— —■»■.-.     lii    ■      ..^w  ■   III)  ■■— — : — -  ■—■«■■■■■  11   ■■ ■■—  1.    .—     -..  . 

The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins ^ 


t*he  Sun  fends  noc  his  beams  out  to  enlighten  it  felf,  but  that  thofe  which  Jit  in 

\iUrkf??[s  ftiight  (cey  and  blind  might  know,  J''^.  9.49.  Joh.ij.  for  their  fakes 

I  fanliife  my  fe/f,  he  hath  an  humble,  meek  fpirit  to  give  to  thee  chat  art  proud 

and  Burdy ;  he  can  make  a  lion  a  Lamb,  who  hath  a^  wife  and  heavenly  Spirit 

to  teath  thee  that  art  ftmple,  and  thee  that  art  earthly,  if  his  good  pleafure 

will.  .       .-  -        .   ■■         ; 


SECT.    VII. 

DO  nor  fay  I  have  found  good  from  them,as  well  as  feen  Grace  in  them,that 
I  blefTed  God  that  ever  1  faw  or  fpake  with  them,  or  ever  faw  their  exam- 
pltSj&c.  I  anfwerjKnow  it  that  they  were  but  powerlefs  inftruments  in  the  hand 
of  a  merciful,  yet  powerful  Chrift ,  otherwife  thou  hadft  never  received  good 
from  any  Chrirtian,  any  Minitter, any  Sermon ;  the  Lord  Jefus  could  as  well 
have  ufed  them  as  means  to  have  condemned  thee j  as  he  did  Noahs  Miniftry, 
and  iV<7/r/?j  example,  by  which  he  condemned  the  world,  as  well  as  to  have 
called  thee,  or  done  the  leaft  good  to  thee  ;  therefore  this  iiill  puts  a  beauty 
upon  Chrili  above  all  others  in  the  world;  all  the  Saints  and  Minifiers  in  the 
world  could  noc  have  changed  one  hair  from  being  black  to  white,  nor  by  all 
their  cares  for  thee  added  one  cubit  to  thy  ftature ;  Oh  it was  the  Lord  Jefus :  if 
they  have  any  pity,  the  Lord  put  it  in  them  ;  if  they  ever  fpake  one  word,  or 
made  one  prayer,  the  Lord  put  it  in  them ;  if  blefled,n:  is  by  him. 

Now  dolt  tiiou  honor  and  love  them,  becaufe  they  have  done  thy  foul 
good,  elfethou  hadft  been  io  heil  ?  Oh  admire  the  Lord  much  more,  for 
they  were  burfeton  work  by  him;  and  now  they  have  done  thee  good,  there 
is  a  ftop,  they  can  go  no  further  you  think ;  I  did  receive  good  by  a  little,  while 
being  with  fuch  Chriftians,  but  now  when  thou  comeft  hither  again,  thou  tbink- 
eft  (it  may  be  j  thou  fhalt  receive  much  more ;  no,  their  hands  and  feet  may  be 
bound,  thofe  Conduit-cocks  cannot  turn  themfelves.  Oh  but  Jefus  Chrift  he 
can  go  on ,  nay,  he  will  §0  until  he  hath  made  thee  like  unto  his  own  felf  j  and 
hence  I  Joh.'^.z.  then  vfe  jhall  be  like  him-,  now  ws  be  fans  ;  children  though 
born  of  poor  men,  yet  love  their  poor  father  that  begat  them  :  Who  gave  you 
your  being  ?  who  begat  you  to  God,  and  fo  made  you  fons  of  God  ?  Oh  me- 
thinksthe  Lord  thatd'd  this  Ihould  be  precious  and  lovely  /  that  you  ihould 
call  the  world  to  wonder  at  it,  that  the  Lord  hath  made  an  incarnate  Devil  a 
blefl'ed  Angel:  But  thou  haft  a  vile  heart  ftill^  Oh  but  you  lliall  be  like  him  ; 
hewill  make  you  like  himfelf  ar  the  laftday,  who  is  brighter  than  Angels,  and 
whofe  face  is  fairer  than  the  childen  of  men  ;  only  he  vvilldoit  bylittleand 
little  here,  rather  bycaufing  thee  to  feel  thy  vilenefs,  than  removing  it 
wholly. 

-  Therefore,  as  the  Apoftle  C?/*  '.4,9.  when  they  were  turned  from  the  Gofpel 
to  Mofaical  obfervances,  he  calls  them  voeak.  t^"^'  ^^^'^^h  rfidinfe»tjy  which 
had  no  power  of  themfelves  to  convey  Grace,  nor  atbeft  in  that  abundance 
which  the  Gofpel  did ;  fofayl,  do  you  row  know  the  Lord,  who  did  not  once 
know  him ;  and  do  you  now  admire  and  love  Chirftians  and  others,  if  they  do 
good  efpeciallytoyou;  and  do  you  refufe  to  honor  the  Lord,  but  look  only 
upon  beggarly,  wepk  means  and  Chriftians  f  God  forbid  •,  it  is  the  Lord  only 
that  can  enrich  you,  t^c 

iCor.'^.  If  the  rfxlniHratlon  of  coHdenmationwas  glorious y  oh  what  is  the 
mimfiration  of  the  Spirit ;  if  thofe  which  have  the  Spirit  hz  glorious,  what  is  the ; 
Lordthat  not  only  hAth  it,but  canalfogive  ityand mr^k^ you  liki  ^^''^<'  i^^^  inglorjy 
and  that  by  the  very,  beholding  of  him !  wQxi.Hh.  If  a  man  had  fuch  adafsvvhich 

not  i 


opened  and  Afflkd. 


93 


upr  only  «ave  him  the  fight  oF  fome  dear  friend  always,  but  as  ofc  as  he  looked 
in  it,  makes  him  like  unto  him,  how  would  he  prize  this  glafs,  but  efpecially 
the  image  of  his  friend  in  it !  fo  Chrirt  is  not  only  glorious,  but  he  thereby 
makes  himfelf  glorious. 


i  SECT.    Vllf. 

I  Gbjedt.jrXO  M3t  fay  the  Lord  can  do  this  ^  bm  he  will»ot^-Saims  rvould  If 
M^they  could, 

Anfw.  I.  You  do  not  know  but  that  he  will  do  it ;  when  Ghrift  was  here 
on  earch,  and  men  were  fick  ,  chough  their  friends  willed  their  good  ;  yet 
IdotibcnotbutChriftwasmoft  glorious,  becaufe  though  they  knew  not  that 
he  would,  yet  they  knew  chat  he  might  beal  and  pity,  and  if  it  were  for  his  ho- 
nor he  would. 

3,  Pray  to  him  for  it,  and  do  it;  he  will  pern- water  on  the  thlrflyj  and  give 
the  Sprit  and  water  of  life  to  them  thatasl^-^  Do  not  think  you  feekin  vain, 
efpecially  if  yourcryes  arife  from  a  fick  heart,  that  fin  is  thy  difeafe  not  tor- 
ment onely ;  icis  not  thy  delight,  you  need  a  Phyfitian,  he  will  not  heal  you, 
if  ic  is  not  your  temper,  pur  food,^c.  If  a  man  hatha  mind  to  a  thing,  and 
another  denies  him,  he  will  not  fcelefs  beauty  then,  than  he  did  before ;  if  you 
have  a  mind,  Chrift  hath  a  mind  alfo. 

Obj.  Bnt  I  do  not  feel  the  Lord  giving  me  the  Spirit, 
'^.t-^nfw,  Yec  if  you  prize  it,  and  reach  after  it,  the  Lord  hath  done  this 
for  you,  *" 


SECT.    IX. 

TO  all  the  Servants  of  the  Lord,  if  ever  you  did  ariy  good  to  any,  Ohboaft 
notof  yourfelves,  but  carry  the  glory  of  it  to  the'Lord  Jefus ,  ashefaid 
th^  Lord  doth  good  by  me,  but  I  know  no  reafon  why :  So  add  alfo,  but  I  won- 
der at  the  manner  how  a  poor,weak,  dead  nochingjwhofe  unclean  heart  and  lip's 
might  have  made  others  worfe,  not  better,  asinfeclion  lUck'ngco  thebefigar- 
mQnzSj^cl.^.liyl^.fVhy  (land  jfe  lookingon  us  ?  be  it  k^oivn  to  jfofi,  bythe  name 
of  Jefm  it  is  that  which  tsdone ;  when  Chrift  was  known  to  heal  all  difeafes,  all 
the  Country  round  about  by  this  fame  of  him  came  to  him,  and  fo  he  healed 
them;  this  will  bring  in  cuftomers  to  Chrift  ••   Some  Chrifliansare  very  for- 
ward to  fpeak  to  others,  to  letinfomenewnodony  or  to  convert,  that  they 
may  make  an  c/f^/*^wj  pillar  afterward,  and  that  they  might  report  I  did  this  ,• 
iome  take  content  in  fpeakingof  converfion  of  others,  that  I  did  this.  Let  your 
works  praife  you,  but  let  your  tongue  praife  Chrift ;  it  was  the  Lord  that  did  this. 
If  bread  could  fpeak  it  would  fay,  icis  not  I  that  feed;  and  fire,  not  I  that 
warm :  You  can  fpeak,  tell  others  fo  ;  you  would  fain  b^  accounted  fome  body, 
and  therefore  will  devifcnew  Gofpels,  and  mint  newnocions;  that  not  only 
Chrift  maybe  pleafed,  but  men  may  fay,  this  I  received  of  fuchaone,  that 
their  names  might  be  fpoken  of.    The  Theif  takes  the  ilieep  for  himfelf,  a  good 
Shepheard  carries  ic  home  to  his  owner„ 


SEC  t. 


Vfei. 


94 


Ufe  3. 


I  Joh. i.|. 


The  V arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins, 


SECT.  X,  :  ■ ;: 

OH  then  do  not  reft  in  this,  thatyouTiave  novY  got  to  partake  of  the  fel- 
iowjliip  of  Gods  people ;  I  Gonfefs  next  to  fellowihip  with  God,  their  fel- 
lowlHp  isbeft  and  rnoft  fweet,  i  J^/;.i.5,4.  and  nothing  more  powerful  to 
preferve  and  keep  Gods  people  from  Apoftacy  than  this,  C**/. 2. 5.  order  and 
ftedfaftnefs  in  faith  are  coupled ;  they  that  be  planted  in  the  Courts  of  the  Lord 
(hall  flourifh  here  ,  nothing  encreafing  Grace  more,  Col. 2.19,  when  many  eyes 
to  fee  by,  many  hands  to  help  work  by:  When  a  man  finned,  if  one  or  two 
men  only  took  up  ftones  to  ftone  the  finner,  it  maybe  they  might  mifs,  or 
'the  man  live-,  but  when  there  be  many  it  is  ftrange  if  ic  doth  not  kill ;  fo  out 
of  fellowfliip'  of  the  people  of /God,  one  may  admonifh  then  another,  and 
it  may  be  he  can  fhift ,  but  here  there  be  many,  &c.  7.  Cor. 2.7 .  When  a  mans 
life  is  ^'cing  away  in  a  fwoon,  if  one  or  two  be  there  prefent  only,_he  may 
never  recover ;  but  when  one  rubs,  another  chafes,  another  holds  him,  an- 
other runs  and  fetches  hot  water  for  him,  it  is  a  hundred  to  one  but  he  efcapcs. 
But  yet  as  the  befi  means,  if  negle^ed  or  trufted  to, will  make  men  worfe,asC^' 
fsrnaum.\^^2,?,  worfe  for  Chrifti's  preaching,  which  they  boafkd  of ;  fochebeft 
m.eans  if  not  trufted  to,  will  make  men  better  1  as  it  is  with  feme  Extra6te,and 
Spirits,  they  win  make  quick  work  one  way  or  other.  1 

1.  If  ever  you  fee  or  receive  any  good,  look  to  the  Lord  in  them,  iSam* 
io.ii,T2.  .whoisrheirfather. 

2.  If  ever  you  look  to  receive  any,  look  to  the  Lord  that  by  them  he  may 
convey  help  andfuccor  in  his  time. 


Queft. 


SEC  T.      XI. 


Ow^M  J  get  that  good} 

jinf.!.  Feel  your  need  of  their  fellowfliip,  and  their  help,  you 
will  then  be  getting  good  by  every  example,  every  prayer,  iCor.iz.  the  eye 
cam3t  [ay  to  the  hand  I  have  no  need  uf  thee'  On  be  not  full-  for  God  hath 
not  made  you  fo  full,  but  if  you  be  an  eye,  you  need  the  foor,c5-s-.  X>^^/Wknevv 
n)pre  than  the  Levites  did,  yet  how  did  he  long  to  fee  God,  and  the'  goings  of 
God  in  the  Sandluary  1  ' '"'■'-''^^' J  .  .      ■ 

"T^apil  did  need  the  mutual  comfort  of  Chriftians ;  ic  wa^  a  ftrange  thing  in 
'Tgul  when  he  was  to  carry  money  ro  others,  yet  he  befeecherh  them.  Oh  fray 
for  me-,  %om.i.  5.30,31.  Do  not  fay  only,  I  feel  a  need  of  Sacraments  or  Mini- 
ftfy,  but  I  need  the  prayers,  the  counfelj  the  examples,  the  exhortation  of  the 
meaneft  Chriftian.  _  -;.  ■•       .  .^--..Cv 

V,  .Secondly,  Be  fure  youjoyn  your  feh^es  to:  living  Cbriftians,  that  is,  not 
only  fuch  as  have  Grace,  but  fuch  as  are  lively  in  the  ufe'  and  exctcifeof 
it;  for  thofe  God  fan6lifies  efpecially  tq  communicate:  Grace  to  you  I;  ii  ^ 
Hying  hand  be  knit  to  a  dead  arm,  fure  little  good  will  it  receive  from  it, 
^£7»i?.i.i2.  a  lively  believing  Chriftian  will  comfort  Panlyzn^in  humble  Chrifti- 
an will  humble. 

This  is  the  very  reafon  why  Chriftians  do  not  get  good,  becaufe  their  hearts 
are  dead,  and  their fellowfhip  with  God  little ;  and  hence  others  defpife  them, 
and  withdravy  from  them. 

Thirdly,  Love  them  dearly;   a  man  will  never  get  good  from  any  Chri- j 
ftian  that  he  defpiferh,  or  flighteth  ^  as  it  is  wich  a  maa,  if  his  hand  would'have 
life  I 


Ofened  and  Jilted. 


95 


life  from  the  head,  fee  it  inhig  place,  and  let  not  it  be  tied  outwardly,  but 
united  as  a  member,  and  then  it  receives  it ;  and  hence  it  edifies  it  felf  in  love  ^ 
fo  by  love  are  men  edified. 

CH  A  P.  XV. 

Of  the  plentiful  dijfenjing  of  Grace  intheGofpl 
Minijiry. 


SECT.    I. 

Now  follows  fecondly,  their  Counfel  and  Advice ,  t  <J^  f^  ^^^^ 
that  [ell  and  buy^  &c, 

Bern  that  [ell]  Some  there  be  that  make  this  an  irony,or  a  plain 
mock  of  the  foolifli  Virgins  for  their  folly  ;  as  if  they  Ihould 
fay,  You  have  lived  like  Hypocrites  hitherto  before  the  Lord 
amonc'  us ,  and  deceived  us  and  your  own  fouls ;  now  you 
\vould°have  our  Grace  to  help  you ;  no,  get  you  gone  to  Mafs- 
Priefls,  and  Pardon-fellers,  and  Merit-mongers,  and  buy  for 
-     -  -  your  felves,they  have  merit  enough,c^f .  But  this  meaning  as  it 

r'.nnnr  be  evinced  neceflfarily  from  the  words;  fo  fuch  an  anfwer  cannot  ftand 
S^h  that  fad  ar^d-racious  compaffionare  fpirit  which  ism  everyholy  Virgm  ] 
fo  ippoe^^^^^^  op-  thecx>n(aenceof  any  lathele  days,  and 

the~nc^  their  hearts  to  others,  they  ll^ould  receive  ttn.  anfwer  [  Kaj  fee- 
TJZhaie  ne^e^edjomHon  i^  lor^.  get  yo.  gone  to  ^^s-^r.p     et 
.A^^A./,>  v.^-lvvould  a#of  common  honeay  in  like  manner  mock?  much 
^5-:hL:?l:&tif.nyhaveatrue  fence o^ 
mpoiS  theirfeafoa  of  Grace,nheir  bowels  will  mdt  over  them. 
Thofe  that  fell]  Thge  are  the  Mmifters  of  the  Lord  JefUs. 
For  1.  'Tismanifeftit  isnot  amock.     -,..,,,  _,  , 

And  2  Thofe  that  fell  are  not  ordinary  Chriftians  ■  though  they  may  and  do 
convey  the  Spirit,   yet  not  in  this  cafe  fo  powerfully  ;  and  hence  they  do  fend 

'^'"^  %'K  to  to  thofe  means  which  do  moft  a^ 
Spirit-  nowtheWord  and  the  Spirit  areunited,  as  iliall  be  proved  ;   the  cheif 
difpenfers  of  which  word,  are  the  Mmifters  of  the Gofpel.  ,   ,    ,,       i 

T  Becaufe  Minifters  are  called  fuch  as  fell  P....  ^^.^^.  ^'^'fZfjti 
fettltJ-  now  where  is  the  truth  cheiHy  fold,  but  by  the  prime  pubklliers  of  it  ? 
m7,U,Moi  that  the  Holy  Ghoft  is  to  be  fold  for  money;but  to  buyit  there 
as  it  is  tobe  fold  without  money,  7/5 ^^-;>^-Come  .nAbuy  --^-'-f^^^^^^^^ 
is  in  the  miBiftry  of  the  Gofpel,  which  calls  all  that  ^^f  ^^,  ^?,^^' ^^^^ 
not  that  they  {hould  fix  their  eyes  upon  them,  as  upon  the  cheif  means  to  con 


qG 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgim^ 


Olyferva- 


Retxfm  I, 


vey  it,  for  the  Lord  Jeius  fells,  and  we  are  to  buy  of  him ;  only  ^hefe  are 
fervants  under  him,  and  appointed  as  an  Ordinance  of  his  for  this  end ;  the 
Apoftle  conveys  his  miniftry,  iCcr.2.  ult.  fir-cerely  and  gloriouily. 

Buy  for  your  [elves']  that  is,  feek  for  it  there,  though  you  lay  out  never 
fo  much  of  your  money,  your  time,  and  thoughts,  and  afte6lions  for  ir,  and  re- 
ceive it  there  when  it  is  offered  upon  any  terms,  thouCi  you  parr  wirh  all  you 
have,  that  fo  you  may  make  it  your  own,  and  fo  have  of  your  own  ,  -  and  fo  may 
wich  comfort  meet  the  Lord-,  and  this  fuits  with  the  cuftom  of  the  Saints,  to 
fend  them  there  where  they  got  theirs. 


SECT,    IL 

T  Bat  the  Sfir'it  of  Grace  is  prmcl-pallj  and  mojl  abindantly  dijfeftfed  in  the 
miniflry  of  the  Golpel  by  the  CM inl^srs  thereof  y  That  is,  they  are  thofe. 
thatfill;  thk^aheirbufinefs,  and  trade,  and  work,  like  the  Olive-tree  to  the 
Candleftick  '^^^Zach.^.  ^^6.  which  rake  rooting  in  the  Courts  of  Cod  to  this  end, 
to>  drop  in  their  golden  oyl ;  but  ftill  obferve  it  is  as  fervants  under  the  Lord  Je- 
fus,  who  gives  what  and  when  he  will  by  them.    ^ 

You  know  the  famous  expreflions  of  the  Apoftle,  Bow  can  they  hear  mlefs 
they  have  a  preacher  ^  JRom.l  0,1^,  >' 

2  Cor.^.j.  The  Gofpel  is  called  The  mlnlfifatwn  ef  the  Spirit  in  the  mogthes 
of  the  Apoftle s  and  thnr  Sncce^ors  \  by  rchich  it  is  made  mvre  glorious  than  the 
Law  delivered  in  tables  of  jione  ,  though  lefs  eJitward  glory  ^  for  we  hav'e  it  but  in 
earthen  veff els,  ,  ' 

Gal,  5.2.  By  whom  received  you  the  Spirit  ?  by  hearing  of  the  Law? 
noy  but  by  the  hearing  of  Faith ',  thereby  is  the  Spirit  revealed  and  di- 
fpenfed. 


SECT.     IIL 

BEcaufe  they  are  fet  apart  principally  by  the  Lord  for  this  end;  for  Gods 
feparation  of  any  thing  for  an  end,  though  the  thing  be  unlike  to  bring 
th'at  end  about ,  yet  by  thisift  hath  arrange  power  accompanying  it ;  as  the 
Brazen  ferpent,  how  comes  it  to  heal?  It  was  fet  a  part  for  that  end,  and 
fan^lified  of  God ;  and  hence  God  fetting  apart  an  Ordinance,  is  prefetit  with 
his  Ordinance ;  as  Aaron  and  his  Sons  were  fan6lified  for  the  fervice  of  the  Ta- 
bernacle: and  this  is  done  two  ways . 

Firft,  By  the  Church,according  to  the  will  of  God,  they  are  fet  apart  from 
all  other  employments,  unle/s  thofe  which  orher  relations  bind  them  too, 
that  fo  they  may  dedicate  their  time,  their  ftrength,  chsir  private  ftudies,  their 
felves,  their  prayers,  and  tears,  and  all  for  them  •,  and  this  ought  fo  to  be  unlefs 
necefifity  compel^,^^.6.4.TheI)ifciples  would  give  themfelves  to  pe  word  and 
prayer,arid  would  not  be  cumbred  about  the  Deacons  office  ;  and  fo  their  ftudies; 
T/2«/ exhorts  Timothy  to  give  himfelf  to  reading,  to  think  on  tbefe  things, 
I  Tim./^.i^fi  ^. 

Secondly,  By  the  Lord  himfelf, (7^/.2. 15,1 5.  What  is  true  of  Godsfepa- 
rating  Taul  to  an  extraordinary,  is  true  in  a  meafure  of  all  his  fervants  fet  apart 
for  ordinary  work,  Mdl.z.j.  For  the  Church  fometimesmay  not  fet  a  man 
apart,  yet  the  Lord  may  and  doth  j  and  hence  (by  thefefometimes  hefends 
to  call  a  Church  before  there  is  a  Church  to  call  j  and  how  is  fach  a  one  fet 

apsirt? 


opened  and  Allied. 


91 


;  apart  f  not  as  an  ordinary  ChriRian,  but:  as  an  extraordinary  Aoiball'ador,  as  it 
;  vvere  in  the  room  of  the  Lord  Jjefushimfelf;  For  Chrift  being  Mediator  of 
:  his  Church,  two  things  are  required  to  make  peace,  i.  To  fpeak  to  God  for 
I  us.  2. To  fpeak  from  God  to  us ;  The  firfl  he  doth  by  his  interceifion.  But  we 
;  hear  not  from  him  ?  Yes,  for  he  fets  thefe  in  his  room,  and  by  chem  he  fpeaks 
;  as  Mediator  to  our  ears  and  hearts,  2  Car. 5. 20.  fo  that  if  Chrift  was  here  pre- 
■  fenn  to  fpeak,  we  would  look  for  the  Spirit  by.  him  and  his  Miniftry  j  Now  all 
I  MetVengers  of  the  Lord  Jefus  are  in  the  room  of  the  Lord  Jefus,(^c.  Nay,  if 
j  Chriftwas  here,  the  Spirit  would  not  come  but  by  this  means;  and  hence 
Chriit  converts  not  fo  many  as  the  Apoftles  by  their  Miniftry  wuhin 
Judea, 

Becaufe  thcLord  hath  furnifhed  them  with  fpecial  abilities  to  difpenfe  the  Grace 
of  Chriit  for  the  Churches  fake  j  2  CV.5.6.  Chrlfl  afcendedon  high  to  give  gifts 
for  edifying  the  body  ;  if  a  man  (hould  have  an  Apprentice  fet  apart  to  fell,  but 
his  lliop  is  not  furnirhed,  how  could  he  then  feJl,  and  how  lliould  men  in  w'lU 
dom  expeft  to  buy  ?  I  v^illnot  fpeak  of  what  is  required  co  make  men  able; 
Chrirtnot  only  as  a  free.agent  fets  them  apart,  but  as  a  wife  agent  furnifheth 
them  with  abilities  for  that  end.  There  mull  be  that  knowledge  which  may 
make  the  mao  of  God  wife  to  falvation  from  the  Scriptures,  which  cannot  be 
without  knowledge  of  Tongues  and  Arts  in  fomc  competency  and  ftudy  a- 
bouc  both. 

1.  They  cannot  think  a  thought  i  Chrift  furniilieth  them  with  thoughts ; 
the  Minifter  knows  not  what  to  fay,  yet  his  thoughts  are  from  him, 

2.  They  cannot  fpeak  •,  hence  £phef.6,i^.  the  Lord  opens  their  mouth ; 
E^ekid  muft  be  dumb  for  a  time. 

:?.  Have  they  therefore  any  knowledge  of  the  myfteries  of  Chrift }  it  is  to 
teach  the  Church,  zCor./^.^^6.  all  their  gifts  and  fpiritual  abilities,  though 
never  fo  great,  andpeculiarlyfanftified,  butit  isfor  them,  iCor.i.u/t.  have 
they  any  temptacions,tribulations,and  gain  by  them,  viz..  fpiritual  confolations? 
it  is  for  them  that  are  fad,that  want  it,  2Cor.i.4,^.  Cand  though  it  is  true,  there  is 
in  other  Chriftians  ChrilUan  abilities  to  help  and  comfort  others,  yet  not  mini- 
fterial  in  every  Chriflian  (the  whole  body  is  not  an  eye)  nor  which  hach  a  fpecial 
prefencc  of  the  Spirit  of  God  in  it  and  with  it)whicn  they  fhould  never  have  re- 
ceived but  for  the  neceflities  of  fome  in  the  Church  ^  there  is  good  to  be  had  by 
watering-pots,  when  grafs  and  herbs  are  dying ;  but  yet  fometimes  the  rain  falls, 
and  that  hath  a  peculiar  vertue  in  it,  as  being  fitted  for  that  end ;  and  hence 
Minilters  are  compared  to  clouds ;  and  h^nce  men  will  pray  efpecially  when 
many  clouds  are,  the  Lord  grant  thefe  bottles  may  drop;  fo  hither  you  are  to 
look ;  dilli-milk  and  flit-milk  may  convey  fome  nouriil  imenr,  but  brert-milk 
hath  fpirit  going  with  it ;  good  books  may  be  blert,  but  there  is  not  that 
fpirit  in  them  as  in  lively  difpenfations  of  the  Gofpel  by  Minilters  them- 
felves. 

Becaufe  the  Lord  hath  given  them  hearts  enlarged  to  difpenfe  the  Gofpel, 
that  fo  the  Spirit  may  be  conveyed  ;  »?  preach  not  oar  f  elves .^bnt  the  Lord  Jefus ^ 
a»d  our  fehes  yotir  ferva»tSjdrc.2Cor.^.<;.  i  Theff.2.%.  Ifone  be  appointed  and 
furnillied  but  hatb  no  mind  to  fell,  they  have  other  trades  to  follow,  little  bejp 
is  tobeexpe6ted  there;  take  a  Minilter  of  large  abilities,  if- once  he  comes 
to  have  fome  other  penny  in  his  eye,  befides  the  fouls  of  people,  feldom  fhall 
it  befeen  that  the  Lord  is  prefent  there ;  Satan  doth  not  caft  out  Satan,  neither 
is  his  Kingdom  divided  ;  when  Feter  fillieth  for  himfelf,  all  night  he  catcheth 
,  nothing,  but  when  the  Lord  comes,  and  for  his  fake  he  cafts  out  the  net,  pben 
the  net  is  full  •  and  for  to  be  a  means  to  convey  the  i^irit  to  any,  it  is  their 
life;  as  in  others,  when  gain  comes  in,  they  could  rwtlive  without  it;  iV<w 
T»e  llvcy  fmhTmly  if  yon  ^ and ^  i  The^.  g.S.  This  is  their  glory,  Ttf*  are 

N  n  n  our 


Reafon 


Reaf^o 


on 


0 


Reafon  i, 


Re  (if on  2. 


I 


Reafon  3, 


Ufe. 


The  farakk  of  the  Ten  Vtrgim, 


optr  Toy  and  glory iiThjf.i.zo.  this  is  their  gain  though  it  be  by  lofs  of  all ; 
,  life  is  not detj  to  finidi  their  Miniftry,  /  fnpr  allthingsfor  the  tkUs-fakeyZhQy 
are  willifiig  to  fpehd  and  to  befpent,  2C0r.12.15.  Faff  I  willieth  himfelf  ana- 
thema^  arHor  dlvlms  efi  exfiaticptsy  itcarrics  outof  felf,  ^o«;.9.i,2,3.  though 
it  is  true  the  Miniftf y  was  not  bleli  to  atl,yet  the  eleftion  obtained  it^  Romj.  i  .7, 
hence  the  miniftry  is  frommen  not  Angels,  that  there  might  be  the  more  pity, 
and  lb  the  more  help,  H^^.4.2.  ,_, 

■   — — -^M  I   ■ill..-  -ii.i..-_^^        .    ii.<.i  i.iiM  , .  ,  ,....  .^1  ii'ijjiiii    |jjr..t- i> 


SEC  T,     IV„ 


2.. 


Ut/ivhy  hy  the  Mmifiry  of  theGoffei  i^dri:'t> 

Becaufethe  Law  cannot  give  lifeyGaL '^,21,  Now  the  Lord  cannot 
make  him  that  hath  finned  not  to  have  finned,  that  would  be  a  contradi6tion; 
a^d  he  that  hath  fnned  mufi  dye  •,  and  hence  there  is  no  poflibillty  for  the  Spirit 
to  give  life- here ;  hence  the  Spirit  takes  another  inttrument,  the  Gofpel  can 
perfwade  to  beleive,  and  bring  to  Ghrift,  where  life  is  feated. 

Becaufe  there  is  more  of  Gh  rifts  blood  here^  and  hence  more  Spirit;  for 
they  are  all  one  to  be  cleanfed  with  Blood  and  Spirit  •,  for  the  Lord  Jefus  did 
not  by  his  blood  purchafe  the  unfealing  of  the  Law ;  but  the  Gofpel  is  a  fecret^ 
and  not  known  but  by  this  means ;  it  is  the  New  Teftamerit  which  arifeth  from 
the  death  of  the  Tefiator;  to  tiave  the  news  of  the  Gofpel  printed,  it  is  by 
means  of  Chrift^s  blood  5  but  to  have  men  fent  to  open  it,  there  is  more  of  his 
blood  therein  j  and  hence  more  Spirit. 

Becaufe  there  is  more  of  Chrift's  love  in  the  Gofpel;  and  where  moft  of 
his  love  goes,  there  his  Spirit  goesinoft;  it  is  love  to  make  us  know  the  Law, 
though  it  be  a  hand-writing  againftus;  but  now  (when  we  fee  death)  to  bring 
the  Gofpel  and  therein  to  entreat  and  wait,  there  is  great  love';  and  hence  it  is 
called  the  Miniflry  of  Reco»clliatidn,  Oh  it  is  infinite  pity  to  offer  to  take  a 
I  dead  carrion  up  under  his  wings ;  here  he  longs  for  the  falvation  of  a  fin^ 
net  moft :  if  we  were  fallen  Angels ,  be  would  never  fend  the  Miniftry 
of  the  Gofpel  to  usj  but  fo  it  is  flow,  that  he  hath  taken  the  feed  of  A^ 
braham. 


'  71 


SECT.  V. 

OF  Inftrudion.  i .  Hence  we  may  fee  the  glory  of  the  Gofpel,  in  that  it 
is  the  Mmiftryof  the  Spirit  of  God;  this  the  Apoftle  profeifeth  it  ex* 
ceeds  in  glory ',  glorious  light  it  fcatters ,  that  which  hath  been  hid  from  the 
ffife^  nzy^  from  T^rophets,  and  Abraham  v^ho  dejired  to  fee  this  day^  and  f aw  it 
but^farofihcncQ  it  is  called  marvellous  Hght,which  brings  the  foul  to  the  light 
of  that  blefled  face  of  Jefus,  and  his  glorious  lov6,  which  never  ftial  be  founded 
to  the  bottom  of  it,  which  damps  the  glory  of  all  other  things ;  and  although 
many  great  and  wife  defpife  it,  yet  if  they  did  know  they  would  not  defpife 
the  Lord  of  glory,  nor  crucifie  him ;  but  their  eyes  (hall  never  fee  thofe  glori- 
ous-cohfolations  and  comforts  promifed  to  the  people  of  God  j  I  will  fend  the 
C'o^fmer)  hnhChndifWhich  never  can  be  taken  away  from  Beleivers,  which  in 
midft  Of  all  miferie  comforts ;  it  is  a  great  mercy  when  a  man  fees  his  fin,  elfe 
he  would  never  feek  for  remedy ;  but  the  Law  cannot  do  any  thing  but  arreft, 
ahd  imf  rifon ;  it  cannot  get  fin  removed ;  yet  the  Gofpel  can  fet  at  liberty, 
iphichf  reaches  deliver  amce  to  ^r  if  oners  ;  fah.S.^Z.  Tof^  jhall  know  the  truth,  and 

that 


Opned  and  Afflied. 


99 


that  fh^ll  makeyo'A  free,  I  can  through  Chrift-'^&c.  Vhil.^^i'^.    It  is  a  marvel- 
lous, mercy  to  tremble  before  God,  and  fee,  and  know,  and  be  affe6led  with 
Gods  wrath  ;  but  yet  if  this  be  all,  the  heart  will  fink  and  flye  from  God  i  now 
the  Gofpel  reveals  Chrift,  andfo  jToA.io.id.  his  fheep  hear  and  folkw  hfrn-y 
and  the  Gofpel  comes  to  hell  w  ith  the  Spirit,  to  a  poor  finnep  when  he  is  blind jj 
captive,  broken,  mourning,  never  fo  miferable ;  now  the  Gofpel  penetrates 
j  thus  low,  and  brings  the  Spirit  with  it ;  it  makes  the  foul  not  only  to  fee  Chrift,' 
j  but  gives  it  him,  and  now  it  is  fafe.     Oh  fbeloved  / )  if  the  Spirit  be  glorious, 
|;then"istbe  Gofpelglorious;  if  the  Miniftry  of  men  could  bring  in,  and  draw- 
n^vith  them  thePrincesofthis  world,  and  all  their  wealth  to, ferve  you.  Angels 
andxheir  Miniftry,  nay,  bring  Chrift  himJelf  bodily  to  you,  howgloripu^  were 
this?  but  what  is  this  to  bring  the  Spirit  into  a  Sty,  into  thy  Soul  !  Oh  there- 
fore take  heed  of  alight  efteem  of  the  Gofpel,  as  thofe  Matth.22.^,  which 
were  fhut  out:   Menmuft  fpeak  fomething ;  take  heed  you  that  have  oneee-, 
'fteemedit,  of  accounting  it  a  common  thing  (itisnext  to  tfie  unpardonable 
I  fin)  of  accounting  the  Gofpel,  Minifters,  Truths,  Juftification  by  Faith,^:^. 
I  common  things ;  but  fee  them  glorious  j  the  greateft  glory  that  ever  was  in  the 
World,  did  once  lye  hid  under  the  meaneft  outfide,  ■z^/^i-.Jefus  Chrii]:,  and  yet 
the  Apoftles  beheld  his  glory ;  fo  the  Gofpel  is  moft  glorious  now,  as.  being 
I  his  glafs,  and  this  notwithftanding  is  moft  mean  in  the  account  of  many ;  Paul 
Us  in^^theeyesof  theC«?r/;^i-^/^»  DoAors  a  mean  man,  hisprefence  was  con- 
temptible, his.words  mean  alfor  men  defpifed  them. 

Secondly,  hence  fee  what  caufe  they  have  to  fit,  and  go  home  to  their 
houfes  lamenting,  that  never  found  the  Spirit  conveyed  by  therniniftry  of  the 
Gofpel  in  life  and  power.   Lam.l.i6.  Oh  the  comforter  that  (hould  refresh  my 
fvu!  is  far  from  me',  if  there  be  any  hope  of  help,  it  is  by  the  Spirit ;  and  if  the 
'Spirit,  itis  bytheMiniftry  where  the  Gofpel  is  publillied  and  the  Spirit  con- 
veyed .'   Oh  thinks  many  a  one  in  himfelf,  I  find  no  fuch  good  !   thus  long 
have  I  beard,  and  thus  oft  do  I  hear,  but  I  come,^  and  go  away  as  I  came,  my 
heart  never  fliaken,  my  foul  never  broken,  my  fpirit  never  humbled,  nor  edm-: 
forted,(5'c.  and  therefore  what  care  I  for  Miniftersor  Gofpel?  it  is  true,  itis 
^/i,  2Cor.4.-^.  but  thenitis /ri'w  them  that  i^  /^y?  only,  whom  Satan  hath, 
blinded;  ft  may  be  the  laft  medicine  is,  nowufings  as,  it  is  with  many  that 
•have  the  laft  remedy  applied  when  they  be  fick  to  death  ;    truly  fe), 'it,  is 
here. 

Hei^.S.S.'  The  tree  or  ground  that  brings  forth  hryars  ,  is  nigh  to  enrjing ; 

,  the  condition  is  fad,  as  it  is  there  expreft,  it  jhall  never  fee  good  when  good  comes^ 

Jer»i  J. 6,  Oh  it  was  a  fad  complaint  of  Si^u/,  Oh  the  Lord  anfwers  me  not  \  and 

iof  the  people  of  God,  We  fee  no  vifion ;  but  you  have  none,  and  lament  iz  not ; 

if  men  in  the  old  Law  did  not  meet  with  the  Lord  in  their  Tent  doors,  it  was 

no  wonder^  it  was  not  ufual  fo  to  do  j  but  when  at  th^  Tabernacle,  if  they  met 

j;  not  th^re  with  him,  it  was  fad  then ;   fo  here ;  if  you  meet  not  the  Lord  there 

I  v\Aere  he  dwells,  itisftrange-,  not  but  that  Saints  may  find  the  Lordabfent; 

fbut  I  fpeak  to  them  that  find  it  not,  and  mourn  noE.  for  ic  j  others,  fliall  re- 

I  foyce  when  they  mourn  for  the  abfence  of  the  Lord.  .1 


SECT.    VL 

|F  Confutation  of  thofe  that  think  there  is  not  that  necefiity  of  eke  Mini- 
_    ftry  to  convey  the  Spirit ;  ;i,;i^K?j  ■/ ,     ; 

■  ButFirft,  think  good  Books  may  do  the  deed ,  and  hence  can  profit  as 
much  at  home  as  thereby;  but  thefe  Virgins  are  not  directed  to  books,  biic 

N  n  n  2'  perfons^ 


Vfct, 


lOd 


The  Parable  of  the  Ten  Virgim, 


fe  3. 


perfons,  ( thouoh  there  is  a  good  ufe  of  Books  alfo  )  Books  are  but  a  carkafs  of 
the  living  Word. 

Secondly,  They  that  would  have  it  by  immediate  revelation,  by  elevations 
of  the  Soul  to  God,  a  Familiftical  principle  collected  from  the  Apocrypha 
fpeculations  of  devout  Monks  ,  received  in  Germany  when  the  Gofc  el  was 
preached  to  overthrow  it ,  and  entertained  by  the  deceitful  experiences  of 
fome  (^s'm  Lo^dofjy&c, )  fhe  that  was  converted  by  d£eams,<^c.  incieea  we 
are  to  look  for  the  Spirit ;  but  to  look  for  it  without  ihe  Word  is  nk  ;  if  the 
,ApoftIes  were  living,  thefe  would  overthrow  their  doclrine. 

Objedt.  ivhat  can  man  do  ?  (  fay  many  )  yon  muft  look^  for  the  living 
voice  ef  Chrtfi  i  the  fVordls  but  a  dead  letter^  and  will  cnlj  make  yopia  Jetv 
In  letter, 

ty^nfrv.  If  indeed  we  had  only  fouls,,  and  no  bodies,  then  we  mi.hc 
lay  afide  our  Bibles ;  but  teeing  it  is  not  fo,  look  to  ihe  Word  thus  difpen- 
fed;  hence  the  Lord  faith.  Hear  and ymr  fonls  jhall  live;  thefefay,  Hear 
not,  &e. 


SECT.    VII. 

OF  Terror  to  all  them  that  oppofe  the  Minirtryof  the  Lord  Jefus,  and  re- 
fiftit;  the  Holy  Ghoft  being  in  it,  yourefirt  theHolyGhoiihimfelf,  a  d 
that  not  only  where  he  is  dropt,  but  moft  abundantly  poured  out,  JBs  751,52. 
How  did  they  refift  the  Holy  Ghoft?  they  did  but  refift  men;  No,  ic  was  the 
Holy  Ghoft  there,  for  fo  he  fpakethofe  words,  and  the  Spirit  had  lome  opera- 
tion upon  their  hearts  by  thofe  words,  Zach.j.iz.  Neh.g.^o. 

Sometimes  the  Spirit  puts  forth  its  prerogative  power ;  then  it  is  not  o- 
vereome;  fometimes  words  without  power,  and  then  men  refift  and  overcome 
it,  (for  that  is  the  meaning,  becaufeall  menreiift,  moreor  lefs  )  and  this  if; 
enmity  againft  the  Spirit, -4^.^. gp.  Fighters  agalnft  Gody  which  is  a  moll  fad 
and  heavy  evil ,  for  to  be  left  to  that  evil  to  overcome  the  Comforter  himfelf ; 
as  he  faid,  //  tt  not  enongh  ta  grieve  man^  but  yon  mufi  grieve-  my  God  alp.  ? 
Ifa.7. 13. 


SECT.    VIIL 

Qi^^&.Xyytwkn.doth  refi^  thas> 

Jj  jinfw,  I .  Some  do  ic  by  filencing  and  perfecuting  of  the  Miniftry 
of  the  Spirit,  which  is  moft  grievous :  When  Amos  preached  againft  Bethel^  up 
fteps  ^w^so/^^  the  Prieft  oi  Bethel,  Amos  j.io.  and  firft  makes  complaint  of 
him  to  the  King ;  Firft,  chat  he  was  fa£lious,  and  confpired  againft  theKng  : 
^nd  fecondly,  That  the  Land  was  not  able  to  bear  his  words  ^  that  he  troubled 
the  Country  and  Kingdom  with  his  Doctrine ,  viz..  That  we  ftiall  all  dye  if 
we  receive  not  his  Do6trine ;  and  hence  he  commands  him  to  depart  and  flee 
from  thence,  and  propheficno  more  there;  but  you  fee  what  he  anfwers,  / 
rsfas  a  Herdfmafty  and  the  Lord  called  me  ;  think  not  that  you  oppofe  a  pri- 
vate fpirit,  but  the  Lord's  that  called  me  :  And  hence  fee  becaufehe  did  but 
fay  fo,  what  his  fentence  is,  upon  his  Wife,  Children,  himfelf  and  upon  all 
Ijraeli  Are  t\iQZQ  noz  mzny  Amaz^lah' s  in  thefe  days?  do  they  not  take. the 
fame  courfe  ?  is  not  the  fame  fpirit  working  againft  the  Spirit  of  God  now? 
what  will  their  end  be  I   Let  a  man  be  never  fo  peaceable  in  his  place,  blefifcd 

in 


Ofened  and  Jpflied. 


lOI 


lia  his  work ,  if  he  doth  buc  reach  Bethel ,  nay,  if  only  the  jud<^emencs  of 
I  them,  the  Altars  there,  and  Idols  there ;  zAmos  may  prophe(ie%  another 
JLapd,  but  no  more  there;  but  what  vvill  be  the  end  of  this  ?  feeverf.17.  it 
lis  a  fad  fpeech:l  The f, 2. 16.  Ferhldin^tts  to  preach  to  the  0 entiles  that  they 
Ima/  be  faved  ;  for  the  ivrnth  of  (jod  is  come  upon  them  to  the  mmofi ;  You  know 
the  Jevvsraifedupperfecutionagainftthem  where  everthe-y  came,  buc  wr-'^ith 
IS  upon  them  for.  vt  cv-h  to  the  fitmQfi  j  why,  look  as  ic  is  in  hell,  to  refift  the 
Gofpel  ones  felf  is  heavy;  but  when  in  hell  there  they  willi  that  no  others  mic^ht 
rec:eive.ic,  orihatitmit^htuot  be  preached  to  any  other,  that  ^onemjoht  ever 
know  the  Lord:  So  it  is  here,  it  is  greater  wrath  to  oppofe  God  in  hell,  than 
to  be  oppofed  of  God;  and  the  ftrft  they  are  come  to  :    Oh  but  rhey  garnilli 
the.  Sepulchres  oflthe  Prophens,  and  beautifie  their  Temples,  and  if  they 
had  lived  in  rhe  days  of  the  Prophets,  they  would  never  oppofe  them. 
object.  But  thefe  are  other  kjndof  Hot-ifttrs-,  and  Novices. 
Anfw,  Matth.  2  5 . 3.0, 5  5.  ToM>  fhail  have  Scrihes  and  Wife  men^  and  yoH  JhaU 
kjl^th^fr/,  that  upon  y on  may  come  all  the  blood  that  ever  was  fpilt  '^  iand  blood 
they  mutt  have  who  are  the  open  perfecutors  of  the  Prophets  and  Saints  of 
God  firrtorlaft-,  certainly  God  is  remembring  the  tears  and  troubles , of  his 
baniOied  diftrefled  Seers. 

%.  Some  others  by  reviling  and  reproaching  of  the  Miniftry ;  for  Satan  in  the 
hearts  of  the  wicked,  if  he  cannot  hurt  it  with  his  teeth,  he  will  feek  to  dd^roy 
ic  by  his  tongue ;  how  was  'T^anl  cenfured  by  a  company  of  proud  Corinthians ^ 
thac  when  they  had  nothiug  againft  him  almolt,  yet  they  cenfure  him  for  his 
manner  of  fpeakingand  carriage!  2  Cor.io.io.Hts  Lst-ets  are  mighty^  but  hispre- 
fnce  bafei  how  was  John^  though  for  a  time,  flock 'd  after !  andChrift  Jefus  ( 
himfelf  was  thus  evilly  reputed ;  this  was  that  which  brought  the  total  ruine  of  1 
the  Jews,t'/X'.  mockingacthemeffengersof  God,2  6'/)rtf».«/^.];<5.  When  Taul 
had  perfwaded  Serglus  TaHlHSyZnd  Elymas  gainfaid,faith  Paul  Atis  i  :^,io.  Oh 
ftillof  fabtiltyy  and  child  of  the  devd,  enemy  to  all  ri^hteoufnefs  (^.  why  to  all  Z 
becaufe  all  Grace  comes  to  be  wrought  here  by  the  Word  )  thou  (halt,  be 
blind. 

How  have  the  Melfengcrs  and  Minifiers  in  this  Country  been  trampled  up- 
on by  fom.e,  who  though  they  have  not  yet  been  able  to  reach  them  by  their 
power,yet  by  vile  reproaches  fo  purfuing  moR  of  chem,chat  one  would  ftand  and 
wonder  at  the  blindnefs  and  boldnefs,  not  of  moral  men,  buc  Church-members 
and  Profeffors,  and  at  the  wrath  of  God  upon  them,thac  ever  they  fl:iould  be  lefB 
tobefcorners  of  them ,of  whom  the  confciences  of  the  vileft  cannon  but  fome- 
time  fay ,  verily  God  u  with  yon  !  Yea,  Grace  ic  felf  hath  been  pretended 
to  be  the  weapon ,  by  which  the  Minifkrs  of  the  Gofpel  of  Ghrift  have 
been  fought  againft  ;  and  indeed  the  vileft  opinions  ufually  have  been  fhelter- 
sd  under  Grace  ^  that  hath  been  the  Kings  colours,  which  the  enemies  of  the 
Kingdom  of  Chrift  have  lifted  up  to  deceive;  for  in  places  of  profeflion,  not 
merit  and  works,old  fliooes,C^£'.  but  Grace  and  Chrift,  Matth.2^.2^.  are  moft 
fie  todeceive. 

And  hence  if  Minifters  have  perfwaded  men  fo  believe,  and  receive  the 
GofpeI,vyhat  can  we  do  (fay  many  ?  )  God  muft  do  all ;  if  evidences  and  iigns  of 
a  good  eftate  be  called  f  0  r  out  of  the  Word;  it  is  a  way  of  works,,almoft  flat  Pope- 
ry in  their  books :  If  Minifters  have  had  the  Spirit  burning  within  them,  feeing 
people  led  from  the  trurh,  and  10  fpeak  againft  them  that  deceive  them  ,  'tis 
paffionand  bitternefs ;  if  they  have  fought  co  keep  rhe  hearts  of  Gods  people 
c|oie  one  to  another ,  the  ftrong  man  then  keeps  the  palace  :  What  iliould  I 
name  all? 

Queft.5f/r  for  what  is  it  that  they  are  thus  fcanddhz.e'd} 
Anf.i.Voi  preaching  that  we  are  juftified  by  Fai  h,  and  that  Faith  is  required 

•  to 


The  Parable  of  the  1  en  Virgim\, 

cGihe  enceruinment  of  Chrift  as  a  condmon  of  the  Gofpei  yhtzt  is  not  bread 
(Uy  meni)      '  '  "  •    ; 

.2*  For  preaching  that  Sa-n^liHcation  is  an  evidence  of  Juftificatio  •  j  and 
though  it  be  granted  the  Lord  never  juftified  any  wittouc  a  work  of  vocation  at 
leaftj  and  this  is  not  againft  Gods  Grace  to  jutlifie  byFau|ij  yet  it  isa.:,amft 
Grace,  and 'tis  a  way  of  works,  fay  feme,  to  fee  my  felf  judified  by  Fai;h 
If  the  Word  did  reveal  a  fecond  JuiUfication  by  Faith,  and  a£r|i  Juiiificdon 
without  Faith,  then  our  firft  evidence  might  be  without  fight  of  Faith,  beca'fe 
there  is  fome  word  which  reveals  our  being  Juftified  without  it ;  B'lt  the  Word 
•reveals  all  our  Juttification  to  be  by  Faith  ;  a'nd  thus  for  preachin^^  the  Golpel 
of  Chrift  have  the  Servants  of  the  Lord  been  reproached.  And  thou^^h  ■  hLy 
keep  it  in,  yet  how  many  are  there  whofe  hearts  go  after  thefe  deteftabie 
things  /  ^  ' 

3.  Some  refifl:  the  Spirit  by  defpidng  inwardly,  and  fo  cafting  off  the  Word 
ofthe  Lord,  i^<?^.  2.253.  (f '^^  negleEl  or  jllght  fo  great  f ah  at  ion  i  and  when 
-was  the  Gofpel  more  flighted  by  many  ?  every  thing  we  fay  is  dear  but  Gofpel, 
which  fhduld  make  us  mourn  that  ever  it  fhould  be  faid  fo  in  this  Country  j 
you  defpifethe  Spirit  of  God;  a  man  of  greatnefs  fufferuby  nothing  fo,  much 
as  by  contempt  ^  fo  it  is  with  the  Spirit  of  Grace  :  And  it  is  a  thoufand  to  one 
but  that  there  will  be  fomething  to  make  them  defpife  at  laft  the  Lord  himfelf  .• 
But  the  Word  comes  thus  to  be  defpifcd  and  caft  off 


SECT.-  iX. 


Firft,  Partly  by  the  falfe  reports  of  others,  as  if  they  were fa6lious  diftur- 
1    bers  of  peace,  men  under  a  Covenant  of  Worksy  <^6.    It  is  the 
Jefuites  policy  to  raife  up  lyes ;  and  though  all  will  notbeleive  them,  yet  fome 
1  will  ftick. 

Secondly,  Partly  by  covetoufnefs  i  the  glory  of  the  things  of  this  world  is 
greater  than  the  glory  of  the  Gofpel ;  tell  them  of  living  by  Faith  and  Pi-omi- 
fes ,  they  deride  you  in  their  hearts ;  tell  them  of  a  Kingdom,  and  the  excel- 
lency of  holinefs  ,  they  flight  them;  to  be  fo  rich  and  honored,  it  is  glo'-ious 
indeed,  Lfike  i6. 14.  The  Pharifees  fcorned  him  becaufe  they  vYere  cove- 
tous. 

Thirdly,  Sometime  becaufe  Minifters  and  Mini^ftry  are  Bills  of  charges  to 
a  congregaribn,  and-are  too  coftly  inhabitants  amo-^g  them. 
I  -  Fourthly,  Partly  becaufe  of  ignorance  of  the  truth  ;  why  was  Pm/'s  Mi- 
niftry  foolifhnefs?  it  was  a  myftery ;  fo  many  come  and  underftand  not  t.he  truths 
preached;  they  be  too  high  points  for  thetii  to  conceive  of ;  let  truth  be  ne- 
ver fo  precious,  they  efteem  it  not,  becaufe  they  know  it  not. 

Fifthly,  Partly  becaufe  they  have  known  all  that  our  Minifters  do  preach 

*  before,  which  is  now  like  flowers  and  rofes  withering,  which  were  flourifhing 

heretpfore-  C^/>(?r«^,^»2  defpifeth  that  which  Sodom  would  not,  and  Tjre  and 

Sidon  would  have  repented  at ;   and  fay,  They  can  do  as  well  themfelves  as 

this,  and  better. 

Sixthly,  Partly  becaufe  Minifters  are  fo  long  atit ;  and  that  may  be  delivered 
in  one  hour  which  is  flood  upon  an  hour  and  half ;  and  they  wonder  men  preach 
fo  tittle,  and  yet  fo  long ;  which  argues  contempt,  and  that  every  truth  is  not 
precious.  Men  cry  not  out -of  men  when  they  are  telling  money  to  them  many 
,  hours ;  and  yet  this  is  more  precious ;  Emychtis  grows  fleepy  ;  thank  Taul  for 
;  preaching  fo  long ;  and  falls  down  ;  thank  long  Sermons  for  tljat :  This  is  the 
finful language  of  fome. 

Seventhly, 


opened  and  Jpplied. 


Sevenchiyi  Bscaufe  they  cannot  profic  bychem;  hence  when  they  (hould 
mourn  for  rhemfeives  they  defpife  the  truth  of  th^Lordj  Mic.z.j,  are  not  my 
wprds  gaodto  him  that  walks  uprightly. 

Eighthly,  Becaufefoine  have  weaker  gifts  than  others:  And  thus  I  fay,  the 
Miniftry  of  the  Lord  and  his  Spirit  is  defpifed,  Mat.  1 8.8.  Take  heed  jou  dejpife 
not  Unit;  ones  ,  for  Angels  heho  'd  them  :  Oh  what  is  it  then  to  dQ^'^i^Q  the  Spirit 
himfelf?  And  thus  I  fay  the  Spirit  of  God  is  refifted ',  go  home  ther^^fore 
and  mourn,  and  conHder,  i.  The  time  is  already  fet  ^  the  Spirit  v>llLmt  al- 
T»-iiy  ftr'tve ;  and  tinie  may  come  that  it  will  go  from  you  and  never  return  to 
you  more.  2.  Fire  will  come  out  of  their  mouthes,'i^^'i/.ii.5.  j.  The  Mi- 
niftry iliall  be  taken  from  you  and  your  children,  Ati.i  5.46.  4.  The  Spirit  it 
felf  iliall  torment  you,  Ifa,  63.10. 


SEC  T.     X. 

OF  Exhortation;  Oh  therefore  if  ever  yo;i  would  have  the  Spirit  difpenfed 
to  you,  wait  here  upon  the  Miniftry  of  the  Gofpel  for  it  ,•  neglect  not  pri- 
vate helps,  books  arid  meditations, c^^-.  but  know  if  ever  you  have  it  difpenfed 
tere  it  is  chiefly  to  be  had ;  buy  at  this  fhop. 

00  you  not  find  parched,  dryed  up  hearts  >  the  Spirit  of  God  is  gone  from 
men  ;  and  this  verily  is  the  caufe  of  it  ^  vyhat  confolations,  what  peace, ,  what 
glory  from  the  Spirit  of  all  comfort,  of  peace  and  glory  might  men  have,  but 
for  this  5*       'aT^-|v^  ;:  ;^  •  ■;^       '  . 

0^').  But  Itfiay  never  get  this  Sprit ! 
"  j^nf.  Yes,  Bear  and  your  fouls  fhall  llve^  l(a,%>^,'^.  (  fot  to  reprobates  the 
Lord  never  gives  an  ear)  what  a  comfort  is  this  ?  you  cannot  help  your  felves  to 
look  to  Chrift ,to  come  to  Chrili;  ^  hear  him  then  when  he  is  come  to  thee,  Rom. 
11.7,8.  he  hath  given  them  ears  not  to  hear;  and  ufually  the  firft  work  of  the 
S|?irit  inthefoulistogivean  ear  j  the  Lord  aWakens  that  to  liften,that  never 
regarded  any  thing  before ;  and  then  fomeThlog  enters  firft  or  laft. 

_ . — . — '■— — ' '■ 1  ;  ;    n — ~^- — — — *-^  '   r.Oii<j.ffi"ii;    ■      ,,  I    .     -^ 


SECT.    XL 

Qiieft.TTOn'  (k^U.1  fohearas  t'&recelioitht.Splrtt} 

jCjl      Anfw.i.  Get  a deep-ience  of  your  wants  particularly  and  di- 
ftindly  before  you  come ;  if  a  man  comes  to  the  Market,  and  knows  not  what 
his  Family  wants,  he  will  never  come  and  buy  of  them  that  fell;  a  poor  man 
if  he  comes  into  a  rich  fhop,  hath  a  mind  to  buy  all  the  commodities  he  fees 
if  he  had  money  ;  but  if  it  may  be  had  without  money  be  will  take  them  gladly, 
Matth.ii.  The  poor  receive  the  Gojpel\  I  am  perfwaded  that  this  is  the  great 
caufe  why  fcarce  any  buy  here ;  they  know  not  their  need  cf  every  truth ;  hence 
7/4.^0.4.  He  hath  given  me  the  tongue  of  the  learned  to  preach  alVordln  feafon 
to  the  -weary ;  the  Lord  will  do  it  in  feafon;  when  the  heart  is  weary  of  its  own  de- 
ceit and  ignorance,  and  all  carnal  contents,  and  bleffmgs,  and  fins,  now  the 
Lord  Jefus  muft  fpeak  at  laft ;    let  a  people  be  more  wea  ry  of  outward  miferies 
tl?^npf  inward,  they  will  not  regard  Ji^ofes  bj  reafon  of  anguljh  of  jpirlt;  this 
keeps  ofipmany  a  man;  either  he  feels  only  outward  miferies  •,  his  mind  is  broken  | 
with  cares,  how  fhall  I  live  .<*  with  loffes  and  croires.  Family  is  Tick,  Cattel  die,  ! 
Servants  are  untoward  and  unfaithful;  his  drink  is  turned  to  water,  and  the 
Englifli  flower  is  gone^  his  Friends  refpec^  him  not,  his  acquaintance  grow 
ftrange ;  thefe  things  lie  more  heavy  than  fin . 

2.  Pray 


105 


I 


104 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins ^ 


2.  Pray  b<:tbre  you  come  ;  for  as  it  is  in  men  chac  trade,  rheir  Servants  are 
readyto  let  out  their  commodicies-,  but  ask  the  Mafter  ftrft  whether  he  will  fell 
themornotoyou  ;  fo  ask  the  Lord  firft.  Minifters  are  but  Servants  under  the 
Lord ,  it  is  not  as  they  wil!,  but  as  the  Lord  will  difpencc,^^^:/?.i  1.25.  /  thanks 
chee  that  tho-i  haft  hid  thcfe  thmgs  from  the  wife  and  prndenty  though  Chrift  him- 
felf  prc^ached  :  Oh  therefore  look  up  to  the  Lord;  Oh  Lord  let  not  thy  Go- 
fpei  hi  a  hidden  thing  from  mine  eyes.  I  am  perfwaded  you  fhould  fee  lirange 
things,  and  grow  up  more  and  more  if  thus  you  did :  When  Chrift  told  them 
that  the  Spirit  Qiouldcome,  he  bids  them  wait  for  it,  and  they  eoMtlmedinfimt 
in  fr.iyer^AB.l.^,  and  then  the  Spirit  of  God  cam:  ttpoftthemy  though  exrraor- 
dii  arily,  yet  here  ordinarily ;  *?/<«/.  51.  Ltrd  caufe  me  to  hear  the  voyce  of  joy 
and  gladnefsy  that  the  hones  which  thoft  ha^  broken  may  rejoyce ;  and  hence  the 
Lord  complains,  i/k,  50. 3.  Why^whenl  came^was  their  no  inter  ceff or}  as  if  he 
Iliould  fay,  he  would  have  given  them  helpelfe  j  Oh  therefor&beforc  you  come, 
and  when  you  come,  pray ,  Lord  fpeak ;  pray  all  the  week  long  that  there  may 
be  fome  Sabbath  mercies  for  you. 

3.  Give  the  Lord  the  price  of  his  Gofpel ;  men  that  come  to  buy  muft  give 
the  price,  Zach,\  1.12.  And  God  will  not  let  you  have  any  thing  without  price ; 
give  away  all  thou  haft  f  when  thou  comeft  10  hear  j  to  the  Lord,  let  him  pluck 
or  take  any  thing  from  thee,  only  let  him  not  cake  away  himfelf,  and  his  Spi- 
rit ;  prize  the  leaft  truth  above  all  the  world,  as  indeed  it  is  better,  the  Lord  may 
el fe  deny  thefe  pearls  to  you,  IJeb.^.2.  The  word  did  not  frofit  hecaufe  net 
mixt  with  faith ;  and  what  is  the  property  of  that  ?  vide  1  Pet.2.%^6.To  him  that 
believes  the  Lord  is  free  ions ;  it  makes  Chrift  prccious,and  every  truth  precious ; 
and  when  the  Lord  himfclf  is  precious,  the  Spirit  ufenty  Joh.  1 4. 1 7.  n'hom  the 
world  cannot  receive ^  becanfe  they  k»ow  him  not.  Oh  he  is  not  fweet  nor  pre- 
cious to  them. 

Three  things  are  here  to  be  laid  out  and  given  to  God  at  the  hearing  of  the 
Word : 

1 .  Thy  Thoughts ;  let  a  man  have  never  fo  much  meat,  if  he  feed  not  upon 
it,  never  will  he  havefpirits  thereby;  therefore  while  hearing  timelafts,be 
taken  up  with  thofe  things  you  hear ;  be  in  them,  that  your  profiting  may  dp- 
fear  to  all ;  you  know  not  fo  much,  but  that  there  is  more  yet  to  be  known. 

2 .  Thy  Hea  rt ;  Love  it ;  Chrifts  love  was  fo  great  as  to  flied  his  blood,  that 
he  might  purchafe  this  Word  of  his  Gofpel  for  thee ;  and  wilt  not  thou  Izt  thy 
love  out  of  thy  heart  to  it ,  when  it  is  for  thee  ? 

3.  Labor;  labor  for  the  Spirit  here,  as  for  the  meat  that  endures  for  ever  ^ 
Joh.d.ij.  Chrift  will  give  it  you,  fparc  no  pains  and  labor  upon  ir,  to  enjoy, 
and  be  eternally  advantaged  by  it. 


CHAP. 


opened  and  Applied. 


Thus  much  of  the  Second  thing,  in  this  Se- 
,     cond  Part  of  the  Parable-  Now  the  Third 
::    follows;  vi^.    Tbe  Cominp  of  Chrifi    him- 
M 


CHAP.  XVI. 

ConcernMgChrifis  Coming. 


^S.E  CT.    L 

Ow  this  coming  of  Cbrift  is  fee  forth  and  amplified  from 
two  things. 

1.  iFromthe  time  of  his  combg;.  While  the  iooliiii' 
went  to bby,  he  came.  .,  ,; 

2.  From  .his  different  entertainment  of  the  VirginSjand 
carriage  towai!ds  them  being  come. 

Firft  j  The  wife  they  went  in   with'  him  to  the  Ma- 
riage.  ,     , 

■    Secondly,  The  fooliili  were,  fhut  out,  ^^.  .  :. 

By  this  coming  of  the  Lord  is  (as  hath  been  oft  faidj  meant  the  coming  of 
Ghrift  to  Death  or  Judgement  y  but  efpecialiy  and  principally  his  coming  to 
Judgement,  as  may  appear  by  the  whole  feriesof  this  Chapter,  ^nd  the  next, 
wherein  the  Lord  anfwers.co  th'elecondqueftion  of  the  Difciples,,  t^/^.the  iigqs 
and:  time  of  his  coming ;  ?V.  h  is  fecond  comiiio;,  which  i$  cal  led  his  coming  to 
judge  the  world,  c^c. 


''&» 


105 


That  there  is  ^nA  jhall  certmlnly  be  a  Second,  coming  of  Chrifi  to  Judge- 


lobfe 


went. 

This  truth  the  Prophets  have  foretold  ;''^£/iw/>,^if<^-' 14.  SoJomon^Ecclef. 
iz.ult.  %j)m.  i^.ii.mth  Ifa.^^.2-^.  The  Apoftles  have  preached  thus,  as 
2  Cor.  5.10,  and  it  was  ever  in  their  eye,  and  the  main  part  of  their  Miniftry 
when  they  prelTed  people  to  believe  in  Chrift  as  a  King  ;  where  is  he?  He 
fhaUcome,they  tell  the  unbelieving  world;  Angels  alfo  have  .published  thisi 
j^BX.i  I  .and  Devils  beleive  this,who  are  in  their  chains  bound  ovdr  to  thatdayj 
and  all  the  Saints  have  looked  for  this,  iTheJf.ij;/t.3.nd  hencqpromifes  of  mercy 
at  that  time  are  made  to  fuch,  Heh.g.ult.  And  laftly,  the  confciences  of  many 
wicked  people  have  confelfed  this  ;  FahI  freacbeth  of  Jjidgsmrfttto  comeyand, 

O  o  o  T^eitx 


tioft   2, 


ervn- 


io6 


The  Parable  of  the  Ten  Vtrgim^ 


Ifa.  6^.  8. 


r 


Velix  trembles ,  and  Heb.  6.  5.  divers  fek  the  porters  of  the  vcrld  to  come^ 
and  by  judgeaiencs  on  them  have  been  made  to  know  that  he  is  the 
Lord. 


SEC  T.     IL 

Q^efl.I."r>  ^f  when  jkall  the  Lordjefm  come  ? 

D  An^Xvi  general  jwtwn  all  the  Ele6t  are  gathered  under  the  wings  of 
Chrk^;  hence  c^^t^/>.  24.22.  tor  the  eleUs  fake  thojfe  daplfhalUe  [hortned,  i.e. 
1  an  utter  ruine  of  all  had  then  come  but  for  them  ;  and  therefore  when  they  are 
once  colk6led,  the  Lord  will  come ;  and  hence  in  particular  Judgements  the 
Lord  doth  thus ;  only  a  few  Ele<3:  keep  a  whole  land  from  being  utterly  waft- 
ed, Ifa.6.ul .  I  Cor.  1  ^.2  ^,24.  firfi  Chrifiis  qmckned^  l.e,  in  foul  and  body  rai- 
fed,  thsn  thofe  that  are  Chrifis  at  hi^  comings  andthen  comes  theejid;  and  hence 
the  tares  are  fpared,  left  in  pulling  up  them ,  the  wheat  alfo  be  pluck- 
ed up. 

Now  as  for  fetting  down  the  particular  time,the  Lord  Jefus  doth  it  not,in  this 
Chapter;  onely  gives  fame  figns  of  ic,  by  which  we  may  give  certain  credit  that 
it  is  not  far  off  fas  of  the  death  of  a  crazy  man  )  and  there  are  two  that  are  not 
yet  accompliftied. 

1.  Thedeftroyingof  cx4'»f/V/»r;i1-,  at  leaftin  the  principal  power  of  it,  and 
throne  of  it. 

2.  The  calling  of  the  Jews, '2?^«w.i I.  who  muft  have  a  great  day  of  it  a- 
gain  ;  which  dry  bones  fhali  live ;  and  their  refloring  a  kinde  of  refurreition 
and  life  from  the  dead  :  Some  have  thought  two  thoufand  years  before  the 
Law,  and  under  the  Law,  and  under  Chrift ;  and  then  when  thefe  fix  days  of  a 
thoufand  years  a  piece  are  ended,  comes  the  great  Sabbath  j  this  is  already  pro- 

j  ved  to  be  falfe  in  the  fecond  two  thoufand  years.  In  the  Primitive  times  and 
Churches  the  Apoftles,  efpecially  James  and  Peter ^  fpake  of  the  end  of  all 
things  to  be  at  hand,  who  writing  to  the  fcattered  Jews  had  good  reafonto 
tell  them  of  it,  viz..  the  end  of  the  Temple.  Though  Baromns  to  weaken  the 
Authority  of  Scripture,  thinks  they  fpake  only  their  own  apprehenfions  ,•  di- 
vers Chriftians  thought  then  it  was  nigh;  and  hence  T^«/intreats  them  to  be- 
ware of  thofe  thoughts,  feeing  much  danger  in  them  ,  2  Thejf.  2.1,2.  Acid  in 
fucceeding  ages,  TennHian  exprelTeth  the  aflpecftion  of  the  Chriliians  to  the 
'j?o/»^»  State,  that  they  fought  not  the  ruine  of  it,  but  prayed  Tjro  mora  finis, 
as  fearing  it  was  then  coming  upon  the  world  for  fin  ;  and  fo  many  Saints  fee- 
ing ^ickedrefs  abound,  have  thought  that  time  is  not  far  off}  but  yet  the  times 
and  feafons  are  not  in  our  hands  to  know,  exf^.  1.7.  and  chat  muft  quiet  us, 
that  come  he  will. 


SECT.    III. 

QiiQi^,2.\JCT Heyeyfill  he  come  to  jndge} 

IT-:  VV     •    ^«/w.  Into  this  vifible  world  again  ;  for  if  it  fliould  be  in 

h^ven,  as  no  unclean  thing  fhall  come  there,  lb  we  fhould  then  rather  come 
to  Chrift  to  be  judged,  than  for  him  to  come  to  Judgement :  No,  there  is  a 
fecond  coming ;  that  as  his  firft  was  into  this  vifible  world,  fo  ftiall  his  fecond, 
"ti^f^.  3,21 .  fVhem  the  heavens  mufi  contain  untill  the  time  of  the  reflitutionof  aU 
things;  and  then  ftiall  he  break  out  of  heaven  again  for  this  work;  Now  to 
_______  whatf 


opened  and  Jpflied. '?   -^\ 


'vvhac  parLi'cular  place  in  the  world  he  lliali  come  to  judge  is  difpuced  on  by 
imany,  efpecially  fome  of  che  Schoolrr.en  .•  Some  chink  that  ic  (hall  be  in 
^MountCa/vary  J  where  he  was  crucified  ;  fome  in  Mount  0//W,  where  he 
jafcended;  others  in  the  Valley  of  Jehofaphat ,  Joel  ■^.z.  which  as  ic  cannot 
jcontain  all  people  that  ever  were,  fo  the  place  only  fpeaks  of  the  terror 
{of  God  againfl-the  enemies  of  his  fcattered  Jeyvs  at  their  converfion  ;  I  would 
I  not  be  wife  above  what  is  written,  all  that  I  read  moft  plainly  of,  is,  i  Thej]\  ^, 
j,  1 7, 1 8.  That  then  we  (hall  meet  the  Lord,  \k  the  air  i  now  how  high,  or  whem .the 
!  Lords  Throne  (hall  be  fet,  chofe  things  are  not  for  us  to  enquire  afcer^  bucfo 
the  Lord  will  order  ic,  as  that  all  Nations  ,  all  the^ead^  (mfiliand  great  (kail 
mand  before  him  and  lee  him  in  one  place ;  which  (\\i.\[  not  be  very  low ;  where 
men  have  finned,  there  they  lliall  be  judged;  and  hence  as  Judges  have 
fheir  Circuits  ;  fo  men  having  finned  in  this  world,  iTiaU  be  judged; 
here.  ;  :ro;'l  \ 


-d-.^i- 


Lxo; 


SECT.    LV. 


QudA.A.XjLOw  mil  he  come  to  f  age  I  .  .    - 

JtjL  Anfw.  He  jhallcome  in  ^owcf^  and'  great  ghrj/y  Afatth,24-^^Q. 
As  firft,  The  glory  of  the  Father,  Matth.16,17.  che  brightnefs  of  his  Die<y,ijjg 
infinite  wifdum  was  hid  in  the  dark  lanthornof  his  humanity,  jbut;rhenbeniall 
appear,!as  'tis  faid,  Rom.i.^.  manifefted  to  be  the  Son  of  God  by  his  Reiiijrre(9a- 
on,  fo  then  much  more  when  he  comes  to  raifeihe  world,  all  the  world  fluU 
fee  his  power,  wifdom,greatnefs  then.        $     ;. 

Secondly,  All  his  mighty  Angels  with  him,  <JMmk  16.27.  all  fball  he 
there,  fo  that  heaven  ihall  be  left  empty;  a  thoufandtimesten  tho.itfan4  fhaU\ 
the-a  mlniftcr  mto  him-^  and  you  know  jioyjj.  glonoufly  the  LorcJ  made  the  An-! 
eelsfhineat  ChriftsHeftirreaion.  v       ;  .  :;  d  :  i;;o.;  i.:.-- ' 

Thirdly,  with  thevoyceof  the  Arch-Angel  and  the  trt^ajp  of  Go<r,  #nd 
wicha  fhout,  i  Thef.^.  16.  Be  fhall  defcend  nith  a  jhom.,  if.  of  joy  to  tjie' 
Saints,  as  in  the  day  of  viftory  and  triumph  of  God  ;  as;a>n  giving  the  Law  ^e 
Trumpet  did  blow  to  work  dread  and  terror  then,  fo  now. 

Fourthly,  With  burning  and  confuming;  of  the   nij^orld,   2  P^.^.J' 

2  Theff,!. 

Fifthly,  Raifing  and  call  ng  all  the  dead  before  him,  fmall  and  great,  good 
and  bad,  in  earth  and  fea ,  and  that  in  a  moment  it  {hall  not  be  along  yvork, 
iCor.i  /.52.  and  thus  the  Lord  fhall  appear  at  this  day,  that  as  he  came  before 
with  bafenefe,  fo  he  ihall  now,  come  in  glory,  and  noihlno  then  fhall  have  any  j 
glory  but  himfelf,  and  thofe  that  are  his ,  beaufe  he  will  damp  all  the  glory  of  ' 
theiworld;  and  thus  fitting  in  che  clouds  in  a  Throne  of  glory,  he  fhall  judge, 
/>.  examine,  convince,  and  condemn  ;  exaraineall  fecrets,  andconvidmen 
of*  their  evils,  and  then  condemn  them  and'  pafs  fencence  upon  the  wicked, 
and  grace  to  his  Saints;  the  Saints  examinations,  and  all  their  duties  anda<a- 
in^sfor  God  opened,  and  that  all  che  world  chat  cenfuredthem  may  fee  then 
the  infinite  wifdom  and  love  of  God  in^  his  people,  in  making  ^nd.k^^ping 
them  fincere. 


Ooo    2 


SEC  T. 


107 


:o8 


The  Farableofthe  Ten  Virgim^ 


SEC  T.    V. 

.  '  V  V  AtifvpA.  If  it  was  only  for  hk  peoples  fake,  for  their  pe r- 
fe^  redemption,  and  refrefhing,  there  were  reafon.enough  font,-  hence  icis 
called  a  day  of  redemption ,  and  a  time  of  ref-efhing ;  here  they  are  captived  un- 
der mifeiies,  and  fadded  by  them  under  fin,  Satan,  world^  but  then  they  fliall  be 
redeemed:  Nowthatitfhall  befoj 

Firft,  He  hath  come  already  to  redeem  his  people  from  fin,  which  is  the 
greateftevil,  and  which  redemption  was  performed  by  his  blood;  now  if  he 
hath  redeemed  from  the  greateft  evil,  i;.'^.  Sin;  then  from  Corruption,  then 
from  Death,  and  Satan,^r.  If  he  once  came  by  blood  and  bafenefs,  then  hewill 
come  in  glory  and  greatnefs;  if  he  came  through  fire  tothem,ther  he  will  come 
through  fair  ways  to  them  i  if  by  death  to  them,  then  by  life  to  them ;  and  hence 
Joh.  f  .24.  i^ll  judgement  is  committed  to  him^  becaufe  he  ps  the  Son  of  A'ian.  And 
though ic  belong,  yet  furely  he.will,  hemuftcome,efpeciaJly  feeing himfelf 
hath  perfe^Iy  redeemed  his  people,  and  is  now  himfelf  exalted  above  all:  A 
man  that  hath  been  in  prifon  himfelf,  with  his  poor  brethren  that  are  left  there 
ftill ,  the  price  of  their  redemption  being  paid,  and  there  being  nothing  for 
their  deliverance  wanting,  but  one  to  fetch  them,  if  none  help,  he  will  do  it  a- 
lone-  So  here. 

Secondly,  in  regard  of  the  Tullice  of  God,  that  that  may  be  cleared  be- 
fore the  eyes  of  all  the  world  V  men  fin  now^  and  are  not  punillied^  but 
flourifh,  and  the  Saints  are  grieved-,  every  man  fees  patience,  bounty  , 
long-fufferance  exercifed;  but  the  vyrarh  of  God  agairft  the  leaft  fins 
is  not  yet  made  known ;  there  itluft  therefore  be  a  day  to  declare  it,  and  the 
equity  of  it. 

Thirdly,  In  regard  of  the  Wlfd^m  of  God  -  Look  i n  all  Commonwealths 
well  governed  in  the  world,  and  Ive  {hall  not  findeanybut  they  have  Court 
days,  and  their  Petty  SelTions,  and  great  Alfes,  as  in  Ifrad  i  for  to  what  ex- 
tremity of  wicknefs  would  places  come  to  elfe?  fo  here  ;  Shall  the  wife 
Governor  of  the  world  never  have  a  day  of  hearing  and  trying  caufes  ?  hath 
heno  care?  othersare  but  in  hsr.,om  under  him  tillthat  time  ;  neither  is  it 
enough  to  fay  that  there  is  Judgement  of  death.  <u^nf<v^  That  is  only  Chrifls 
judging  the  foul  in  private  either  to  his  fiiame  or  glory  before  Chriftj  but  the 
body  is  to  be  judged  as  well  ar;  the  foul,  to  iliame  before  men,  or  glory  before 
all  the  world. 

Fourthly,  In  regard  of  Chiift's  fovefatgnty  and  excejlency;  the  coming  of 
Chrirt  is  called  his  Kingdom,  1  Tim.^i  i .  Why,  doth  not  Chrifi  rule  now  in  the 
world  ?  Yes,  but  itis  in  the  midtl  of  his  enemies ;  his  enemies  rule  and  he 
rules  alfo ;  but  there  muft  a  time  come  that  no  enemies  muft  rule,  but  Chriii 
alone  ••  and  this-  is  his  kingdom  m  a  moft  illuftrious  fanner ;  for  the  things  of 
Chrift  are  faid  to  be  with  us ,  when  they  coin  a  fpecia!  manner  appear;  as.the 
coming  of  his  Spirit,  and  his  love,  fo  his  Ki  gdom  •,  now  Chrifi;  muft  reign  tilj 
all  his  enemies  are  put  under  foot;  foririsnoriithe  flioula  io  fe  his  Kingdom  ^ 
hath  the  Lord  fuffered  others  to  reign  and  ru!e,  andhimfelf  tjobehid,  and  his 
glory  loft,  and  that  fo  long  ?  and  will  he  never  return  to  his  Kingdom  to  be  glo-^ 
rious,  there  to  reap  all  his  glory  that  he  hath  loft  by  all  his  enemies  in  the 
world  ?  Was  there  ever  King  that  would  ever  endure  one  generation  of 
Rebels  after  another,  and  never  make  himfelf  fole  Sovereign  ?  however  Man 
may  fuffer  it,  yet  the  Lord  will  not,  he  muft  reign.  And  whertfore  doth  Chrift 
reign/    Itis  to  trample  enerciies  underfoot,  his  and  his  peoples  enemies; 

Chrift 


opened  and  Applied. 


Chrift  fees  death  his  enemy,  to  deftroy  his  enemies,  and  keep  them  as  in 
a  Goal  i  but  afterward  Chrift  will  call  them  forth,  and  pafs  an  irrever/ible 
doom  upon  them. 


SECT.     VI. 

SEE  therefore  and  believe  the  tfuth  of  this  Point  as  well  as  hear  it  :  At 
che  firft  coming  of  Chrift,  Hek  11.13.  they  did  thus,  faw  the  Promifes 
afar  oft",  and  embraced  them; '  fo  fee  it  afar  off  ••  There  be  divers  people' 
that  profefs  this  truth  that  do  not  fully  believe  k  ;  for  if  they  did,  they 
would  never  live  as  they  do  .•  That  look  as  men  that  know  the  Judge 
ridis  Circuit  within  half  a  year,  dare  not  commit  any  open  fins  ;  fo  if 
you  believed  this,  you  would  make  confcience  of  fecret  fius  which  this  Judge 
ftiall  judge.  _ 

Others  there  be  that  do  believe  it  as  they  do  reports  that  every  man  faith, 
but  they  do  not  fee  that  really  to  be  true  indeed,  which  their  hearts  literally 
believe  J  and  hence  mens  hearts  are  not  a  whit  moved  with  grief,  orforrow> 
or  joy,  or  fear  at  the  remem^brance  of  this  day.  For  as  it  is  with  us  in  re- 
ports Of  news  out  oi  Germany  .^ixi^n-^  hear  things,  but  are  not  affe6l:ed  with 
their  rnifery,  bec:aufe  they  do  not  fee  it  a6l:ed  before  their  eyes ;  God  pre- 
sents not  their  forrows;  and  hence  they  are  not- moved ;  but  when  they  do 
fee  them  a6led,  then  tfiey  are  moved  much  ;  fo  here.  Look  as  it  is  with  a: 
man  awake  and  in  fleep  ;  a  man  awake  believes  the  day  of  Judgement;  and 
never  ftirs  ;  but  when  afleep  he  dreams  of  it,  and  is  much  affe^led  with 
that  becaufe  he  fees  it  a6ted  before  his  eyes ;  much  more  when  men  have 
not  dreams  but  real  vifions  or  fight  of  it ,  it  will  aflFe<5l  ^  And  hence  fet 
painted  fire  before  a  Malefactor,  it  affects  not,  but  fhew  him  really  it 
wherein  he  muft  be  burnt,  nowitamazeth  him  ;  andhence2'P<?f.2.ii,i2,i4. 
ho\lngfor\  arid  hence  Pc'-i'^r  faith  whatmttnnerof  ferporis  ■oi^^hpwe  to  h\'  irid. 
whereever  there  is;  Faith,  thus  it  will  bci  Hch.iT.x.it  makes -iB^lngs  anient  pre- 
feffty  and  things  Hnfeen evident.  c--^ 

Oh  that  God  would  {hew  you  this  truth,  you  youngmen,  £r<r/f/ii.p. 
you  would  not  fpend  time  vainly,  but  knovy  God  :  You  aged  menwhofe 
hearts  are  rooted  in  this  world,  Oh  know  that  God  will  come  and  burn  up 
your  delights;  will  you  never  fee  this  day  arid  fear  it  before' you  feeitj  and 
mourn  becaufe  of  it!  - 

j,  Oh  take  heedof  rafh  judging  and  condemning,  and  fufpe£ting,  and  cen- 
I  furing  other  men :  In  Patois  time  Rom.  14.1  o.  one  Brother  in  a  Church  there 
i  Judged  another  abd«t>indifferent  things  in  aChrilWikei  manner,.^s  if  hp  hadno 
j  Grace,  C^f.  Toti  jh  all  ft  and  before  Chrtjls  Judgement  Seat"^  tzith  Paul'^  and 
j  hence  *P^^/,  i  Cor.  4.  3,4, 5.  accounts  little  of  mans  Judgement,  and. bids 
them  judge  nothing,  C^f.  What  if  Chrift  find  that  to  be  a  lye  which  thou 
judgeft  to  be  true.- 

Many  of  Gods  Servants  lie  under  hard  thought*;  and  fpeeches  in  pri- 
vate, not  only-  from  Enemies  abroad  ,)btrt,..  from  Inhabitants  at  home;! 
m?n"Dut  of  the  Church  cenfliiing  and  judging,  of  Members!  men  in  the 
Church,  one  of  another,  efpecidly  if  they  take  m  a  fide;  Jhe  Lord  will 
difcover  hard  fpeeches,  and  an  edition  of  aj!  .your  bard  thoughts  put  out  ih 
print  at  the  latt  day:  This  breaks  love,  this  breaks  Church-fellowfliip,,  ijftid 
is  the  caufe  of  breaches  i-n  this  Country.  ,       ' 


169 


^fe  I. 


Vfe  2. 


-Sirrtii^C' 


ot 


no 


The  Far  able  oftbeX^n  firginf:, 


Uje  4. 


Obferva- 
tion  2. 


Oh  take  heed  of  an  hypocritical  heart  •  if  the  Lord  "{KouW  come  to  judge 
according  to  the  feeing  ot  the  eyes  of  the  outward  man,  then  well  were  it  with 
many  ;  but  when  the  fecrets  of  the  hearts  fhall  be  judged  it  vviu  be  terrible  -, 
if  there  (hould  never  be  a  calling  over  of  things  again,iiappy  were  it  for  many, 
but  'tis  otherv^ife,  ^  Cor. ^.10.  7*^»/ fought  only  to  pleafe  the  Lord,  for  vee 
mtifl  aU  affear^&c.  Civil  men  if  they  can  carry  it  fo  as  men  may  not  fay 
hurt  of  them,  they  think  'tis  well ;  Hypocrites  if  they  can  maintain  a  name 
of  Religion,  fo  as  they  may  maintain  their  interert  in  good  mens  hearcs,-it 
is  well;  if  they  get  fome enlargernent  in  duties,  that  they  are  commended 
of  them,  well ;  if  they  can  get  fo  much  merdy  as  to  get  the  Lord  to  accept 
of  Chrirts  righteoufnefs  for  them,  it  is  well ;.  but  faith  PW,  We  labor  to  be  ac- 
cepted of  him,  I  am  perfwaded  godl)^  men  do  not  think  of  this ;  we  think  the 
wicked  fhall  have  all  their  fecrets  laid  open,  but|  the  Saints  come  not  into 
coridem nation  ;  'tis  true  not  of  wrath,  but  of  trial,fo  as  chat  their  righteoufnefs 
fhali  be  laid  open  to  all,  to  their  glory  at  the  great  day,  i  Fet.i.6^j.  And  there- 
fore get  that  life  which  Chrift  himfelf  may  commend  j  that  as  Chrift  faid,  / 
have  not  found  fuch  faith  in  Ifrddi  So  here,  when  thpu  haft  fpoken  a  good 
word,  repeated  a  Sermon,  fpcnt  a  Sabbath,  ask  thy  heart,  is  this  worth  /hewing 
to  ali  the  world?  that  though  it  be  vile,  yet  /Chrift  himfelf  will  commend 
this  ?  Oh  you  will  finde  only  a6ling  for  him  will  commend  the  ^^^Mat.^  ^.40. 
tliere  is  that  needlework,  and  golden  Arras  of  Holinefs  wliich  is  lapt  up  in  the 
SaihtSj  that  Chrift  will  open  before  all  the  world  another  day. 

Oh  therefofe  repent,  ^^,17.51.  *P^«/  tells  them  times  paft  were  fpenc 
in  ignorance  without  God,  time  to  come  vvas  a  time  of  Judgement  and  wrath 
of  God  againft  all  fin  ;  Oh  then  repent :  Mourn  for  all  wrongs  done  ^gainft 
Chrift:  You  will  wail  then,  if  you  take  not  your  feafon  now  ;  mourn  ^:here- 
fore  for  time  paft,  and  foretime  to  come  agr^e  with  himj  now  he  fits  on  a 
throne  of  Mercy  in  Heaven  if  thou  wouldft  not  be  put  to  ftiame;  then,  Oh 
be  ai-hamed  for  all  fins  now  j  ifnot  judged  then,  then  condemn  and  judge  thy 
(elf now  5  the  Lord  looks  forno  more  |  Oh  vyekome  himas  King  into  thy 
heart  as  his  Kingdom, 


*$»  «3i»  «9»  ' 


W-toi 

^4 


CHAP.    XVJI. 
Of  Chrijis  coming  a}  a  Bridegroom  to  bis  ovm. 


SECT.    I. 

^H-^tt'he  Lord  Jefui'C^^^fi  P^^  ^^^^  ^^'^  <Brldfgroomtohis  own 
people^  at  his  Second  comings  that  as  it  is  faid^'of  the  Son,  if 
'  arifeth    as  a    Bridegroom  k>Ht  of.  his  ch(imb£r.,   and  rejoyceth 
&c.  fo  will  the  Lord  arife  upon  the  world  at  this  day,  ^/^e/' 

._  ...  -ip-  5»  ■  "    .    ■■       .;^-"-'    ■  ■  ■' 

This  Point  will  be  cleared  and  proved  b}'  ope«iiigitbe  feveral  degrees  where- 1 

in 


opened  and  Jpplied. 


iT'.X 


III 


in  hvi  will  tnaniteft  himfelf  to  be  a  Bridegroom  then  to  his  people;  nor  but 
that  Chrirt  is  a  Bridegroom  to  his  people  now,  bur  then  he  lliall  be  fo  aifo  in 
a  more  em.inenc  manner,  and  then  the  perfeft  accomplilliment  of  all, 

¥ni\  ther,  there  fliali  be  a  perfonal  meeting  between  hisSpoufe  and  himfelf, 
as  it  is  in  mariage  ;  before  the  mariage  i'>  confummated,  there  are  the  friends  of 
the  Bridegroom  and  Spokefmen,  and  he  fends  letcers  and  tokens,  but  then  he 
comes  himfelf ;  fo  here  Chrifi  fends  his  Spokefmen,  2  Cor.  1 1.3.  and  his  word 
and  fpiritual  refrelliings  ;  but  when  this  rime  comes,  he  appears  himfelf  in  per- 
fon,  aid  both  meet  in  perfon  ;  i  T/»./^,4.i6, 17.  here  we  meet  the  Lord  fpiri- 
cuailyiahis  Ordinances,  but  then  vifibly  in  the  clouds  ^  uhilewe  live  in  this 
world,  it  is  a  time  of  parting,  2  C^r.^.g.  and  when  we  come  to  dye,  in  refpe<St 
of  the  whole  man,  it  isfo  alfo;  but  then  the  whole  man  lliail  meet  him; 
thefe  eyes  lliall  fee  him,  andthofe  arms  ilia  11  imbrace  him;  you  are  left  as 
Orphans  here  in  this  world  alone ;  k  will  not  alway  be  thus,  for  theteis  a  time 
lof  meeting. 

Secondly,  Then  all  deformities  (liali  betaken  away  from  his  people,  and 
he  iliall  adorn  his  Bride  in  perfe£t  beauty  ;  for  this  is  one  part  of  Chrirts  con- 
ugal  love  to  his  Spoufe  and  People,  Ephef.^.z^.  different  from  other  Hus- 
bands, who  finde  but  do  not  make  them  beautiful ;  for  if  the  Lord  iliould  meet 
his  people,  and  they  him  with  their  deformities,  they  would  do  it  unwillingly 
and  with  lliame  :  as  in  this  life  why  are  Samts  unwilling  yet  to  be  with  the  Lord? 
viz.  becaufe  there  be  fo  many  deformities  and  fpots  abiding  on  the  Spoufe; 
fometimes  the  foul  would  not  have  Chrilt,  and  fuch  a  heart  too ,  though  he 
offers  himfelf  to  it ;  Lord  depart ^  /  am  a  Jinful  mm^  Luk^  5.8.  Oh  but  then 
all  deformities  fhallbe  removed;  Phil.^.uU.  fVh  (hall  change  our  vile  bodies^ 
not  de{Uoy  them  •  and  make  them  like  his  ghrlom  body^  which  fhines  brighter 
than  the  Sun  .•  CAtatth.  x  3.43.  Then  jhali  the  righteous  (hlne  like  the  Shk  ;  is 
there  any  beauty  like  that  of  Chrifh  ?  then  jhall  they  be  like  mto  him  ;  i  Joh. 
5.2.  it  is  a  dillionor  for^  mighty  Prince  on  the  day  of  mariage  to  let  his  Queen 
go  in  rags;  they  lliall  be  ChriRs  then  ;  And  look  as  it  was  with  Jofeph^  all 
his  fhame,  bafenefs ,  imprifoments,  did  but  make  way  for  his  glory ;  and 
hence  he  was  delivered  out  of  prifon  by  the  Kings  command  j  now  his  appa- 
rel, and  countenance,  and  name,  and  ettate ,  and  all  is  changed ;  fo  here, 
all  yourfheme,  imprifonm^ntin  theorave-chainsof  fins,  that  enter  into  your 
foul,  doth  but  make  way  for  this  certain  glory ;  As  it  was  with  f^/jo/iV«/?5^aran 
ftood  athis  right  band  to  accufe  him,  heonly  ftands  before  the  Lord,  aclaft 
the  Lord  faith,  T^ks  off  thefe  filthy  garments  ;  is  not  this  a  brand  ?  So  Satan  and 
Confcience  accufe  often  here,  but  then  it  fliall  be  fo  that  allthy  filthy  garments 
Q\a]  1  be  taken  away. 

Thirdly,  Then  there  fhall  be  an  open  manifelktion,  and  glorious  decla- 
ration of  the  deareft  love  of  the  Lord  toward  them  ;  before  the  great  day  of 
mariage  comes  ,  there  is  love  expreffed,  concluded  between  the  parties,  and 
it  may  be  fomefew  knowof  it,  as  Friends,  and  feme  of  the  Family  ;  but  the 
open  declaration  is  at  the  day  of  mariage;  fo  Chfiil  loves  his  people  now,d'r, 
and  will  not  only  love  them  then,  but  openly  declare  his  love  before  all  the 
worlds  Come  ye  bl:-[^id;  he  {hall  declare  ther>  his  own  love,  OH^trh.  io.;2. 
Luke  12,8.  He  that  hath  made  it  his  glory  to  confefs  ChrilHn  a  holy  life, 
Chfirt  win  confefs  him  betore  God  and  before  Angels ;  and  fo  before  all  the 
world:  Men  in  great  place  will  not  know  their  poor  friends,  efpeciallyin 
open  places ;  but  theLordJefus  will,  and  he  will  divulge  the  Fathers  love  to 
themalfo,  e/^^,;.i9.  Toit  blefed  of  the  Fa  her ,  J^o/?.  17.  22,2:5,24.  I  have 
given  them  that  glory ^  united  them  and  mzile  thtm  f-e(h  of  my  fi^jh,  that  the 
T»orld  may  knorothoH  hafl  leved  them  as  than  hafi  loved-  me.  Here  the  Lord, 
doth  love  his  people  dearly,  but  it  is  not  fo  known ;  the  Sun  lliines  on  good 

and 


The  Farableof  tbelen  Virgim^ 


and  bad  *,  the  world  hates  and  perfecutes  them  as  Hypocrites. ;  civil  mtn  think 
them  like  themfelves ;  worldlings  think  them  as  little  loved  as  any,their  eftates 
thrive  not  ^  Hypocrites  bear  a  bafe  efteem  of  them  ;  and  if  they  love  them,  'tis 
becaufethey  love  them  ;  Saints  themfelves  many  times  fufpe^l  them  5  or  if 
nor^  yet  they  judge  as  well  of  others  as  them  -,  nay  it  may  be  they  are  To  dif- 
figured  fomecimes  bythofe  fores  that  break  out  of  them,  that  they  knownoc 
themfelves  ;  but  now  the  Lord  will  openly  declare  his  love  to  them  , 
and  to  all  the  world  befides ;  Thefe  are  the  men  which  I  have  born  on  my 
brert,  and  carried  on  my  iTioulders ;  for  whom  I  have  built  and  planted 
Churches,  and  dettroyed  enemies,  arid  trod  the  wine-prefs  alone,  and  prefer- 
ed  above  mine  own  life,  and  blood  and  glory  •  whofe  hairs  have  been  numbred 
by  me,  whofe  walls  have  been  continually  before  me .  No  greater  mifery  to  a 
holy  hv^art  than  this;  PjCi/,42.10.  where  is  now  thy  God?  So  when  confcience 
faith,  and  men  fay  it  here  :  Ob  what  a  mercy  is  it  that  then  it  Ihail  be  beard,  I 
am  now  come  to  comfort  thee  ! 

Fourthly,  Then  theyiliallbe  brought  intoa£i:ual  pbfleflTion  and  fruition  of 
all  the  glory  promifed  unto  them,  of  ^all  their  inheritance  and  portion :  Be- 
fore mariage  there  ^De  promifes  made  of  fuch  an  eliate  ♦,  but  when  the  day  is 
come,  then  they  cometo  aftual  and  full  poffeffionof  it,  and  become  equal 
poffeflors  of  the  ertate  ^  fo  much  in  this  life  the  Lord  doth  prpmife  to  polTefs  his 
people  of ;  there  be  promifes  of  peace  ,  redemption ,  vi6lory ,  and  triumph 
over  all  enemies,  fellowfbip  with  God,  and  all  the  Saints  and  Angels  together, 
an  incorruptible  inheritance,  and  now  they  {hall  enter  into  pofleiTionof  all 
thefe;  nay,  all  that  Chrift  hath  ,  (ignifiedby  that  word  Kingdom^  Matth.ii^. 
Come  and  take  the  kingdom  prepared  for  yon;  i  Cor.  r<j.  54.  Then  jhall  he 
hroHght to  fa(S  the  faying  writteny  0  death  where  is  thy  Iring^&c.  Ifa.z-^.-jf^, 
So  that  reckon  what  Chrift  hath,  youfhallhaveit  then.  Much  mercy  the  Lord 
{hews  to  his  people  now,  but  P/<«/.3 1 .1 9.  how  great  is  that  which  is  laid  up  \  then 
it  {hall  be  brought  foJth ;  now  you  fhall  have  an  end  of  all  your  dedres,  prayers, 
faith  to  feel  that  which  you  have  believed,(^c.  as  it  was  with  Jo^ua  2 1,.  ult.  Not 
one  thing  whereof  God  hath  failed.  Here  the  poor  hardly  get  bread;  here  many 
prayers  get  nothing,  crr.  but  there,  3,  Theff.  1.9,10.  God  doth  then  what 
he  can  for  them,  and  gives  what  he  can  give  to  them,  then  all  treafures  are 
broken  open. 

Fifthly,  Then  there  fhall  ever  be  cohabitation  and  living  with  him,  never  to 
be  any  more  parted  from  him,or  he  from  them  ',  for  while  any  is  a  Suiror  to  one 
in  a  far  Country,  he  comes  and  goes  away  again ;  but  when  mariage  comes, 
then  he  carries  her  to  his  own  houfe,  and  now  live  they  muft  together;  fothe 
Lord  in  this  life  is  fomtime  with  his  people,  fomtime  abfent  from  his  people,but 
then  they  muft  cohabitetogether,andlhall ;  i  Thejf.^^.ult.Andthenwe  (haUever 
\  be  with  the  Lord.  If  the  Lord  ihould  do  all  the  former,  and  not  this,  it  would 
be  a  bitter  cut:  When  the  Difciples  had  Chrifts  prefence  for  a  time,  it  was 
fweet ;  but  when  parting  came,  that  was  bitter-,  but  here  is  no  more  parting 
with  the  Lord ;  to  be  in  a  Kings  dominon  where  peace  rules,  when  other  places 
are  flaughter-houfes,  and  Golgotha's,  tisgood;  but  to  be  with  the  King,  and 
ever  with  him,  and  to  follow  him  where  ever  he  goes,  and  to  be  familiar  with 
hitri,  this  is  wonderful^;  Husbands  depart  cither  becaufe  not  pleafed  at  hoftie,  or 
becaufe of  bufinefs  abroad;'  all fuch motion  arguing  im.perfeflion ;  but  now 
therefhall  be  nothingin  the  Saints  to  difpleafe ;  and  thrift's  bufmefs  Oiall  then 
,  be  done,  he  fliall  have  no  more  to  do  but  only  to  give  up  the  Kingdom  to  God 
the  Father ;  that  is  the  laft  work  of  Chr.'ftin  this  world  :  To  fee  the  Lord  in  his 
beauty  of  grace  and  love,  will  be  wonderful  5  but  for  duft  and  worms  to  be  vyith 
him  for  ever;  the  poor  things  of  the  world  to  be  with  him,  when  thoufands  are 
caft  by  !  we  fay  that's  the  beauty  of  a  thing  which  no  pi6lure  can  exprefs ;  now 

to 


opened  and  J f plied. 


|ro  fee  that  beauty  in  Chrifl-  is  marvellous  j  but  to  be  in  the  bofom  of  qxio.  fo 
j  amiable,  how  great  is  this  ? 

I  Sixthly,  Then  Ihall  the  Lord  re  Joyce  over  his  people,  and  they  in  him  -, 
Mariage  day  is  the  great  day  of  )oy,  chey  long  for  it  before  ;  and  when  it  comes, 
jche  longer  it  hath  been  deferred,  the  more  fears  of  parting,  the  more  are  they 
jaffecledwith  joy  then;  fp  here,  the  foul  hath  delired  the  Lord,  in  grace  tirft, 
jandthenin  glory,  ^lR^ev.22.  Chrift  hath  been  defiring  after  them  in  glpry, 
\John  17.24.  now  their  defires  being  fulfilled,  all  his  fcattered  lod  £le6l  ga- 
ithered,  now  he  rejoyceth  with  exceeding  joy;  and  the  longer  Ipft,  and  me^c,- 
ling  deferred,  the  greater  joy  now  ;  htnct  Zeph.:^.ii.  he.jhall  rejojceaye/^-t/Ke 
\n>irh  jo}\&c.  Look  as  the  Lord  when  they  were  but  converted  to  him,  poor, 
/and  miferable  ,  andnnful,  and  fome  of  them  but  very  babes,  I.?^^.i 0.2^/. yec 
jherejoyced  in  Spirit,  and  falls  admiring  of  the  Father;  fohere  much  more 
jwhen  they  fhall  become  glorious  and  perfect,  and  altogether  at  this  day,.  If 
!the  Lord,  Ifa.^o.1,2,  would  have  his  Prophets  fpeak  to<he  heart  of  Jer^ifakm^ 
when  it  had  but  Seventy  years  captivity,  much  more  will  the  Lord  himfejf  then 
doic  at  that  day  ;  and  look  as  it  was  with  them,  'Kev.  ip.i.to  6.  Alielujah 
for  the  deftruilion  of  Antichrift,  and  chat  Chrift  reigneth  ,  Oh  let  us  re/oyce  ; 
fo  fhall  all  Saints  meet  him  with  joy,  being  delivere^l  oqtof  thehandsof  all 
their  enemies ;  they  {hall  cry  Alielujah  with  joy  to  fee  them  deftrpye.  d , 
and  the  Lord  reigning;  and  then  fliall  they  up  to  lieavea  in  ^  ll^o^in  Qfijoy 
with  Alielujah  j  ere. 


SECT.    II. 


HEnce  fee  how  ill  the  (in  of  worldlinefs  or  any  finful  .(yft  fuics  with  a  graci- 
ous godly  man  :  Shall  the  Lord  come  as  a  Bridei^ro.oin  t.9  ;ypa^'; 'ai-^ci,  vvi(l 
you  run  a  whoring  from  him  in  this  day  ?  Am.an  can  bear  it'  vvHeii  others  that 
he  never  fet  his  heart  upon ,  depart  from  him ;  but  thefe  to  do  k,  it  is  a  iin  ^- 
gainft  his  kindnefs,  againft  his  perfon  moll  immediately. ,  and  againft  his  name 
and  honor.  -As  a  vertuom  voman  is  a  crown  to  her  hmband ;  fo  here.  Covetpuf- 
neis  is  a  vile  fin  in  any,but  eipecially  in  thefe ;  and  hence  'jer.7,.^^^<i^.Wiltthpkno^ 
from  th'is  time  cry  my  Father.  When  Barach  fought  great  things,  PVilt  thou 
feek^  great  things  when  God  cfi.me  to  deftroy  all}  fo  will,  you  keep  great,  things 
here  when  the  Lord  is  deftroying  al! ,  when  your  Husband  will  be  atlinaUi^ 
when  a  woman  knows  that  a  great  Prince  loves  her,  ihe  fcorns  all  other  Sui- 
iois,&c.  So  ihould  you  be  content,  though  poor,  tiioughfinful,  &c',  CoI.^^^^k, 
as  long  as  Chrifl  loves  thee,.  :  'i 

.    Hence  fee  what  a  great  fin  it  is  nor  to  receive  evidence  of  mercy  ^nd  coqi- 
fort  from  any  promife  of  Chrift  wherein  he  revealshisloveto  hisSpgulfe;  if 
Chrift  fhall  come  as  a  Bridegroom  to  you,  by  whac  promife  foever  ( therefore) 
he  fliall  manifeft  his  love  to  you,  receive  it  ^  fome  would  not  have  Chriftians 
to  receive  evidence  of  Chrill's  love  by  any  conditional  promife;  but  remem- 
ber this,  that.if  Chrift  doth  not  fpeak  them,  if  they  be  not  the  Bridegroonas 
voyce>  or  if  not  true,  then  do  not  receive  theni,  or  any  evidence  from  them; 
nay  if  he  doth  not  by  his  own  Spirit  clear  them,  and  apply  them  ;  but  if  they 
be  the  voyce  of  the  Bridegroom,  if  you  be  friends ,  or  ihew  yc£ir  felves 
friends,  re  Joyce  at  it,  Jo^.5.29.  As  for  that  immediate  revelation  of  liis  love, 
expe<rt  it  at  his  meeting  when  you  Ihall  fee  him  face  to  face ;  in  the  meanwhile 
if  he  by  his  letter  reveals  his  love.  Oh  make  much  of  it  becaufe  ic  is  your 
Bridegrooms ;  if  the  day  of  Judgement  be  com.e,  and  Refurre6lion  paft,  and 

P  p  p         Chrift 


v'dorhv  f 


1 13 


fe   I, 


Jer.45'.^ 


(e  2. 


114 


V[e^, 


(e  4. 


The  V  arable  of  the,  Jen  Virgim^ 

Chrift  feen  immediarely,  then  look  not  for  your  evncievce  froni  iuch  ^/ 
ptures;  but  if  other  wife,  then  own  hi;;  love  here  if  he  rpeaks\  k;strcc 
would  be  a  fweetthing  if  that  day  would  come  ;  yet  as  Chrift  fas'd  ro  I i.c 
fofayl  to  you,  Bkjjed  are  they  which  have  not  [e:n  and  ■,ct  leliiz-cj.'  ■ 
therefore  vyhen  ever  the  Lord  dorh  this,  firft  or  Kill  ^  hear  his  voycc,  and  b.:- 
lievehis  word.  Do  not  fay  you  fee  nothing  in  your  fe've'.q ;  iuppo'^,  2  ivo- 
man  fhouldmake  a  match  by  love  and  confcnc,  thoiiph  hardly;  jliedsd!  aib 
him,  but  he  was  fo  mighty  as  to  prevail  for  her  goodv\i'l,  anduowiiTjifscor.- 
forted;  and  another  (hould  come  and  fay  to  her,  Ho -v  do  you  k'-^r.v  rbis.^ 
Why  thus  he  fought  me,  thus  I  concluded  vvirh  him,  and  fo  f.^z:  'Jk  ^10 
match;  Why?  Voumuftfeenoconfenc,  nolove  no  in-.b:j<;ii-i«jq„;c;-i'.  wci:ki 
not  fuch  a  one  be  counted  a  deceiver?  a  T/w.^.y. 

Of  Terror',  What  will  become  of  you  that  rcfufe  the  Lord^  kindnef^  rovrj 
that  regard  not  the  Bridegrooms  voyce,  that  refufe  robc(1otvyour  hzrirc^iipmi 
the  Lord  !  he  fball  never  be  a  Bridegroom  toyou  at  [bis  day,  when  orhen, 
meet  him  in  the  clouds,  C^c,  Now  you  fee  Saints  abtert  from:  he  Lord,  \  p^rl 
and  mean,  andqueflion  the  Lords  love  to  them;  bucthen  all  ll\i  1  b^-fecv^J 
and  all  this  you  {jballlofe,  J(j/>.q.:?2.  jNonj^.nrcceivnhhistcfiimony^^Sc.  you 
that  never  mourned  as  widows  wirhcut  him,  rever-fct  reed  of  his  love,  wb^z 
will  become  of  you  at  this  day  1 

Of  Confolatioft  toallthofc  that  be  efpcufed,  and  contrSiS^cd  to  the  Lord, 
who  have  chofehim,  who  have  given  ihemfelvesto  him,  v^ho  look  now  jio 
further  'but  content  ihemfelves  in  him,  or  have  a  frame  of  bearrforodo, 
though  fears  keep  them  from  polTeflion  of  him;  Oh  Chri[i  Oiall  coxeasarfiy 
Husband  at  that  day.  Many  Chriftians  fear  this  day,  and  hence  do  nor  fcnhblf 
love,  nor  long  for  this  day,  being  under  the  whipconriruafy  of  fears,  ziid 
qucftioning  their  eftate  ;  but  why  do  you  /<?<!;r,when  the  Lord  fmll  cme  &i  & 
Bfidcgroem  \  Ifa.  54. 4,  %.  why  do  ft  fear^  himfelf  the  Jtidge/^  holy ,  when  hz  is 
thy  HmbandX  thy  chains  and  debts,  and  fins,  when  the  Judge  i-  thy  Hm?- 
hand\  thy  accniiers  or  enemies-,  when  the  Lord  is  thy  Hnsh^rdy  Yon^li^'^ld 
rather  long  for  this  day,  and  rejoyceinit,  becaufe'nowcoi'nes  your  full  Rsr- 
demption  from  all  finnes,  ail  forrows ;  the  comm^  oi  :^  HusO^t^d  h 
fweet. 

Firft,  Though  the  people  of  God  have  weakncffes  ard  wants,  the  Lord  h.irh 
none. 

Secocdly,  Though  they  muft  part  for  a  little  while,  thcLord  is  eve-  wkli 
thee,  i 

Thirdly,  Though  they  carnot  help  cut  of-^H  evil,  yet  the  Lord  Jeis  wW. ' 
Oh  they  ibould  re  Joyce,  ihatwhen  he  comes  liken  Judge,  and  a'!  the  wkkedi 
iball  melt  like  wax  before  his  prefence,  sndburn  up  bcifore  him,  Oh  yst  a| 
Husband  to  thee  / 


SECT.    IIL 

OhjtB.  T  J  I  kiJew  this  \ 

X  (1/4 nfw.  Yes,  youknow  it;  but  thereby  fomethirgs  tb.:t  a:e£il& 
Obje^onsagainft  it.- as, 

.  Obje£l.  1,  Becanfe  tke  Lcrd  is  [»ch  a  Granger ,  and  the  Lord  ah^mts.  hit^- 
[elf  f&  much. 


Ofened  and  Affiled. 


"5 


6,  7,  8 
wooing  i 


(^nfiv.    Is  that  a  good  Argument  for  a  Woman  f   //^.  54. 
It  is  not  the  time  of  bsing  ever  with  the  Lord  in    his  time  of 
^'hn  I  (5. 20.  /  will  depart,  and  )ofi  fhali  mourny  the  world  will  not,  and  your 
heart  fhdll  re  Joyce. 

Objedl.  2.  lUcayJe  my  heart  goes  fo  foon,[o  oft  a  whoring  jrom  him. 
'  £^i^/?/ir.It  maybe  that  you  areforely  temptedjand  thy  heart  may  begin  "to  be 
taken 5 &:c, but  yet  if  you  cannot  yield  to  lie  in  your  falls,  this  is  no:  an  evidence 
lot^  a  breach  of  the  match. P/s/.  73. he  was  almoft  gone,yet  the  Lord  recovers 
him,  and  faith  he,  the  Lord  is  with  me\  therefore  as  it  was  with  Chrift ,  it 
was  not  pollible  that  the  bonds  of  death  iliould  hold  him  s  fo  here  lliall  it  be 
with  the  poor  doubting  believer. 

ObjCit.  1.  Bc'csufe  my  heart  cannot  love  him. 
Anfp^.V^'by  do  you  then  figh  under  captivity  and  bondage  of  your  love?you  can- 
nxit  love  him,  other  things  do  keep  you  under  ;  oh  but  can  fhe  fay  fhe  loves  not 
her  husband,that  doth  figh  in  bondage  to  be  with  h:m/Confider  how  it  is  atChrifis 
abfenting  himfelf  from  thee  ( as  thou  thinke'ft  )at  any  time  j  for  then  love  is 
feen,  efpecialiy  at  the  time  of  parting. 

ObjevA.    4.     Becatife   he  is  fo    mkinde  to   me  ,     hs    hems   not   all 
fr^iyers. .  ; 

Anfw.  This  is  a  great  Obje6tion ;  if  Chrift  would  give  them  all  their  por- 
:;ion  together  which  he  promifeth  them  freely  in  his  time,  then  they  think,, he 
is  .kind,  not  elfe. 

1  ,Firft,  Though  he  doth  not  hear  all  prayers  at  once,  yet  he  hath  given  thee 
that  which  is  better  than  all  prayers;  {viz,.)  himfelf,  and  a  pledge  of  all  the 
refl:,  and  ^hls  is  better  than  ten  fons» 

Secondly^  It  would  do  you  hurt ;  oh  therefore  re  Joyce  in  this  day ,  whatever 
thy  condition  be  now :  Give  feme  women  their  will,  andypuoive.  them  your 
lives, "  and  lofle  of  all ;  fo  here,  and  therefore  f^ich  Chrift, '  /  will  be  Lord 
my  houfe. 


W 


in 


o 


SECT.    IV. 

F  Exhortation :  To  thofe  that  are  out  of  Chriil,  or  do  not  know  that 
they  be  in  Chrift,  to  labour  to  get  your  fouls  efpoufed,  and  m^tch'c  to 
the  Lord  jefus;  it  is  a  laudable  cuftome  grounded  on  Scripture ,  that  before 
marriage  chere  is  the  time  of  efpoufals  or  contra6t ;  and  fuch  may  know  though 
there  be  abfence  for  a  time,  yet  that  when  he  faith  he  will  return  to  marriage , 
be  will  come  as  a  husband,  though  others  in  the  family  cannot  look  for  any 
fuch  thing ;  fo  here  the  great  work  of  the  Miniftery  is  to  efpoufe  people  to 
Chrift;  now  that  they  may  be  prefented  chafte  Virgins  unto  the  Lord  Jefus, 
2  Cor.  II.  2.  you  may  look  then  that  he  J^W/  come  as  a  Bridegroom  to  com- 
fort you;  others  cannon  look  for  any  fuch  prefence  of  Chrift,  to  them  that 

are  not  efpoufed  to  him  now ;  — Now  Chrift  is  gone  up  to  his  Kingdom, 

but  let  bafe  duft,and  vile  man  hearken, the  time  is  coming,that  he  lliall  come  in 
glory  to  the  amazement  of  the  World ;  before  whom  all  the  wicked  fhall  melt, 
but  the  Saints  fhall  live  in  glory,  caught  up  in  the  clouds  of  heaven  ;  Chrift  in- 
finitely rejoycing  in  them,  and  they  in  Chrift.  Would  you  have  him  come  thus 
to  you,  orasarevengino  judge,  and  confuming  fire  for  your  contempt  ?  ^if 
fo,  then  get  your  fouls  efpouled  to  him  now. 


Ppp 


SECT. 


Satn. 


Vfes. 


II 6 


The  Parable  ofth  Ten  Virgimy 


S  ECT.  V. 

Obie£l'/  A    /-«?■>■-'  what  cm   I  do  ?  the  Lord  mMsi  do  h, 

J\  t^rffvp.'  True,  bnc-he  doth  ic  by  means ;  the^Minifiry  g£  the 
Gofpel;  elfe  what  heed  there  be  any  Scripture  writ  ^  or  Gofpel  preachedf 
uffc' yoli  the  means,  and  wait  on  the  Lord  thereby,   for    the   effecting    of 

this-':  ^         .  '' 

Qu^ft-     Wh'^t'fl^ould  I  do?  '.-.... 

Anjw,  Look  as  it  is  in  marriage  here,  crefpoufals  heres*  there  i>e  bur  two 
things  that  make  Lip  the  match. 

1.  Earneftfuitontheonefide. 

And  2.  Conrpnton  th;  other-  and  therefore  if  any  thing  hinder,  it  ever 
lies  either  on  the  one  fide,  the  man  is  unwilling )  he  defires  it  not ;  or  on  the 
other  fide,  if  he  be defirous,  fhe  is  unwilling;  but  both  thefefinilli  the  bufinefs-, 
if  therefore  you  would  be  ever  efpoiiled  t^theXord  Jefus,(ookto  thefe  two 
things. 

Firftj  See  evidently  that  earneflfuit  the  Lord  makes  unto- thee  for  thy  con- 
fent,for  thy  good  will;  andthisvyill  appear  by  his  own  fpee<:hes,  and  this  is  a 
fufficient  celiimony ;  by  what  fpeeches  ?  by  his  v-oice  in  thefe  Striptures ;  for  is 
this  the  Bridegrooms  voice  or  no?  if  not,  away  vyith  it^  if  it  be,  and  that 
they  do  breath  the  Holy  Ghoft,.  then  know  it,  icisasif  hefpake  from  heave^i 
10  chce  now. 

Obje(^,  But  he  doth  mtsff^^K  ^^  ^^  ^^^^  h  f^^ff^!^  f^rtlcHlm-ly,  he  ffeakj 
to  other s^mt  to  me. 

Anjw,  I.  TheLordwhenhecallsanytohimfelf,  he  doth  not  in  his  ordi- 
nary Call  fpeak  to  them  by  nariie,  and  yet  they  have  fo  received  the  Lord  in  the 
Word,  as  if  he  had  called  rhem  by  name;  for  Iook,as  when  the  Law  faith  All 
that  fin  fbaJl  dye,  the  Lord  Ipeaks  to  all  by  name ;  and  if  confcience  be  awake, 
[itwillapplyitjThisfentenceisagainftme  ;  fo  when  the  Lord  faith,  ^//  that 
will  receive  the  Lord,  jhall  live  before  the  Lord',  and  therefore  receive  him  j 
if  confcience  be  awake,  it, will  apply :  As  in  thfe  three  thoufand  that  were  con- 
verted, ff^/)^fj^<?//M'fio<'they  were  not  called  by  name;  but  when  rhey  heard 
that  they  that  repented  (bould  live,  becaufe  the  promife  was  to  all,  the)r glad- 
ly received  the  Word  ;  fohereitfhouldbefo;  and  therefore  v\e  fee  vvhen  t-he 
Spirit  makes  particular  application  to  a  man,  he  fo  fets  on  a  truth,  as  if  the 
Lord  fpake  to  the  foul  particularly  ;  and  therefore  if  you  do  nor,  it  is  b:caufe 
youare  left  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  and  the  power  of  the  Word;  for  it  is  your 
duty  fo  to  do. 

2.  Though  your  names  are  not  fet  down  in  the  words  of  the  promife,  yet 
your  names  are  wrapt  up  in  the  meaning  and  fenfe  of  the  promife;  and  this  is 
as  good  as  that ;  for  though  the  Lord  doth  not  defire  every  man  to  keep  the  Sab- 
batbbyname,  yet  he  means  every  man,  and  there  your  names  are-  fo  when 
the  Lord  Jefus  makes  fuit  to  a  wretched  heart  to  receive  him,  he  meanerh  every 
man,  as  if  he  had  named  them ;  that  which  is  fet  down  in  Scripture,  and  writ- 
ten to  others,  God  means  not  them  alone,  but  all  others  in  like  cafe  ;  -—  as 
fcr.S.  12.  what  the  Lord  fpake  to  Ifrael  to  rstmn^  he  meant  efpecially  J«* 
dah  i^  Jo  Efay  2.  ver.i.  to  5.  There  is  a  Prophefie  of  the  Gentiles  to  flow  to 
the  Mount  of  the  Lordy  what  means  the  Lord  by  that  f  the  Lord  meant 
hereby  to  fiir  up  the  Jews,  and  therefore  he  faith.  Oh  come  houje  of  Ifras' , 
&C,     And  hence  %^m.  1 5.  ^.  what  is  yprlttm^  It  is  fyr   cur  I'-aming ,    that 

\r91e  might  have  hope;  i.  e.  God  meaneth  us  therein  alfo,  fo  that  when  you  fee 
I  the 


opened  and  Jpfli^d. 


the  Lord  calling  the  wretched  Jews  in  his  'vVord,  the  Lord  cans  thee  ;  ana 
when  the  Lord  in  his  Miniiiery  coaies  ro  them ,  he  comes  to  you  ;  and  to  have 
rby  nameinthefenfeof  ths  Scripture,  is  mo(\  for  the  glory,  of  the  Spirit,  and 
I'uitingbeftvvich  the  vvorkof  faith,  andmoftfure,  andmolKweet  ro  you  v  but 
efpeciallylfay,  vshen  theMcflengersof  God  come  toyoii,  they  make  things 
particularly  cJear  ,'  which  vvere , but  generally  fet  down,.-,  ,0  conuder 
ther^itore   the  Lord   is   earned  in  his  fuic  to  ■have  thee  receive  him. 


■i.'i    Mi*' 


iw ; 


I  SECT.     VL 

i.l  T  breaks  the  heart  of  the  Lord  Jefus  to  fee  thee  depart  away,and  go  a  who- 
I  ring  froin  Him;vvhen  a  man  is  fo  let  in  his  defires  that  when  he  is  croffed  of 
histiOf  €s  in  marriage,it  makes  himTick  and  pine  away  with  grief ,  becaufe  he  is 
vefy'feArneftfor  the  match  ;  fo  it  is  here,  Ez.ck.6.9.  And  therefore  wefliall 
■^t^-UVLirk^Xt.  the  PharifeeswKo  had  feenallhis  works ,  yetan  adulrerous 
gewefadon  fought  after  a  fi-:ri,!t  4s  faid  Ch  iftfighed  deeply  in  fp-rit  for  this; 
■nOthltlggrieves  the  Lotdid  tiiuth  as  this;  ro  defpifeany  part  of  his  will,  or 
p6<oreft  member  of  bis,gricveshim  ;  but  codifpifehimfelf,  this  much  more;  as 
wefhallnotfindany  joy  in  "vcripture  ike  this,  when  the  Lord  hath  overcome 
the  unkiade  heart  of  a  rebellious  finne: ;  and  hence  heaven  and  earth  and 
dcfertsarccoitimanded  to -e'oyce  at  this:  devile  to  grieve  him,  and  you  can- 
not doit  fo  much  as  by  refuhn^him. 

2,  The  Lord  is  fo  dehrous  of  it,  that  he  willpafs  by  all  thy  former  lewdnefe,: 
if  now  thou  wilt  receive  him, J' r.;?, I. with  4.  men  will  ror  do  fo,  yet  the  Lord 
will ;  what,  when  fo  many  vanities  are  loved  more  than  the  Lord,  can  the  jea- 
iDufie  ^f  Chrifl:  receive  rhe  ?    Yes  that  he  can. 

..'^15.  -When  the  Lord  hath  caft  off  a  poor  creature  for  refufing  him,  yet  then 
his  heart  yearns  and  his  foullong>  for  it  (manytmes)  again,  /  ^.54.^,5.  che 
Lord  hath  called  thee  as  a  wife  of  youth  when  refufed  ;  /'.''.  when  God  did  ap- 
pezr  to  them,  to  refufethem;  On  wonderful!    that  when  the  foul  hath  re- 
futed the  Lord,  and  rhe  Lord  it ,   and  all  creatures  refufe  to  love  it ,  yec 
fthefe  the  Lord  calls  agan  ;  and  hence  the  Lord  comes  upon  hi^  people  y/^. 5-0 . 
[that  complained,  C-'odhadmferlyre.Hedthem^zrdnW  hefnilt  is  n  him  :     o 
[their  hnshaddoneit  ^  but  then  he  blames  them  that  when  he  came,  ro  man 
fanl\vered-,(^r, 

I     4.  Al!  che  anger  of  Chrift,  efpecially  his  greateft  anger  is  exprefled  againf^a 
{  foul  for  want  of  this  being  willing  to  receive  him  ;  when  you  fay  How  doth  the 
Lord  regard  or  defire  me,  when  he  fights  againft  m.e  ? 

Firrt,  Is  there  an  evil  not  infli6led,  butdev^fed  againft  thee?  (as  ma'^y  a 
one  fears  what  is  not  yet  made  known  )  this  is  to  wake  yon  rcmme  ^ 
-Jer.  iB.  II. 

Second  y,  Are  there  any  forrovvs  upon  thy  confcience,  upon  thy  outward 
man,  that  G^d  takes  all  om'^o-t  jirom  thee}   Hof. 2.9.  I4.  16. 
■"Thirdly,  Are  there  any  evils  i  fl'ifted  upon  others  in  this  life,  efpecially 
whole  Churches,  their  Ordinances  broken.  Temples  confumed,  and  laid  into 
dung-heaps?  it  is  to  get  thy  good  n»;7/,  Jer.:.8. 

Fourthly,  Are  there  any  gone  down  to  Hell,  who  did  once  flourifh  here,  that 

you  hive  even  feen  the  flames  and  tears  before  you  of  crying  Ghofts  ;  iffo, 

'hen    know   it,  It  is  th^a  thm  mightefi  dr^.w   near    the    Lord  ^    ]^falme 

75.  ^r^  27.  .         ^    ^ 

-'  ^.  The  Lord  profeflech  th>tt  he  w; II  give  the  ehoiceft  of  all  bleffings  ttt  them 

\^----  ■       . _'  :hi- 


Ifa,  3 J.    I. 


ii8 


The  "Parable  of  th  Ten  Virgins^ 


that  receive  him  ;  and  this  argues  flrong  defire,P/^/.Si.i  1,12,1 5.  Jic^efmof 
the  rocks  ,        .    ,  -.  ■».!'"■ 

1.  Thou  fhalc  have  himfelf  taking  infinice' delight'  in  thee  ,  becaufe  hs 
will  make  thee  beautiful  with  his  own  beauty,  and  cloath  thee  with  it,  P/^. 
45.  12.  '■ ''  -   '■  -'" 

2,  All  creatures  fhall  be  fervants  to  thee  throughout  the  world,  Hof,'i,uli. 
As  when  one  is  married,  all  the  fervantsia  the  Family  are  to  ferve  her  or 
him>,  lb  here  it  is  in  regard  of  the  faithful:  Oh  that  you  could  hear  the 
voyce  of  the  Lord  Jefus,  and -his  earnelifuir  to  you  herein.  This  you  fee 
is  clear. 

There  now  wants  nothing  but  for  you  to  give  your  confent  unto  him,  and 
therefore  this  is  that  which  the  Lord  lays  to  the  charge  of  men,  viz,,  their 
breaking  off  the  match  ;  and  fo  Rev, zi,!-], whoever  mllylet.hjpt  comeandtake  ; 
Prov.i.2g,'0.ihey  did  mtchfife  the  hord^mrreovMnone  of ,  the  herds  cour.fel'-,  and 
rhis  made  the  Lord  caft  them  off;  fo  that  now  there  is  nothing  but  thywll: 
Shall  theLorddefireit,  and  wilt  notifcou  be  glad  of  it?  there  is  no  beauty 
in  thee,  v\hy  he  fhould  do  this  to  thee :  there  is  in  him  beauty  and  excellen- 
cy ;  Oh  fhali  not  this  love  win  thee  .^  Shall  it  be  faid  another  day,  Wherefore 
is  all  this  evil  come  upon  fuch  a  one?  had  he  not  means?  had  he  not  of- 
fers f.  But  this  lliall  come  againft  thee ,  Tc^  rfouU  not  ^  Oh  you  would 
not.  '  ' 


SECT.     IV.;- 

GNIy  take_thefe  four[Cautions  concerning  your  confenr.- 
Takeheed"  that  your  confent  arifenot  only  from  fear  of  mifery,  for 
I  his  is  a  forced  confent,  and  is  ever  naught,,  arid  itappearsfo  when  the  mifery 
is  paft  ;  many  do  thus  in  fears  of  death,  or  times  of  calamity ;  Oh  then  the 
Lord,  H^/.  8.1,2,5.  P/^/.78,34,3^. 

Secondly,  Take  heed  it  be  not  a  conceit  of  your  own  making  in  days  of 
peace;  for  that  which  you  make  from  your  felves,  you  will  break  alfo;  but 
that  it  arife  from  the  fence  of  thine  own  infufficiency  to  give  confent,  and  the 
Lords  Almighty  power  and  infinite  grace  to  work  it,and  then  no  powers  of  any 
creature  can  untie  that  knot. 

Many  hearing  of  this.  Will  you  have  Chrift  ?  Oh  yes,  withal  my  heart,  and 
force  a  confent  by  their  own  labor  ;  this  is  naught;  and  hence  jE^f;^i6.<5o,<5i. 
The  Lord  will  receive  that  harlot  but  not  by  hec  covenant,  i.e.  which  llie  under- 
took in  her  own  name;  no,  the  Lord  muft  work  it,  'jer,  5.19.  How ^aH 
I  do  this  for  thee^&c.Hof.z.  1^.  1  will  letrothheri  For  no  creature  can  incline 
the  heart  to  another  but  the  Lord;  there  is  a  natural  antipathy  between  Chrift 
and  the  Soul;  and  hence  we  fee  it  inm.any  a  Chriflian,  ask  him.  Why  can- 
not you  love  the  Lord,  nor  cleave  to  him?  Oh  becaufe  I  know  not  why; 
I  cannot ,  I  have  no  heart ;  the  truth  is ,  you  have  hearts  that  do  loath 
him  •,  unlefs  the  Lord  overcome  you,  you  can  never  fubmit  indeed  unco 
the  Lord. 

Thirdly,  Look  that  your  confent  be  not  made  according  to  your  own  terms 
and  conditions;  for  look  as  it  is  with  a  woman,  if  fhe  fhall  fay  ilie  is  con- 
tent to  love  fuch  a  man ;  but  if  fhe  keeps  an  open  Inn  to  entertain  all  ftran- 
gers,  and  love  all  commers,  or  if  there  is  one  fhe  is  in  league  with  ♦,  there 
can  be  no  mariage;  fo  therefore  the  conditions  arefo,  Receive  the  Lord,  and 
give  your  confent  to  love  him  only,  7rov.%.ij.  I  love  them  that  love  mcy 
otherwifethe  match  will  never  be  made, //G?.  50.1.  if  you  keep  your  wretched, 

--  -;- ......  -     -  "  unruly. 


Opened  and  Applied. 


unruly,  ftubbopn  vvllsftill,  never  hadft  thou,  or  lliak  thou  have  the  Lord  • 
Let  thy  lin  be  never  fo  iktie,  fo  clofe,  as  ( k  may  be)  {loth,  k  is  death  to 
pray;_k  mayb:  'tis  pride  j  or  whatever  eife  k  be,  you  murt  have  jour  hearts 
firft  divorced  from  therri,  or  thou  canftnot  have  Chrift. 

Fourthly,  Take  heed  ihen  that  fence  of  want  of  dowry,  beauty,  portion  in  or 
from  your  felves,  doth  not  hinder  you  from  confenc ;  for  the  Lord  requires 
no  fuch  thing  of  you;  hznc^CMatth.zz.^.  Ali  things  are  ready  in  Chrift  to 
receive  from  him,  Efmf:<^,i<^.  Tis  not  for  you  to  make  ready  to  brin^  to 
him ;  only  come ;  and  the  Lord  doth  bring  his  people  to  fence  of  vile- 
nefs,  that  they  may  do  thus,  know  that  it  is  his  Grace  that  makes  the  Lord 
clofe  there.  ,  ■ 


SECT,  vrii 


i 


Nd° 


W  will  you  rcfufe,    and  not  let  the  Lord  have  your  hearts  this 

day  ?  . 

(      Firfti  is  there  any  thing  in  the  Lord  that  fliould  keep  thee  from  confenting? 

j  what  good  is  there  elfe  but  in  him  ?  what  want  of  perfe6^ion  there  ?  his  love 

j  is  fcetter  than  life ;  if  there  be  any  thing  m  the  world  that  can  bclbetter  to 

{ thee,  or  do  greater  things  for  thee,  make  thy  match ;  but  who  can  pay  thy 

debts  ?   who  can  fetch  thee  out  of  prifon  ?  who  can  put  beauty  on  thee  ? 

who  ever  did  thee  good  but  the  Lord?  therefore  there  is  none  like  hiai;  he 

will  cloth  thee,  poflefs  thee,  &c. 

Secondly,  is  there  any  thing  in  thy  fcif  that  keeps  thee  from  consenting  ^ 
haft  thou  no  need  of  him,  or  confenting  to  him?  you  may,  it  is  true,  have  o- 
ther  creatures  to  adorn  you;  asthey£2itfi^.i6.37,38.  But  the  Lord  will  gather 
your  lovers  together^  and  give  yen  blood,  and  ftary  in  his  jealoufie  %  I  mean 
when  the  Lord  fhall  come  at  this  day,  to  embrace,  comfort,  glorifie  others  j 
thou  {halt  not  have  a  fmile  from  him-  Oh  mennowdefpife  the  Lord,  and 
bis  Grace  and  Patience ;  tell  them  of  a  match  wkh  the  Son  of  God,  they  re- 
gard it  not,  no  more  than  a  tale  that  is  toid  ;  well,  the  Lord  will  bring  you  in- 
to horrors,  wherein  you  Hiall  prize  and  be  glad  of  this,  before  you  die,  even 
one  glimpse  of  his  love. 

*?oy?  tenebras  lucent  f^ero. 

After  my  (icknefs 'D^f^w^^r  12.  i6'^9. 


IIQ 


CHAP, 


I20 


The  F arable  of  the  Ten  firginsy 


CHAP.  XVIII. 


OhfeYvailon. 


Ufi 


Shews  that  Chriji  will  not  tarry  when  once  his 
time  is  come ;  and  the  folly  offuch  whofe  wor\ 
is  then  to  do  ^  and  that  the  Mejjednefs  of  Saints 
conjifis  in  immediate  comtmnion  with 
Chriji. 


all  men. 
Virgins. 


SEC  X    I. 

He  coming  of  Chrift,  we  havelieard  is  fee  forth  firft  from  the 
time  of  it,  viz..  juft  then  when  the  foolifh  went  to  buy:  Could 
not  the  Lord  fo  patient  and  long  fuffering,  tarry  a  little  while 
longer  for  them  Pefpecially  feeing  they  went  not  about  any  'fin- 
ful  work,  but  were  ufing  the  means  to  get  that  grace  now  which 
their  vefTels  were  empty  of  before  ?  No,but  ^hs,  Lord  deals  vyith 
efpecially  that  live  under  the  means,   as  he  did,  wich  thefe  foplifli 


That  as  God  is  long-fuffering  towards  men,  whiles  through  ignorance  of  their 
fpiritual  wants  andfecurity  of  heart  they  have  no  hearts  to  ufe  the  means  for 
fupply.  So  if  once  his  time  of  forbearance  be  (lept  out^he  will  not  tarry  one  mo- 
ment longer-,  even  when  men  are  moft  diligent  in  the  ufe  oi  means  for  fpi- 
ritual fupplies ;  when  Chrift  hath  a  heart  to  help,  many  people  have  none  ei- 
ther to  fee  their  wants,  or  feekfor  help;  when  men  nave  hearts  thus  to  do, 
then  Chrift  hath  none,  becaufe  his  time  of  tarrying  is  out ;  when  men  are 
worft  and  moft  fecure,  Chrifts  door  is  open  to  them  many  times ;  when  men 
are  beft  and  indeed  awakened,  Chrifts  heart  and  door  is  lliut  againftthem,  as 
it  was  here  j  for  what  are  the  beft  endeavors  of  foolilli  Virgins  ?  what  ex- 
cellency is  there  in  them,  that  the  Lord  of  glory  lliouldftay  their  leifure,after 
long  negled  of  himfelf,  and  lofs  of  precious  time  f 


SECT.     II. 

E  fure  you  fleep  not  out  the  day  time  of  Grace ;  efpecially  you. 

1.  That  know  you  want  oyl  in  yorrveflels,  and  Grace  in  your  hearts,, 
and  mercy  to  your  foujs,  and  think  I  would  not  die  yet  for  a  world. 

2.  You  that  being  afleep  with  thefe  foolilL  Virgins,  dream  you  are  rich, 

and 


Oldened  and  Apflied. 


I2t 


and  Wiinc  nothing,  and  would  be  half  offended  with  chem  chat  ihonid  cell  you  to 
your  face,  or  but  think  in  their  hearts  that  you  have  no  grace,  when  indeed  you 

are  poor  and  empty,  and  naked  ;  Take  heed  yoa  give  not  that  anfwer  to 

tine  that  carries  for  you,  and  unro  Chrirt  chat  vvaits  upon  you ,  as  Felix  to  Paf^il^ 

'[  when  his  heart  trembled  lo  hear  of  ]iidgement  to  come  j  /  wiU  jpeak^wlth  joh 
at  a  more  convenient  feafra ;  The  Lord  hath  not  left  Churches  vvichouc  ex- 
amples of  theterrourofChril^s  patience  in  this  kind,  who  upon  their  beds  of 
diftreife  have  lamented  before  men ;  Oh  my  time  is  out,  Call  time  again,  call 

■  cim '  a^ain ;  and  who  have  befought  it  of  God  with  tears,  as  ke  did  the  bleffinf , 
and  cryed  out^  ^'/?4f  Lordy  rvi't  not  give  me  one  homely  one   dny  more  \    and 

!  fo  like  men  finking  have  cacch'd  hold  on  any  thing  to  fave  them,  whiles  others 

i  have  (lood  upon  the  flioar  lamenting  of  them ,  the  Lord  be  merciful  to  them  ; 
this  may  be  your  cafe,  that  neither  your  tears  nor  blood  can  purchafe  a  moments 
time. 

*  Look  to  it  that  your  veffel  be  not  found  empty  at  the  coining  of  the  Lord ; 
it  is  a  dying  time  in  this  Countrey,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away  fome,  and 
thofethac  were  ready  are  gone  into  the  Marriage.  Confide:  of  it  that  faith, 
that  grace  which  you  think  you  have  now,  may  prove  but  chafFe  and  ftubble 
when  it  comes  to  be  tryed  in  the  fire  of  rhe  Lords  coming ;  the  beft  man  will 
finde  all  lit  tie  enough;  then  be  fure  you  miffe  not  of  it  now .  Do  not  chink  I 
will  pray,  and  feek  then,  and  I  hope  to  finde,thou-gh  thou  art  fecure  now;  think 
of  this  point.  When  did  Chrift  come  andlliut  the  door ,  but  when  the  Virgins 
went  out  to  buy  ?  but  woe,  woe  to  thy  dead  heart;  fome  here  prefentlhail 
feekChrii},  and  not  finde  him,  butfhalldye  in  their  fins;  till  arrows  are  in 
your  hearts,you  will  not  cry. 


SECT.  in.  * 

THat  after  long  profefiion  of  godlineflfejit  is  a  piece  of  fooliflinefle  to  have  a- 
ny  thing  then  to  do  but  to  dye,and  fo  to  give  welcome  to  the  Lord  Jefus : 
Thefe  Virgins  when  they  were  to  dye,  were  then  to  buy ;  when  they  were  to 
receive  Chrift,  were  then  to  feek  for  oyle  in  their  Vellels,  that  fo  they  might  be 
ready  to  receive  Chrili ;  but  of  this  hereafter. 

oh  their  fad  condition  that  have  all  to  feek  yet  / 

Be  not  ever  feeking,  never  finding  j  but  fo  feeking,  as  that  when  you  dye , 
youmzyizyy  Come  Lord,  I  am  ready! 


Obferv.  3, 


U]e  I. 
Ufs  2. 


SECT.   IV. 

ily.  T~*///j-  Coming  of  Chrifi  is  fet  fonh  from  the  different  entertainment  of 
X     the  ZJlrgins^  andChrifis  different  carriage  toward  them. 

I.  For  his  entertainment  to  the  wife  IJirglm  j  that  is  fet  down  to  be  an 
entring  or  admittance  into  marriage,  fellovviliip,  communion  and  joy  with 
the  Lord  Jefus ;  which  is  amplified 

Firft,  From  the  Antecedent  fnot  caufej  of  it,  and  that  is  their 
readinefle. 

Secondly,  The  Confequent  of  this  their  Communion  ,  the  Door 
was  fhut. 

Q^qq  That 


122 


The  Parable  of  the  Ten  Virgim^ 


Reaf.  I, 


That  the  lalVend,  and  full  bleffednprte  of  all  the  Eka  efpoufed  hereto 
Chrift,  it  confifts  in  immediate  communion  with  Jefus  Chrift  alone. 

What  b^comics  of  thefe  Wife  Virgins}  they  enter  into  near  communion 
andfcllowll^ipwich  the  Bridegroom  Jefus  Chria.  What  becomes  of  the  fouls 
of  all  the  Elea  when  they  are  feparated  from  the  body,  and  from  this  World  ? 
the  fpirit  returns  to  God  that  gave  it ;  fo  the  foul  returns  to  Chrift  that  bought 
it.  When  this  World  fhall  be  burnt  up,  what  will  become  of  the  fouls  and 
bodies  of  the  Ele6l,  when  there  fhall  be  no  more  Sun  to  {hine,  nor  Kingdom 
to  rule,  nor  Creatures  to  comfort  ?  they  fliall  afcend  from  the  clouds  up  into 
the  marriage-chamber  of  the  Son  of  God,  and  be  for  ever  with  the  Lord,  and 
the  Lord  alone;  and  this  is  their  bleffednefle,  &c.  BleffednefTe,  yea ,  the  laft 
and  only  blelfednefle,even  of  heaven  it  felf. 

John  17. 2  3.  There  are  variety  of  creatures  here,  and  in  every  one  there  is 
drop't  fome  fweet;  but  the  Lords  ettd  is  to  make  his  people  perfeU:  in  one  • 
how  is  that  ?  God  in  Chrift  communicating  all  his  goodnefle  to  his  Son  ,  and 
fo  living  in  him,  then  Chrift  communicates  all  his  own  and  Fathers  love  and 
goodneffe  unto  them,  and  fo  lives  in  them,  and  now  they  are  in  him,  and  fo 
made  perfeCt  in  one-,  as  thofe  that  are  thirfty  for  a  time,  are  refreilied  with 
fome  dropsjor  waters  running  in  their  Channels,at  laft  they  come  to  the  well- 
head ,  where  they  partake  of  all  together. 

I  Thef  <j.  10.  This  is  the  end  of  Chrilts  death  ^  that  we  might  live  to(re- 
ther  with  him;  not  live  only  fi^om  him^ut  live  with  himy^nd  together  with 
him  J  in  beginnings  here,  hereafter  fully. 


SECT.    V. 

Ecaufe  God  the  Father  hath  laid  up  all  his  glory  mofl:  abundantly  in 
Chrijl,  Col.  2.  3.  Treafures  of  wifdome-Jt  Jhines  in  the  face  of  Chrijl, 
2  Cor.  4.  5,6.  and  all  oky  glory  alfo.  Luk.  2.  32.  ^ lory  of  his  people  Jfra- 
el.  Pfal.  29. 19.  /«  his  Temple  he  mtereth  all  his  glory ;  in  the  world,  there 
it  fparkles  in  every  creature,  and  the  heavens  declare  it  j  but  there  is  but  fome, 
and  that  common  toall  tongues  and  languages;  but  in  this  Temple^  the  Lord 
Jefus  efpecially,  there  all  the  Fathers  glory  is  uttered,  and  himfelf  doth  utter 
it.  Treafures  arefuch  things  where  there  are 

1.  Trecions  things. 

2.  Abundance  of  them. 

3.  Hidden^not  open  to  all. 

4.  They  are  fure  and  fafe  there,  for  their  owners  to  take  and  enrich 
themfelves  withall  ;  fo  it  is  in  Chrift ,  there  is  firft ,  predom  things ; 
all  Goids  precioufneiTe  ,  and  all  our  precious  things  ^  our  life ,  our 
peace,  outjoy,  ourftrengrh,&c.  andfecondly,  abundance  of  them  i  thirdly, 
hid  from  the  worlds  and  unknown  in  part  to  the  Saints  ^  fourthly  ,  but  fure 
there  for  their  owners,  and  Chrift  is  the  treafure  of  all  thefe  treafures,which 
are  infinite  as  God  himfelf  is ;  now  if  all  our  glory,  and  the  glory  of  God  be 
in  Chrift;  then  as  privation  of,  and  feparation  from  this  glory  is  the  laft  and 
only  mifery;  fo  conjun^ion  to,  and  communion  with ,  and  fruition  of  this 
glory,  muft  be  the  laft  and  great  happinefle  of  the  Eleft.  I  would  convince  a- 
ny  carnal  heart  by  this  Argument;  Didft  ever  finde  any  comfort  from  any  crea- 
ture ?  that  comfort  is  not  from  it,  but  from  the  Lord  by  it ;  for  creatures  are 
but  as  cold  water,all  their  warmth  is  from  the  fire-,  now  there  is  but  a  little  of 
the  fvveetneffe  of  God,  becaufe  creatures  can  hold  but  little,  it  is  fo  narrow  a 
veffel;  but  in  the  Lord  Jefus  all  the  goodnefl'v;  of  God  is  gathered  together 

■ there. 


Ofened  and  Applied. 


123 


there,vvhich  is  Icatcered  in  feveral  creatures  here ;  nay,  n  )t  fin  -re,  buc  infinite 
goodneffe  and  gioxyi  therefore  this  is  our  bleflednefle. 

}  If!  reaard  of  God  the  Fathers  nxce.dina  great  loi/e  ,  .md  the  pi^rpofe  of 
iGod  to  manlfc'fl  It  to  th:  [ons  of  mm -^  thi-;  !s  the  nature  of  love,  when  one 
is  in  a  Melfed  condition  himfelf,  he  will  labour  to  bring  rhofe  it  loves  to  that 
I  condition  ;  nowchebleiiednelleof  God  lies  infellowlhip  with  his  Ton,  ?rov. 
I '8.  30.  NowGodtheFathsrIoves  them  dearly  ,  and  would  have  all  the  world 
f  to  know  that  he  doth  fo ,  and  hence  brings  them  at  laft  into  the  fame  fellowiliip 
j  vvithhimfelf  in  his  Ions  Joi-m  17.2?.  Thtzt  the  worU  moiy  k^ow  than  haft  lo^ 
\  vcd  me  •,  the  Father  out  of  his  infinite  love  communicates  himfelf  to  Chrirt, 
I  and  his  fellowlliip  is  with  the  Father;  all,  know  this  is  a  dear  love;  in  mean 
I  while  love  to  his  Saints  is  unknovvnithey  and  the  wicked  fhare  all  alike;  and  the 
I  Saints  have  the  ieait  portion  and  worft  part  many  times^fo  that  men  cannot  fee 
j  by  any  outward  thing  any  more  love  to  them,than  unto  others;  the  time  will 
1  come  that  they  lliallbe  made  perfefl  in  one,  as  near  the  Lord  as  can  be ,  that 
j  the  world  may  know  this  love,  &c. 

I  When  ^Abfolom  had  flain  his  brother,  and  fled  from  his  father,  it  is  faid, 
1  %  Sam,  I  5.  39.  th(it  the  font  of  David  longed^  or  wm  confnmed  to  go  forth 
\t9  him  5  David  might  have  faid,  I  will  never  look  after  him  more;  fo 
i  might  the  Lord  have  faid  to  us  ;  or  if  he  I  'ved,  he  might  never  have  manifefted 
it  (  as  I>/<2z//^  j  but  the  Lord  mutt fbew  his  love,  &c. 

Bccatife  this  is  the  end  of  all  the  prayers  and  endeavour^y  and  all  the 
workings  of  the  Saints  in  this  World :  Suppofe  all  glory  be  in  (thrift ;  let  a 
thing  be  never  fo  good,  but  if  a  man  hath  no  defires  after  it,  hath  ho  mind  to 
it,  it  would  nt):  be  bleflfednefle  to  him ;  but  this  is  the  end  of  all  the  prayers, 
duties  of  the  Saints,  if  at  laft  they  may  be  -with  the  Lord^  Phil.  3.  8,  p.  Joh. 
4,  14.  He  fhall  never  thirfi^  their  defires  are  taken  off  from  other  things^  but 
only  their  hearts  are  to  this.  I£  there  be  any  pillow  the  Lord  lets  them  fleep 
upon  in  this  world,  they  fhall  finde  it  hard  at  laft,  and  arife  with  a  Kings  head 
and  heart,  and  fay,  Oh  here  is  not  my  reft  5  the  beft  entertanment  this  world 
can  give,  hath  ever  fomewhat  mixt  with  it,  that  makes  the'people  of  God  fay, 
Oh  that  I  might  be  with  the  Lord! 


SECT.     VL 

Queft.OH^//  not  the   happinejfe  of  the  Saints  partlj  lie  in  fellowjhip  with 

\^  the  Saint j} 

An[w.  I.  True,  but  this  is  hut  a  confequenc  to  the  former;  as  feparatioti 

fromGodisthefubihjiceof  miferyin  hell,  buc  other  things  follow  upon- it  j 

\viz..  communion  with  Reprobates  and  Divels ;  fo  here  we  have  firft  commu- 

inioiiwithGhrift,  here  is  the  fubftance  of  our  bleffednefle;  then  this  is  acci- 

j  dental,  and  follows  upon  that ;  viz..  the  communion  with  the  Saints,  which  is 

\  exceeding  fweet. 

I      2.  That  good  we  OiaM  have  in  communion  with  Saints,  is  not  from  them- 1 
;f;lves,  butChriftinihcm;  as  zThefi.  i.  lo.    ChrlH  fhall' be  admired  in  all 
his  Saints  ;  fo  Chrift  ftiall  then  in  his  Saints  and  Angels ;  it  is^the  light  of  the 
!  Sun  that  ihines  in  the  Stars,  and  they  ihall  do  nothing  but  fet  out  the  praifes  of 
;  Chrift. 

Queft.  Bm  7vhat  blefiedneffe  is  there  in  this,  feei»g  tt  is  in  one  thing  on- 
ly 1  when  a  man  is  fic^,  or  poor,  can  grace  refrefh  him,  can  he  live  by  that  ? 
i  ( thm  many  carnal  hearts  thinks  ) 


c^qq 


Reaf  2. 


ReaC  3* 


Jnfw.  1, ^1 


8^4 


Ufe  I. 


The  f  arable  of  the  Ten  Vtrgim, 


An(w.  I.  The  Lord  ihall  then  take  away  alUeihly  appetites  ordedres;  for 
then  our  bodies  ihall  be  ipiritual  bodies  •,  in  this  life  fometimes  God  takes  a- 
way  the  {iomack,  when  he  takes  away  food.  ChriR  forgot  his  wearinelTe ,  be- 
caufe  he  had  other  bread  to  eat. 

2.  Idsthereforebleiledneffe,  b^caufeit  ism  one;  there  is 

Fir(t,'   Trouble   in  feeking   and  fetching   our   comfort   out    of  many 


things. 


2.  'unfatisfiedneffe,  becaufe  one  thing  can  give  no  more  than  it  hath  ;  now 
all  things  in  this  one  thing  are  there  together;  the  fweet  of  all  creatures, 
all  Ordinances,  v^z-^ ^variety  of  mknovon  mercies ^(Viov.^.^i)  fhail  center  here 
inChriftJefus. 


SECT.    VII. 

OF  marvellom Confolntlon  to  the  Saints  of  God'.  No'vY  you  have  miany 
wants,  manyforrows,  many  temptations,  many  fins,  many  cares  and 
fears  of  livelihood ;  but  the  time  will  fhortly  come  when  you  (hall  be  with  the ' 
Lord  alone  in  communion  with  him,  and  fo  out  of  the  crowd  and  preiTe  (of 
troubles,  and  temptations,  and  fins,  and  evils  in  this  world  •  that  as  he  him- 
felf  is  above  allthefe,  fofhallyou.  John  14.1,2,3.  Their  hearts  were  grie- 
ved for  the  lofie  of  Chrift  ;  /  rptll  come  to  ym^  and  take  you  t9  my  jelf,  th/st 
where  I  am^  there  you  may  be  d[o\  fometimes  outward  lofTes  and  fears 
trouble  thee ';  fometimes  abfence  of  Chrift  from  thee  troubles  thee ;  hear  what 
the  Lord  faith,.  Let  not  your  hearts  he  troubled',  for  the  Lord  will  take  you 
to  htmfelf  again^  John  1 6.  22.  Chrift  tells  them,  /  will  fee  you  again  y  and 
yoHr  hearts  (hall  refoyce ,  what  if  hehadfaid,  I  will  come  down  from  heaven 
to  you  again  ?  I  tell  you  the  Lord  will  do  io  to  you,,  but  that  he  is  in  a  better 
place  preparing  it  for  you,  and  doing  betterthingsfor  you  5  but  he  fees  you  for 
the  prefent,  and  you  fhall  be  with  hi  m  at  laft. 

The  Apoftle  prays  that  they  might  know  what  is  the  inheritance  of  the  Saint  s% 
fo  I  defire  of  the  Lord  for  you,  that  you  may  know  what  it  is  to  have  communi- 
on with  Chrift  alone  ;  oh  fee  your  bleflednefle,  &:c. 


-^> 


SECT.  vm. 

l*nr^his    Cory.munion  it  fhali  be  by  Jight^  not  chiefly   by  faith,  as   it  is  in 

.  X  this  world zyizny  go  many  Miles  to  thefuppofed  Sepulchre  of  Chrift,  and 

Account  their  time,  though  fuperftitioufly,  yet  happily  fpent;   oh  but  whar 

willitbetofeetheLordhimfelf,  not  as  he  was  here  in  his  abafement,  but  in 

all  his  glory,  brighter  than  ten  thoufand  Suns.'  now  we  fee,  i  [or.ii,  as  in  .a 

glafe  where  we  fee  the  glory  of  God  in  the  face  of  Chrift-,  but  then  we  iTaail 

know  as  we  are  known ;  asachildeknowsnot  the  father,  but  at  ripe  JTea rs  Jc; 

doth  ;  but  as  Vhilif  faid  to  Nathanael^  who  faid,  Can  any  good   co^ie  otit  ipf] 

Naz^^rethi  fo  can  any  fuch  mercy  come  from  heaven  ?  come  and  fee  himoifj 

Vyhora  all  the  iprophets  have  fpoken  of;  fo  then  the  Father  and  Spirit,  and  Saints; 

and  Angels  wiil  fay,  oh  come  in  and  fee  him  of  whom  all  the  Prophets  have 

v\ritten;  come  and  behold  him  that  bath  ihed  his  deareft  bfood  for  thee,  that 

hath  taken  thought  aad  care  for  thee  night  and  day  ;  that  hsrh  been  all  thy  life  i 

interceding    for  thee  ;    Revel,  22. 4.     There  you  fhall  fee  his  fane.  -  \ 


2,Th 


m 


opened  and  Jpplied. 


\  l.Thls  comr .  m.ion  't^Allbe  ffifitua/  a^d  inward  with  the  foul  and  confclence- 
fuppofc  the  foiii  llioiild  be  with  Chrifl ,  and  not  have  fpiricual  communion  with 
!  him,vvhar  weri;  ic  the  bener  1  as  many  had  when  Chrift  was  here  in  this  world 
ithac  cat  and  diank  in  his  prerence,and  yet  are  now  £hut  out :  Oh  no  i  che  glory, 
beauty,  i^oodneis  of  Chriftisnot  to  be  fe^nwith  bodily  eyes,  nortafted,  nor 
handled  with  our  carkaiVes ;  and  hence  Ange!s  though  in  heaven  with  Chrift's 
perfon  ,  ye;  look  to  the  Gofpel,  to  hear,  iee,  and  enjoy  the,  fpiritual  excel- 
lencies of  the  Lord  ;  hence  S'lmeon  when  he  had  Chrift  in  his  arms,  yec  now 
delires  to  depart,  became  he  lliouid  then  come  near  him  into  his  fpiricual  com- 
munion ;  On  this  the  fous  lli^Ii  have,  inward  lighc,  love,  peace,  c^c.  ic  is 
Chnit's  great  love  to  live  with  the  foul ;  but  fo  to  live  wirh  them  that  are  his 
own,  as  to  live  in  rhem  ;  Oh  this  is  exceeding  love,  for  Chriltto  live  in  one 
th.u  was  a  dungKi.  :  \i  coir.forred  rh .:  Diicip  es  when  he  went  away,  /  ivill  end 
yoti  the  comfortn-'^  Oh  bur  wha'  a  biiflednefsvvili  this  be,  to  be  with  him,  and 
the  comforter  in  us  aJfo  ? 

3.  It  (h.ill  be  a  full  and  per  FB  comm-'tnlony  communicating  himself  out  to  the 
utmojir  ext  nt  of  the  capacities  of  his  p-opie-^  for  here  we  have  fpiricual  com- 
munion^ but  we  fee  but  1'. tie  anoknow  little,  and  receive  but  little,  thefirft 
fruits  and  caLles  of  what  we  iliali  drink;  but  there  fully.  zTheff.  i.g.  They 
(hall  he  feparate  fonz  the  Lord  and  glory-  of  his,  ftwe-  ^  i.e.  as  much  as. ever 
the  Lojd  is  able  to  fill  or  load  the  foul  withal,a  crown  of  glory  as  weighty  35  ever 
It  can  bear,  it  wraps  up  the  heart  fometimes  ;  the  foullies  down  confounded 
before  the  Lord;  Oh  that  ever  the  Lordfhould  here  look  upon  fuchaonefo 
vile  /  much  more  then  fhill  there  be  wonderment  ;  he  will  fee  open  all 
his  treafury;  Oh  come  take  thy  fill  of  love  I  there  he  fhall  poure  out  all  his 
heart,  &c. 

^.  It  Jhall  be  an  exceeding  familiar  commUKton :  When  Chrift  was  here  on 
the  earth,  weknow  how  familiar  he  was  with  his  poo,r  Difciples;  how  ope 
leaned  onhis  breft,  could  come  to  him,  fpeahto  him,  ^^.  (Oh  hrethreri  j 
much  more  fhall  ic  be  then,  Joh.  21 .17.  tonch  menot'^.da^  not  4cendeSt;  %  as 
if  hefhonld  fay,  Oh  then  there  iTiall  be  fweetembraciogs,  ^s  Jof-fK-rkat  y^epc 
overtheneck^of  Benjamin';  Oh  the  fpiritual  embracings there  !  the  Lord  and 
Chrifl  will  fay,  I  love  thee  dearly. 

:  '  <y.  It  (J-atlbc  an  everlafiing,unr/;terrnftcdcommnmon  ;  We  have  here  com- 
munion with  o'her  creatures,  but  ihey  as  paf/ergers  will  leave  us ;  we  have  alfo 
communiaa'  with  Chrift,  but  it  is  interrupted;  many  clouds  come  between 
usandhTO;  but  then  ii  ilhailbseverhfting  without  any  interruption,  i  ihejf. 
^\.f4-.  ^'e  (hi>ll  ez:r~be  wi\h  the  Lord -^  hence  comes  comfort ;  infinice  is  the 
Jory  of  the  Lord,  we  cannot  fee  it  nor  enjoy  it  in  a  ihort  time,  we  have  no 
leifure  here,  nor  time  enough  to  fee  it ;  hence  we  fhall  be4i6ijlli  eternity  behold- 
i  gandenjoyir'g  of  ic. 

.  6.  A  loyf  I  andmofi  fweet  com  ~  unlon^  Pfa.  1 6.  nit.  filling  the' heart  J/fith 
'■;n(pei.  ka.ble  peace  ;  beli'viKg  ye  re'oyce  with  -joy  full  of  glory ;  much  more  than 


fueling 


And  Three  things  make  icfo. 


SECT.         IX.  ;;V,: 

jFirft,  f  7^  jvj// /7f  after  mar,y  troubles^  labors^  and  confilBs  here  in  this  "world '^ 
I  the  re's  not  3  godly  bene  but  hath  his  burden,  if  nor  of  mifery,  yet  of 

hn ;  if  r.ocfrom  fldliand  blood,  yet  from  bell;  andfaefearsalfo(icm3ybe) 
|thuhe  lliall  never  come  to  heaven  ;  now  hence  this  communion  mltfl  be  the 

more  joyful,  nsjacob  that  thought  helh  >uld  never  fee  fofeph;  and  as  //>.9.2,3. 

Ti  of" 


125 


I  luiiavi  igW"^ 


i.!^Nn»b  1114*11  inistiii 


126 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgim^ 


Ufe  2. 


thofe  that  divide  the  [foils  ^  and  reap  the  harvefi;  then  there  [hall  be  an  ar.jwe-r  to  all 
thydouhts^&c. 

Secondly,  ItwlUbe  thu-s  becaufethiscommmionjhallhechlefiylnfHcl^ngout 
the  fivcet  of  all  Gods  love,  fast y  pefentyandto  come^  Efhcf.^.g.  T(a/.2^,6. 
Love  from  a  friend  is  fweec,  buc  from  a  God  fweecer ;  ic  doth  us  good  ro  think 
of  their  love,  their  honor  and  refpedl  to  us,  much  more  the  Lords;  Oh  this 
willlike  v!if^e-,chear  the  hearty  that  as  the  damned  fhall  fuck  the  fierce  wrath  of 
God,  Oh  it  fhaJl  (ling  them  j  fo  this  e  contra,  we  fliall  fee  all  his  bowels 
open. 

Thirdly,  The  Lord  Chrlfi  himfelf  jhall  rejoyce  over  the  fo^l ,  a-yjd  fo  all 
Saints  with  hiwy  Luk.  10.21.  And  the  foul  {hall  fee  this,  and  all  Saints  rejoyce 
in  its  communion.Oh  conllder  this  and  comfort  your  hearts  with  this  all  ye  peo- 
ple of  the  Lord  !  I  only  lay  as  Jofeph  dying,^^;^  will  fnreljf  vljlt  yon  when  1  am 
deady  Gen.  ult.2^.  So  when  thou  art  dying  the  Lord  will  furely  vifit  thee  with  his 
prefence,and  you  fhall  furely  be  with  him  .•  You  have  been  praying  for  this,  and 
hearing,  and  now  and  then  you  tafte  a  little,but  think  it  is  too  good  to  be  true ; 
yet  if  Chriftbeblefled,  thou  llialt  at  lall,  thoufhalt  not  mifs  f  though  thou 
finde  but  little  of  him  here,  and  walk  in  the  dark  j  of  being  with  him  foY  ever ; 
God  hides  his  face  from  ibme  of  you >  and  you  mourn,  though  the  world 
rejoyceth  ;  but  happy  art  thou  ,  for  thy  mourning  jhall  be  turned  In- 
tojoj. 


SECT.    X. 

TO  m&Hrn  for  otir  flrai^genefs  now  to  Jefus  Chrlfi ,  afid  oUr  dlli-ances 
from  the  Lordjefus^  may'not  the  Lord  take  up  that  fpeech  &s  10  PhiUp:^ 
Have  I  been  fe  long  with  tbee^  and  hafl  thou  not  known  me }  So  hath  Chrift  been 
fo  long  with  thee,  and  flialc  thou  be  for  ever  with  him,  and  yet  doft  not 
know  him? 

There  are  five  things  that  are  ever  conjoyned  with  a  near  communion  with  I 
Chrifi  -.,  '  ^  '     \ 

Firft ,  Knowledge  of  him  ;  Alas ,  how  little  do  we  conceive  of  the  | 
Lprd  ?  ,        _  I 

Secondly,  Ferhvafion  of  his  love  and  faith f nine  f;  Alas,  we  have  little  af- ; 
furance  of  him,  Pfal.  9.  ! 

Thirdly,  Love  to  his  fellorpfhlp ;  and  the  more  in  it  the  foul  is,  the  more  de-  I 
firousitisof  it :  Oh  but  the  wearinefs  of  being  with  him  that  we  ha  c  1  no. 
oftner  are  we  with  him  now  than  needs  muft ;  but  hereafter  it  ihall  be  other- ! 

wife.                  _                ...                                                .  j 

•  Fourthly,  Llkenef^  to  hlmln  hlsvertnesy  as  cJ^/(5/(?.f  comes  Hiining  down  ; ; 
a  itian  imitates  themwhofe  fellowfhiphe  loves  in  all  their  imitable  excellen- i 
cies.    Alas,  how  unlike  to  him  now  are  we,  to  what  Ihall  be  ?  | 

Fifthly,  A  dally  opening  of y  and  bemoaning  dally  evils  to  him  ;  Ohiteafeth' 
the  heart;  if  a  man  is  gone  from  his  friend,  yet  troubles  will  fetch  him  in; 
again.,  but  we  pour  not  out  our  fouls  thus  to  him  ;  hence  he  pouresnotouthis 
blood  into  our  fouls  to  heal  us;  Oh  may  not  we  take  up  that  complaint  of; 
^guryTrov.So.thitwe  are  more  foollfh  than  any  man  I  fpeaking  of  Chrid;  Ohi 
therefore  mourn  for  it;  Ddvldywhen  God  hid  his  fate  for  a  Uitletimcy  was\ 
troubled.'                                                                                     "  j 

.  'It  was  the  complaint  of  the  Prophet  of  evil  men,  That  In  their  cyes^  he\ 
was  refUed  and  dejplfedy  and  we  hidonr  faces  from  him.  Let  the  world  doj 
fo,  will  you  do  fo  alib  ?  it  lliould  not  trouble  fo  much  that  he  hides  his  face  from ! 
you  x.^sth^^  you  have  from  him. When  j 


opened  and  Applied. 


when  i^^x'^W  turned  ahde  to  Bathjhe^a,tbt  Prophet  comes  and  tells  him, 
J  anointed  thee  Ki^gy  and  delivered  thee  o^J  of  the  handi  of  Sauly  and  gave  thee 
thy  Afjifiers  wives^  and  more  alfo  •  nox9  vfherefore  haft  thon  def^ifed  the  Lord} 
\the  fword  (hall  not:  depart ;  Qh  (faith  he)  /  have  finned  againfi  the  Lord  ;  fo 
fay  Ito  you:  if  the  Lord  had  never  made  known  himfelt  cothee,  it  had  been 
another  matter  ;  hwtthe  Lor d hath  delivered  thy  fml  from  helly  thy  eyes  from 
tears ;  the  Lord  hath  anointed  thee  to  partake  of  the  glory  of  Chrift,  the  Lord 
hath  given  himfelf  to  thee,  and  faith  Suck  my  blood,  take  my  life,  and  more 
I  would  have  given  •,  and  haft  thou  looked  after  i^<?f/>/&^^^,.<3r/?^/-  lovers ^  and 
deffife  the  Lord}  Oh  fay  /  have  finned  ,  and  mourn  for  it,  iSam.iZ.g. 

There  are  two  evils  in  this,  i .  Forfak^ng  thy  own  good,  nay  hlcfedm^y 
Jonah  2.8.  own  mercies. 

2.  It  is  dejpifng  the  Lord  and  his  felloivjhip  for  other  things^  bafe  things  ; 
fthatwhereasyoul}iallbefor  ever  beholding  of  him  hereafter,  yet  youfhould 
[proclaim  him  not  to  be  worth  looking  on  now. 

Obje6l.  J^w  I  would  have  fellowjhip  with  the  Lord^  and  hewiUnot. 
i^nfve.  Firft,  Never  did  any  defirc  thy  feliowfhip  fomuch  as  the  Lord 
when  he  wants  it. 

Secondly,  Nor  love  it,and  glad  of  it  when  he  had  it. 
Thirdly,  Nor  mourn  and  lament  more  when  he  wants  it^as  J<fr.2. 2,^.  God 
pleads  for  it. 

Fourthly,  he  calls  to  the  heavens,  2  J^-.iOjii.  Didever  nation  deal  thus 
with  Idols  I  If  this  will  not  break  thine  heart  for  ftran^enefs,   I  know  not , 
what  will  doit:    I(;.u  yquj^l^n  that  breaks  off  communion  >  not  the  Lords, 


unwillingnefs. 


rrsr 


n ?-^i*-^ 

SEC  T. 


XI. 


HEnce  fee  the  exceeding  great  worth  and  exceEency  of  fefns  Chrifi;  and  learn 
hence  to  efteem  a  right  of  him ;  there  is  no  bleflednefs  in  the  fruition  of  all 
the  creatures  together  •,  good  there  is,  but  not  blelTedn'efs ;  or  if  there  were,  yet  it 
lies  in  many  things ;  no  one  thing,  nor  twenty  bielTings  can  make  blefTed ;  and 
it  is  but  a  broken  bleflednefs  in  divers  pieces ;  or  if  there  were  a  kind  of  blefled- 
nefsto  be  found  in  one,  yet  it  is  not  a  lafting  bleflednefs,  inisfo  but  for  a 
time,  and  fo  the.  Ibfs  of  it  at  latt  will  trouble  us  more  than  the  having  of  it 
for  a  time. 

But  as  he  faith,  /«  him  is  light  and  no  darknef-^  bleflednefs,  and  no  mifery ; 
peace,and  no  trouble ;  fulnefs  and  no  want ;  beauty,  glory,and  no  blemifh  ^life, 
and  no  death  J  pure,  dear,  infinite  love,  and  no  anger;  and  it  is  in  him  alone , 
*P/^/.i48.i5.  His  name  alone  is  excellent:,  all  our  glory  and  the  glory  of  God 
alfo  is  met  together  in  him,  all  things  in  one  thing ;  whatever  good  there  is 
in  other  things,  it  is  borrowed  from  him ;  bafe,  beggarly  things ;  but  the  ful- 
nefs and  plenty  of  all  is  in  the  Lord,  fo  that  we  iLall  not  need  to  cumber  our 
^zlvzs  about  unneceflary  things ;  we  need  not  a  candle  when  the  fun  fhines  : 
and  our  laft  bleffednefs  is  here  ;  when  every  thing  elfe  will  make  them  wings 
to  haften  from  us,  this  will  continue  and  laft;  when  all  our  vefl'^ls  we  are  tof- ( 
fed  in  here  are  funk ,  and  where  our  entertainment  hath  been  very  good, 
yet  the  fhore  finks  not,  it  is  above  over-whelmings  ;  here  alone  we 
are  fafe. 

However  the  world  fees  not  this,  becaufe  their  bleflednefs  lies  inprefer- 
ving  themfelvesby  creatures,  from  feeling  that  mifery  which  lies  upon  them 
iiQW,  as  alfo  becaufe  they  {hall  never  lliare  in  it  5  yet  the  Saints  have  been  ex- 
ceedingly 


127 


-.8 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgms, 


ceedingly  taken  with  thii*  that  David  dccoHnted  them  ble(fed  thai  might  dwell  iw 
h's  Courts  in  this  world-,  Solomon  was  bleffed  ihii  might  bm  wan  at  uifdoms] 
gates  J  and  fo  bt  ready  to  be  received  when  they  be  op.^ned  ;  Abraham  re-\ 
joyced  t<o  fee  Chrfi's  day  afar  off y  -Mofes  ffleemed the  reproach  of  Chrij}  vreat\ 
riches ;  what  did  hi  then  eReem  of  thepreience  of  Chrift  here  !  but  what  ia 
glory  !  ■ 

Think  of  this,  you  that  fay  you  cannot  finde  in  your  hearts  to  efteem  of  the 
Lord  Jefus ;  efpecially  let  him  be  precious  to  you,  you  efpoufed  of  the  Lord ;  for  \ 
others  may  fay  he  is  precious,but  I  fhall  never  enter  inio  this  feIlowl"hip :  No, 
no,  but  you  lliall,  but  he  will  take  you  to  fellowfhip  with  himfelf;  It  was  a 
great  favor  to  Mofes,  Exod.  24,  i  ,3.  when  others  might  come  towards  the 
Lord,  yet -M^/e-j- alone  might  only  come  near;  andhewas  inths  Moun  dons 
with  Cod 'y  fo  that  the  Lord  lliould  let  others  come  towards  him;  but  that  you 
alone  above  many  thoufands  in  the  world  may  be  fuffered  to  draw  near  to  him, 
this  fhculd  make  the  Lord  precious  to  you  at  leaft.  Lev.i  3.46.  The  Leper  was  to 
dvpell  alone  without ;  the  Lord  might  have  dealt  fo  with  thee  j. but  when  thou 
wert  vile  indeed,  and  moftvile,  nay  when  thou  didft  feparate  thy  felf  from  thy 
fe!f,  then  for  the  Lord  to  come  near  thee,  and  (as  if  thoucouldft  never  be 
near  enough;  to  manifeft  himfelf  to  thee  for  ever  in  glory/ When -D^z/zW  found 
out  Mephihofheth  (H^hhhQjPf'hat  am  I  adead  dog  that  IjhoHld  ftatthe  Kings 
table  !  zSam.^.-j^'i.  It  was  a  great  favor  to  Chrift  himfelf,  that  when  reje<S- 
ed  of  men,  yet  that  he  was  chofen  of  God  and  precious,  and  taken  up  to  him- 
it  may  be  thou  thinkeft  thy  felf  unworthy  of  fellowlHpof  any  man,  and  men 
do,  or  men  man  reject  thee ;  yet  for  the  Lord  now  to  receive  thee,  it  is  much  ; 
but  whereas  thou  wert  nor  only  reje^^ed  of  men,  but  of  God  aIfo,//.?.54.6. 
now  for  Chrift  to  take  thee  to  him  ;  that  as  he  lies  in  the  Fathers  bofom,  be- 
caufe  thou  couldft  not  for  fm  immediately  lye  there,  he  ftiould  lay  thee  in  his 
b  ofom,  and  fay,  Father  love  this  foul  as  t  hot*  haft  loved  me :  Befides,  the  Father 
took  Chrift  becaufe  he  had  worth ;  but  for  C6n[t  to  take  thee  when  thou  hadft 
no  worthinefs  /  for  one  to  take  drofs  andprize  it  when  others  caft  it  away,  it  is 
much  ;  it  is  no  wonder  if  pearls  be  foefteemed  of.,  but  for  dirt  to  be  prized  ! 
Oh  therefore  let  the  Lord  be  precious,  and  his.felWftiip  precious  to  thee, 
feeing  thou  and  thy  fellowfhip  is  fo  to  him. 

Obje<it:.  But  I  cannot  bel'teve  it^  why  JhouldtheLorddo  fo  ?  ^' 

Anfw.  It  is  hard  to  believe  it  when  we  look  upon  our  own  vilenefs;  but  con- 
lider  the  reafon  why  the  Lord  doth  this ;  it  is  not  becaufe  he  loves  any  for  fle/hly 
refpe^ts  as  we  do  ;  but 

Firft,  Becaufe  of  his  own  grace  and  glory ;  the  Believer  is  infinitely  be- 
loved of  him,  without  moving  him  thereunto ;  and  hence  if  his  grace  be  exceed- 
ing dear,  and  his  glory  dear  to  him,  thou  art  fo  to  him. 

Secondly ,  Chrift  loves  not  firft  becaufe  men  are  holy,  but  that  he  may 
make  them  fo. 

Thirdly,  He  loves  becaufe  the  father  loves  them.  ' 


SECT.    XII. 


HEnce  learn  to  be  content  with  the  Lord  alone,  Heb.^.g.  there  is  a  refh  ; 
hence  labor  to  enter  into  it;  fb  if  he  will  have  reft  and  bleflednefs  here- 
after, that  you  fhall  be  content  and  forever  glad  in  him  andwi^th  him  alone; 
Oh  labor  to  poflfefs  this  bleffednefs  now  ;  You  are  in  your  worft  condition  now, 
your  beft  is  behind;  ftiallthe  bleflednefs  of  thybeft  condition,  not  be  blefled- 
nefs in  thy  worft  condtion  unto  thee?  ftiall  that  which  fatisfiestlay  foul  in 

heaven 


opened  and  Jfplied. 


129 


hv^aven,  not  fatisfie  thy  foul  here.  Mofis,  T^eut,  32.10.  reckons  this  as  the 
happinefs  of  I[r^el^  (viz.)  That  God  alone  did  lead  them  Tvhen  ihey  -we,  e  in  a 
wUderne^^  a  land  of  drought,  and  pits,  and  wants,  and  the  fhadow  of  death  ; 
fo  Chriii  now. 

So'omon  reckons  it  as  one  part  of  his  folly,  madnefs  and  vanity,  when  he 
forfook  the  Lord  in  his  degenerate  condition ,  Ecelef^.  5.  that  he  gave  ur> 
his  Heart  to  vamtj ,  and  to  vfifdom  alfo  i  as  if  that  was  not  fuflicient 
alone. 

M^n  are  not  contented  with  the  Lord  alone  ;  Solomon  as  you  heard,  was 
gone,  who;ii  God  appeared  twice  unto ;  Davids  heart  was  foreJy  z{imktd 
Pjal.-y^.  pintillhewen:  intothe  fanEltiarjof  God^  and  then,  faith  he,  whom  have 
I  in  earth  bat  thee  f  but  as  for  others  they  are  far  from  this  •  and  hence  cone 
the  many  murmurings  and  finkings  of  heart ;  why  do  not  men  fink  and  drown  .^ 
becaufe  they  are  not  in  the  ark  or  ilnip ,  and  flay  there  alone ;  fo  it  is  hcrZyPfl, 
id.4.  their  forrorvs  ae  multiplied^  &c. 


SECT.    XIII. 

LAbor  for  this  contentednefs  in  fpirit ,  in  four  cafes  efpecially,  wherein 
thi  heart  is  apt  to  withdraw  from  the  Lord  ; 

Fir{^  In  cafe  the  Lord  takes  away  the  deareft,  nay,  all  outward  bleffings 
from  us  ;  men  can  rub  it  out  with  quietnefsof  fpirit,^  when  fome  of  their 
money  loofe  in  their  pockets  is  loft ;  but  when  their  jewels  are  loft ,  their 
deareft  bleffings  fmg'ed  out.  Wife,  Husband,  Children,  then  as  Jomh ,  the 
foul  is  almoit  angry  With  God,  whn  his  gourdii [mitten :  i  Thef.^.i  :>,  without 
hopes  ;  again  fome  can  rub  this  out  till  they  come  to  part  with  all ;  when  fome 
of  our  bouiihs  are  cut  an(£  branches  lopt,  we  can  be  content;  but  to  have  our 
top  boughs^  cue  off,  and  to  ttrike  at  the  root  too,  that  we  llaould  remain  as  wi- 
thered dry  treesjthis  can  hardly  be  born :  Men  can  be  content  to  follow  Chriit,if 
they  may  carry  fometning  on  their  backs  befide  the  crofs  -,  fome  can  pndure  ,>ny 
thin  but  poverty,  becaufe  covetous ;  others  any  thi  igbutdifgrace,  becau^i 
prou^ ;  if  fome  thing  or  many  ^hingsbe  caft  over-board  in  a  ftorm,  men  can 
befometimes  contented  thsrewith,  if  fomething  efcapes;  but  when  there  is  a 
wrack  of  all,  now  to  be  content  is  .^s  hard  as  to  walk  upon  ttie  waters;  Ifrad 
when  they  be  fed  and  led  by  God,  all  was  ftill ;  but  when  they  wane  bread  and 
water ,then  they  murmure,  and  alfo  quefian,  Exod.ij,^.  Is  God.rmong m  now  ? 
Aad  truly  it  would  break  oacs  heart  to  fee  what  fiukings  of  heart  there  be  a- 
mongus  (the  fruits  of  exi:ream  pride  and  Chriftlefnefs)  and  what  vexations  , 
men  are  to  themJelves,  that  men  are  become  devils  to  themfelves,  their  own 
tormentors ;  whit  cares ,  fears,  griefs,  lofles,  decays,  that  their  heads  are 
dawled,  and  their  memories  loft,  and  the  r  hearts  funk,  and  their  countenan- 
ces al:ered,  and  the  Ordinances  comfortlefs,  and  themfelves  heardefs,  and 
pining  away  in  their  iniquit'es,  becaufe  of  outward  forrows  .•   Oh  confider, 
either  thou  fhalr  fhortly  be  with  the  Lord,  or  not  ;  if  not,  there  is  caufe  of 
mourning:  Oh  to  go  home  and  fee  <iy4brahamjllaac^zr\dJacch'inGod^Yi\no. 
dom,  and  thy  felf  {hoc  out,  it  were  a  lamentable  thing  i^.deed;  but  if  it  be- 
>therwile  with  thee.  Oh  confider  thou  ihalcbe  hap..^  enough  without  thefe 
things  in  heaven ;  and  therefore  though  thefe  things  be  loft,  thou  ("halt  not 
lofe  one  jot  of  thy  happinefs  :    A  man  that  is  bleffed  with   bleifednefs  it 
felf,   and  yet  funk,  either  Ihould  fay  Chnft  is  not  blelliidnefs ,  or  ejfe 
recover. 

R  r  r  O^iea. 


fM'   ■   '     V 


130 


The  Parable  of  the  Ten  Vtrgim, 


me 


Objedl.   Oh  hut  though  I  have  U ft  my  esfate^  j/et  that  doth  not  fo  much  trouble 
^  as  to  have  lofi  ji' tends  and  their  love'  \ 

tiAn'w.  And  whac  if  rhou  hadiHort  thy  life,  and  thy  body  were  ren:  from 
thy  foul  ,  if  that  goes  to  the  Lord!  Hch.n.  They  were  jaw>t  afunder.  It 
may  be  thy  heart  hath  gone  fromChrirt^  Oh  therefore  return  !  for  it  maybe! 
this  is  Gods  end;  and  methinks  this  fliou Id  make  you  content  with  any  crofs, 
thou  art  not  near  enough  to  the  Lord  ;  Oh  therefore  you  poor  Saints,  be  not 
in  heavmefsby  many  temptations  \  the  Lord  doth  itco  try  your  fai.h  ;  can  you 
be  content  wit^h  him  alone  ?  It  was  'jufim  CHartyrs  fpeech,  Nothing  elje  to 
care  for. 

Secondly,  In  cafe  the  Lord  makes  outward  peace  and  bleifings  to  abound 
U'On  you,  fet  not  now  your  hearts  upon  thefe  things ;  fometimes  when  miferies 
abound,  and  thefe  is  wracks  of  all,  now  the  foul  is  glad  toftand  upon  the 
rock  to  fave  its  life,  T[aLq%.  35.  yvhen  he  [mote  them^  they  then  rememhrei 
God  was  their  rock^;  but  when  the  Lord  begins  to  fill  the  foul  with  outward 
blefiings,  it  is  then  exceeding  hard  not  to  lodge  them  in  the  Lords  own  room 
and  habitation  for  himfelf ,  and  the  Lord  is  forgotten  and  forfaken  alfo^  Jer. 
2. 1,2,4,5. 

.  But  when  thefe  things  are  removed,  or  with  you  continued,  vet  let  your 
hearts  ftill  be  kept  for  the  Lord ;  for  if  thefe  things were  neceflary,'you  fnould 
have  them  in  heaven ;  but  there  is  no  need  of  them  there,  but  only  of  the  Lord. 
PfaLij.ult.  It  was  'Davids  prayer  that  he  might  he  delivered  from  the  men  who 
had  their  portion  in  this  world  ;  knt  I  fhall  hehold  thy  face  ,  and  therewith  he 
latisfied  when  I  ar^ake ',  i.  e.  Some  outward  troubles  now  made  him  heavy, 
that  he  fleptthe  deep  of  death,  faith  Calvin,  but  then  he  fliouldbe  fatisfied  ; 
it  was  Davids  uroumtnt  to  prove  his  faith,  Tfal.i6.  The  Lord  is  the  portion 
of  my  lot  and  cup  ^  not  his  crown  nor  kingdom ;  i  Cor.j,  ^o.  Taul  mixes  this 
with  his  counfels,  ufe  the  world  as  if  yon  ufed  it  not,  p"ffe(^  as  if  yon 
poffeffed  not,  for  the  fajhion  of  it  pajfeth  away.  The,  love  of  Chr.ift  fweetens 
thefe  things;  nay,  the  fweet  of  them  is  Chril^s  5  he  lets  into  them  his  lovt 
and  his  fweetnefs,  &c.  Oh  the  peace  that  comes  by  this  means ,  when 
a  no  outward  evil  detrains,  and  no  outward  good  thing  adds  to  your 
blefifednef?  !  It  is  fo  in  it  felf  j  oh  that  it  were  fo  indeed  unto  you , 
Pfal.  2^  , 

Thirdly,  In  cafe  the  foul  comforts  it  felf  in  hopes  and  defires  after  good 
things  to  come  in  this  world ;  for  fomerimes  that  which  fills  the  heart,  is  not 
prefent  ;  a  man  findes  a  bottom  here ,  but  he  looks  for  things  to 
come,  and  fo  lancheth  out  his  heart  in  the  deep,  lets  the  rains  of  his  heart 
go  ftrongly  after  things  to  come,  and  fo  the  Lord  alone  doth  not  quiet  him; 
many  mens  bleffednefs  here  is  imaginary,  and  chiefly  becaufe  of  that  which  is 
to  come. 

Oh  cpnfider  when  it  will  be  found  to  be  bleflednefs  to  enjoy  the  Lord  alone, 
without  hope  or  defire  of  any  good  elfe  to  come  ;  thy  foul  ftiall  fay.  Let  me 
ever  fee  and  love  this  God,  and  none  elfe.  It  was  the  fweet  affection  of  Paul,  I  de- 
fire  miich  to  b:  withChriJl;  he  did  not  defire  thefe  things,  no  not  body  nor 
life ;  nothing  elfe  but  to  be  with  him;  and  that  rot  faintly  but  earneftly, 
2  Cor.<^.  I.  becaufe  he  was  now  abfent  from  the  Lord;  Oh  the  (inful  lu^s  of 
men!  men  think  themfetves  miferable  if  they  be  not  fatisfied;  and  they 
are  not  fatisfied  becaufe  Chrift  is  not 'enough  alone.  Oh  but  know  it,  he  will 
be  fo  fliortly ,  foul-fatisfying  bieffednefs  to  his  people  :  And  this  I  add, 
I  the   way  to  have  all  defires  fatisfied  >  is,  to  joy  in  Chrirt  alone,  Tfal. 

Fourthly,  In  cafe  of  all  fpiritual  wants  ;for  this  troubles  the  heart  above 
[any  other  thing;  thou  fayft  thou'  haft  fuch  wants  and  fucb  fins;  Oh  but  re- 
member 


opened  and  Af]^lkd. 


31 


member  this,  thou  lliakhave  thy  fill  of  him  hereafter;  .he;  is  abfeni:  now, 
but  thou  fhaltbe  with  him  ;  he  hides  his  face  now,  but  he  will  arile  upon 
thee' and  never  fet  lapre,  and  will  fupply  all  thy  wints.  Thus  theApoftle 
perfwades.  to  love  ;che  Scriptures,  ,t;hough  they,  g^v^  but  a  little  light ,  and 
they  Were  in  darknefs,  until  this  day-ftar  arofe;  fo'theh  all  darknefs  lliall  be 
aboliihsd ;  fo  the  Saints  complain,  If  a  Son,  why  fp  unlike  ChriH  ?  yet  re- 
member when  he  appear^  we  Jhall  t>e  ii^e  hlm.^i'^dhni'.i.  Co/.l.j. 
Obj^^.  Bm  thf^e  things  ^^f  Pf':f^^^,r  hovo  can  Ihe^  comem  now  ?  ' 
:  Jd^fw'a,  Carnal  i' He,a:rts 'feed  themfelv?s  chieBy  with  hopes,  and' falfe  hopes 
of  b^fecthings to  come  j;whyyviU  nac  y^u novy  with  t^is ?  %pm,'^,2^ ^.we rejejcs 
inhspey.^ndlive  by  ho'/e,,       •  ;,i  ^^ii\-)    ■  ...^  ,  ^'-  ,    ,;,_''     '  '' 

2. .Faith  mak^sthings:  abfent,  prefent,  Beb, ;i^ji^g.  JJieffawthe  froml[e's 
afar  ojji.y  ^nd  were:  perfwaded  and  eptbraced,  them ;-  fo  do  you  i,  ahd  tHe 
Lord  in  them  here  , ;  but  the  fruition^nd  poflTeflion  of  thofd  things  promifed 

is   more.'  :    J     .  ■  ,-^  :  '  r:;  .    ;.v. 

5,  Though  there  is  not  perfe6^. and  full  fruition  of  the  Lord  here,  yet 
it  is  in  part  here,  which  gives  unknown  fweetnefs,  Revel.  21.  23.  They 
need  not- .  the  Sun  ^  but  the  Lxmh  is  the  light  of-  that  Temple^  Pial.l  5.«/f. 

4.  What  though  the  Lord  keeps  thee  ftiort,  yet  for  his  fake  be  content 
whiles  he  keeps  thee  in  want ;  there  is  not  a  crofs  but  the  Lord  faith,  For  my 
fake  bear  it ;  nor  a  denial  of  any  rnercy,  nor  a  putting  by  any  prayer,  but  Chrift 
faith,  For  my  fake  be  content  with  it,  as  they  P/^/.  44.2a.  and  be  content  \a 
little  while;  glory  is  not  yet  ready  for  thee,  nor  thou  for  it ;' now  let  this. 
prevail  with  you;  be  content  to  be  afflicted,  buffetted ,  forfaken;  quieting 
the  heart  with  this,  I fhatl  one  day  he  with  the  Lord',  Chrift  was  thiis  jfor 

theev'  ■    •  '  -  -   ■-■    ^;.     '^    .■  -,      .■  .  •  ■  ■ 

And  as  for  yOu  that  never  had  jhejiiijt; to  receive  Chrirt  yet ;  oh  that  this 
thing  mighc  make  your  hearts  comej^flffrom  all^cfeatures  tohim ;  //-^.  55»5-^fy 
fhend.jou  yoarfmny-  for  no  bread^^'^n^^or^li^yphich  fatiifies  not ,  ^nd  for  that 
which  continues  not;  what  though  thou  lofe  Ijy  parting  with  thy  lufts ,  all 
comforts,friends,  favor  of  men,gain  ?  thou  (halt  find  all  thefe  in  him  ;  lofe  him> 
and  thou  canft  not£ndexhefe  inthem :  Oh  but  this  you  will  not  come  to;  but  yet 
remember,  ?p/.  81.11.  Heb,^.g.  and  therefore  is  there  any  foul  here  that  as 
Hannah  was  praying  for  a  Child,  fo  you  for,  Ghrift  alone  ?  1  offer  thee  ChriR; 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord  take  him;  thoucanft  not  exalt  Chrill  more  by  any  a6): 
than  by  faking  him ;  and  therefore,  as  hers,  fo  let  thy  heart  go  homequietted, 
mournnomore,  and  let  it  ever  bear  up  thy  heart,  as  the  ark  above  all  waters, 
that  thou  art  fhiptfafe  in  him. 


SECT.    XIV. 

OH  therefore  bfi  as  near  the  Lord  Jefus  now  as  you  can  be  in  th's  world  \  be 
as  much  alone  with  him  as  you  can  ;  there  will  be  a  very  near  conju^ion 
arid  communion  between  you  and  Chrift  another  day.;  and  herein  alone  lyes 
your  blelfednefs ;  you  are  yet  in  your  race,  and  abfent  from  home ;  yet.  be  as 

'near home,  and  reaching  after  the  price  of  your  high  t^lVng;  v^h'^  David 

'  couid  not  come  to  the  Temple,  yet  his  heart  was  as  near  it  as  it  could  ;  he  would 
be  coming  after  it,  and  accounting  them  happy  that  mi^ht  be  near,  even 
the  very  Swallows.     That  is  the  nature  of  love,  Where  it  cannot  go,  it  will 

i  creep  ;  it  will  be  as  near  the  thing  beloved  as  it  can :  So  here. 

■j'  The  Saints  when  they  were  caft  from  the  Temple,  when  they  could  not  go 
to  it,  yet  they  would  look  towards,  and  pray  towards  if  ;'i>k»i// did  it  though 

j  R  r  r   2  he 


f^   5. 


r3 


The  VOfMe  offh  Ten  Virgins, 


he  died  for  itj  ^^^W:',  rho'tigh  difcouraged,  and  thought  he  lliould  never  come 
there,  but  be  caftout  of  Gods  fight.  . 

facoh  ^ndjofe-ph,  though  they  might  hWd  had  honorable  burial  elfewhere, 
ye^  fu'ch  was  not  only  their  faith  in  the  prbmife,  but  theifi- love  to  the  Land  of 
pfbmife,  where  they  knew  God  intended  hisprefence,  that  their  very  bones 
rnuft  lie  there,  lfid.11.22>  when  they  couMnoc  livethere^  their  very  carkafles 

fhall  lie  ther6.     '  ^  V.        „      /     r     • 

This  w^s  the  pow^rof  the  timorous  faith  of  pfefh  ^m  Ntcodei^m'^sshzn 
they  hid lo[tth6  life 6fChrirt,  and  Chrift  vVas  departed)  yet  they  loved  and 
be^^^edthe  dead  body  of  Jefus ;  fo  though  you  have  ncgleaed  the;  Lotd,  yet 
now  be  as  near  the  Lord  as  you  can;  Chriit  himfelf.  when  he  was  to  depart 
from  his  people,  ytt  hfe  wdifld  be  as!  nttar  to  his  as  he  cOiiid ;  hence  fie  fends 
the  Comforter ;  Oh  fo  |)e  you  towards  him  I  I  know  his  love  to  us  exceeds  onrs 
CO  him  ;  but  there  is  no  reafon  why  it  ftiould,  for  we  are  vile ;  there  is  reafoti  ours 
{hould  exceed,  for  he  is  worthy  j  this  is  the  honor  of  the  Saints,  To  be  a  people 
near  to  him.  t,  as  it  is  the  curfe,  and  fhame,  and  mifery  of  all  the  world  to  be 

far  from  him.  .  ' 

Mens  hearts  lie  further  out  from  Chrift  than  we  are  aware  of  ^  fome  (hrs 
feem  to  be  within  a  hands  breidthcf  the  moon,  wh^n  they  are  indeed  faroflp, 
becaufe  of  our  weaknefs  not  able  to  judge  of  things  at  that  diftance ;  fo  it  is^with 
many  ;  my  riiany  of  Gods  own  people  are  far  off,  or  notnea?  enough  to  the 
Lords  And  hence  come  ^  '     .^ 

Firft,  Allaffliaions  for  the  moft  part;  why  ai-e  th&y  fenc  but  to  fetch 
you  in  from,  your  firayirigs?  hen«Je'J*jV.  23.4.  the  rod  of  God  comforted 
Davids  1  . 

;  Secondly,Hence  comes  your  fleeping  in  your  ftrayings  from  God  ;  z^Jomh 
that  went  away  from  the  f^ef^ncedf  the  w^^^  and  the  Lord  Jet  him  done  for 
a  time  5  I  know  there  arc  daily  ftrdyings;  But  to  lie  and  live  in  them  not  lamen- 
ted, ;this  argues  your  hearts  ate  |^ne,  a^^d^e  out  from  the  Lord,  at  leatt,  for  a 
time;  '";  ''  -'^  -  :       '  '    ^  -  -  - 


SECT.-  XV. 

Quefi.T  "jOw  jhouldwe  be  near  Unto  the  Lcfrd? 

L  X    j4n[w.  In  Four  particulars.  ,.,..,_ 

F'rft,  BeKcarto  him  tn  his  Providences  ;  the  Lord  is  Sjtceeding  neat  to  all 
men  thus,  (1/^^,17.27,28.  !»  him  we  /Iveafid  move, 3.sihQhcimisinih^  Sun, 
fo  as  he  may  be  felt;  it  is  wonderful  to  think  how  near  the  Lord  isro  men, 
not  only  by  the  immediatenefs  of  his  vertuS,  but  of  hisperfon  5  yet  they  are 
far  from  the  Lord,  and  men  are  to  feekfor  him;  hence  verf.50,31.  heper- 
fwadesunto  that,  efpecially  to  be  near  God,  not  only  as  a  Creator,  but  as  a 
Mediator,  by  whom  the  affairs  of  all  the  family  in  heaven  and  earth  are  or- 
dered. 

Oh  therefore  feekhim  till  you  come  fo  near  as  to  fee  him  and  find  him 
here;  1)at>ld{zw  this  really,  and  that  in  times  of  peace,  when  he  had  fat  pa- 
ftures  and  full  cups,  P/rf/.2-.  be  faw  the  Lord  ashis  Shepherd;  ph.io.i.  who 
is  known  of  his,  feeding,  leading,  reftoring,  comfortipg  by  rods,  adhering  co 
him  Ik  the  Vflley  of  the  (}adow  of  death ;  and  then  for  outward  things,  fur^  ifbing 
histlable^  annoiv  ting  his  head,  giving  necellicies  and  fuperfluicies ;  he  looAcd 
not  only  on  fecond  cauf?s,  but  faw  v.odas  really  doing  all  th^fe,  as  carnal  men 
fee  fecond  caufes  doing  thefe  :  Nay,hefo  fe(is  the  Lord,  as  that  he  falls  a  won- 
and  indeed  the  Lord  is  never  feen  in  his  Providences  till  then  ;  as 

Mar.oaii 


opened  and  Applied. 


!  Mamah  faw  the  ^ngd  d^  Wondroufly,^  '^^SJk  Lj.  I  p.  Pia  1:.  159.1^.  Mar  ve  Urns 
\ are  thy  work/^  verf.  17,18.  Hiotvfreciom/aret:hytho(ights\  he  law  from,  C-h 5 
Lords  works,  aad  gathered  aaidaa;  of  th©  thoughts  of  God;,  fofhouldwei;  and 
I  heiace  w;;e«  he  did  anvake.he,nvas,JiilLwithith,''  Lord.\  tbc  foft  thing  chat  ap^;$ared 
'was  the  Lord,  Ffal.j^^.z^^^^^z^.  .      ^  '■  ,-•  ;     ,        ,.  ,,  -; 

To  the  Ij^afe.fehe  Lord  ikinaafv  jbiot.cbcy,  cgsn not  reflect  upojii  their  owmafli- 
ons,  much  lefs  upon  the  Lord ;  The  Heathens  may  feerwfi  are  Gods.fitftfpiling, 
and  fee  God  as.a;  Creator  at  ^naeititnes  j'-hiit  tethsm  tbjt.|XBC^ef^  Gbriit*  f?g  and 
finde  oat  Chrift  asMediatairij  asi;cJlf&/f4,th,ardfiliir€di<3ifee  tjbe  Lord  paflaog  by 
him,  whom  he  had  feena  little  before::;]  ffuljfthd  X,oEdjinpr}  only  p^ffeih  by 
yoLT,  but  is  with  you  prodarmi^g  his  njnniaby,Ehevoy;ce.'0^his  Providence,  to- 
ward you,  patieiice^piey,  Iove„Jiruth,  wif^iom  ;dnd;yet  :Klity  rh^s  15  very  difiicuk 
ai}d  hard  to  fee.  .'      \  >  a[  •idiavlivoiq  ji>o'(  o?  b/u,  ^uo^  ^«i..f:>nio>3rifisdy/. 


snior 


f no  I  yd?  mo'jitl  o 

— '."'"•>d-c-    ■   ^'sbr.,;/ ■.'""    ::.■-•        .    -:r;,-.bb:[)i.>loJ  :)dj  ^injln:-: 

MEn  fee  not  Jefus  Chnil,  Firil,  Becaufe  fecond  caufes  feem  to  worl^  all ; 
This  eftate  my  friends  gave  me.or  my  laborgot  me ;  this  houfe  the  Car- 
penter built  forme,  thefc  pcovifions  my  money  bought  fonme ;  andJiub? 
creaturesiike  broad  leaves  hide  the  bou^^hs  of  the  glory  of  God  in  Chrift  on  which 
they  grow,  and  are  opake  an4!4'^H^e,  and  npt;tranfparent,  through  which  the 
foul  may  fee  the  glory  of  God  abroad. 

,      Secondly,  Becaufe  men  haveio  many  bu^l^e|J^§  ,a^4}f  a^^A^AE  th^y[^*JB 
have  ieafu  re  really  to  fee  the  Lord./   \\(^^:^^\^,^';,^".^^  ,^_^tX,  v 

Thirdly,  Becaufe  thereis  a  malice  in  all  ksfls  hearts  naturally  ^yvhid^-fuf- 
focates  all  that  which  may  be  knowno.f  fesiki '4i?^-:^'28i  Thy  deM^htedi.m 
to  retain  God  in  their  knowledge  5  the  works  of  Gqdgjr9\y.yjje giil^. fordid  thrc^g^ 
their  commonnefs  to  them.      ■  T         '■  .  =  ,'.i;r' .0,?   .-;   -  /  ■ 

Fourthly,   Becaufe  men  can  live  well  enough  without  him;  hence^ljikq,^' 
■siiilde  at  nurfe,  that  forgets  friend?  and  home^b^caufejt  is  vyejt  enough  without 
them  ;  thus  mens  minds  are  not  f^d  with  jfe-it^gughts  pf  )\\x^^Jer,i,.6,  :/'].    \ 

Fifthly,  Becaufe  Nature  nevjsr. heard, pfg  ;Iy|[ediaror:  governing  alltj^eJi: 
4ives,  and  comfort?,  and  all  j  they  feenoc  all  given  th^m;, by.  the  Almighty 
ijaaidof  Chrif},  wh^hath  all  fpvf^r  given  hptiin'hefiven^nd^iifArth  ^  and  who 
m.uli  reignjnot  only  over  friends  tiiitbey  are-^'^th?red,  but  os?-.^  his  enemies  al- 
fotill  they  are  fubdued,  and  to  queftion  this  is  tP  queftion  Chrift's  fitting  ^t'* 
Gods  right  hand.  He  is  owner  of  all,  and  difpoferof  ^U  to  the'  leaft  growth 
of  thy  (Mature,  and  the  moft  carelefs  fall  of  the  legft  hair ; .  to  d<5  ;npit  only  ,tha 
greateft,  but  the  meaneft  offices  of  love  for  thee. 

You  fay  indeed  you  believe  all  is  from  Chrirt  ;  oh  but  you  f<?e  it  not ;  •come 
near  therefore  and  fee  the  Lord,  P(f^/-. 8^ 9.  they  were  forty  ye.ir$  a  learning  that 
Man  lives  not  by  bread,  nor  is  warmed  bycloaths,  (T^.  and  though  they  had: 
marvellous  wondrous  works ,  yet  Dent. 2  g.  To  this  day  the  Lord  hath  not  givm : 
yoti  eyes  to  fee. 

Oh  therefore  labor  to  fee  who  it  is  that  nurfes  you  ,  guides  you,  tends; 
you,  leads  you,  teachethyou,  lays  you  down,'  and  takes  you  i^p ,  and  \tt 
c-be  works  of  Chrift  raile  up  your  minds]  to  thi  thoughts  of  Chrift  in  heaven,  I 
remembring  thee  in  his  Kingdom  of  glory,  who -might  forget  thee;  and  the  |j 
poorer  and  fmaller  the  mercy  is,  thi  more  do  tliou  wonder;  that  he  ftiould  / 
therein  be  a  fervant  unto  thee ;  fee  all  bleffings  growing  upon  this  tree,  fear- 
ed in  the  midft  of  Gods  Paradife ,  Rev.  23.^,4.  thoiigh  thou  layeft  thy  head 
mt\\  Jacob  uponftones,  andforrows,  yet  fee  this.hd'Jerof  cheJLords  prpvi-| 

dence' 


135 


134 


Tbe  FarahkoftbeTenVirgm^ 


dence  towards  thee  ;  common  bleflings  fometimes  defcending ,  fomecimes 
taken  out:  of  thy  hand  and  afcending,  and  the  Angels  of  God  with  thee,  mi- 
niftringto  thee  j  but  the  Lord  at  the  top  of  them ;  the  Lord  his  care,  his  love, 
in  all ; ,  and  let  not  this  be  a  dream^  but  a  reality  to  yOu.  It  is  a  wonderful  fin  to 
be  thus  unmindful  of  Chri ft. 

/:  :i;.  Becaufe  hence  all  whoring  from  Chrift  arifeth, //<?/.  2.8.  JW/.  2.1 2,  efpe- 
ciafly;  irf  times  of  peace. 

a.  HencetheLordis  forced  to  hedge  your  way  with  thorns,  and  to  bring 
you  to  extremity  of  troubles  that  you  may  fee  the  Lord,  //'^.^i.  17,18.  nay 
fometime  to  brmg  fuine,  //-3.5.i2,i5. 

And  truly  as  it  is  a  great  fin,  fgit  is  a  very  great  fhame,  Ifa.1.2.  The  ox 
k^om  his  owner ; :  is  the  Lord  the  owner  of  you,  and  do  you  not  know  him  ? 
when  he  comes  by  you,  and  to  you,  provides  for  you  ?  It  is  a  rsarfe  things 
\  faith  Chyfoflom^  to  he  compared  to  a  beaHthantohe  fo.  To  let  many  days  and 
Prreams  of  goodnefspafs  byyou,  and  yet  not  to  take  any  notice,  and  (Uilto 
befo  far  from  the  Lord:  I  know  in,  heaven  this  is  perfected,  and  then  comes 
acknowledgement  of  the  Son  of  God ;  but  here  you  may  be  near  him  •,  I  think 
onlefs  the  Lord  did  defcend  in  cloudy  pillars,  ajad  of .  fire,  fome  men  would  ne- 
ver fee  him. 


S  E  C  T.    XVII. 

Second Iy,|3  £  w^r  him  iphis  fromifes  -,  for  Chf ift  is  near  10  us  here  aIfo,i^<?»!;, 
*  .  JD  10.8.  the  word  fif  faith  is  nigh  thee  ;  fo  that  you  need  not  afcend 
to  bring  Chrifi  Aovfn  from  heaven^  &c.  When  Parents  are  dead  and  gone , 
children  will  then  fearch  out  their  laft  Will  aad  Teftament,  andpreferve 
that,  and  keep  that  near  them. 

Chrift  draws  near  to  hi$  people,  1.  In  his  Promifes,according  to  his  thoughts 
of  them. 

2.  In  his  performances,  joyning  the  foul  immediately  to  himfelf,and  filling 
it  with  himfelf ;  this  we  cannot  enjoy  yet,  the  Lord  laies  it  up  in  his  promife, 
which  they  have  in  liew  of  the  performance :  Oh  draw  near  not  to  words  and 
fyllables,  but  to  the  Lord  there,  apprehend  him  there;  as  it  is  with  the  Attri- 
butes of  God,  his  Glory  cannot  be  comprehended  by  us^  hence  he  manifefts 
himfelf  there  according  to  our  capacity  ,  God  manifefting  himfelf  feverally ; 
fo  in  promifcs  we  cannot  comprehend  Chriftas  yet ;  hence  Chrift  manifefts 
himfelf  in  his  glory,  in  fe\eral  promifcs;  Oh  embrace  him  there  ;  Heh.ii.^^ 
'Tisnotfaid  ih^vJihraham  And  Jacob  vers  heirs  of  Canaan^  but  heirs  of  the 
tromife  ^  and  Sarah  first  received  her  [on  tn  the  fromife  •  fo  do  you  em- 
brace Chrift  in  the  womb  and  bowels  of  the  promifes  ;.  we  Wvq  by 
faith  in  this  life  ;  and  hence  all  our  enjoyment  of  Chrift  is  firft  ia  thei 
promife. 

Firft,  Labour  to  draw  near  unto ,  and  enjoy  the  Lord  Jcfus  by  the  Pro- 
mife. 

Secondly,  Labour  to  enjoy  him  in  the  Promife. 
Firft,  By  the  promife  or  by  means  of  it ;  all  that  which  th^  Lord  conveys 
to  his,  is  not  by  mecr  providence  but  by  promife,  Tfal.  25.10.  He  was  free  be- 
fore their  calling,  but  now  he  hath  bound  himfelf  by  an  eternal  covenant,  to 
be  all,  and  do  all  for  them,<j^».i7«i.  Sorhat  the  Saints  may  and  fhould  bring 
all  their  empty  pitchers  to  the  wells  of  the  promife,  /fa..iz.^,  and  draw  out  f 
thofe  breajis^  ,  and  get  Chrift  Jefus  Spirit  in  your  hearts  by  them ;  now  lomc 
think  the  Promife  is  not  theirs,  hence  they  go  nor  thither  for  fpiritual  refrelh- 

ments. 


opened  and  J f  plied. 


35 


ments,  or  atleaft,  they  ler  other  things  cotn-e  by  providence,  efpecialiy  com- 
mon blefliugs,  without  going  to  the  promife  for  their  daily  bread,  or  lookino 
to  the  promile  ouc  of  whofe  bowels  they  are  begot,  Hf^.ig.  5,6.  the  Aportle 
there  fends  them  to  the  promife.     Or  elfe  they  ufe  not  the  means ,    or 
faint  in  the  ufe  of  it;  whereby  they  come  to  enjoy  th^  Lord  by  his  prom'fe, 
and  that  is  reliefs  wreftiing  with  Chrirt  by  prayer  for  ir,  (jef^,  32.12.  Thotifaldfi 
r  will  fur  ely  do  thee  good;  He  might  have  Taid,  I  have  a  promife^  what  need  I 
pray  ?  or  he  might  have  faid,  /  had  a  promife  of  fafe  convoy^   but  nor*  I  fee  the 
Lord  vi  coming  opit  to  br:a]^'it\  and  fo  he  might  have  perillied ;  yet  he  prays, 
jand  wreftles,   acknowledging  himfelf  unworthy  of  all  the  truth,  &c.     So 
\Nth.\.%,  Men  have  fo  little  of  Chrift  becaufe  fo  little  of  the  Spirit  of  Prayer, 
Jpreffing  Gods  promife ;  thou  h.ift  a  barren,  empty,  weak  heart,  becaufe  thepro- 
jmife  is  not  improved  as  it  lliould  be. 

j       Secondly,  Labour  to  enjoy  him  in  the  Promife  ;  fometimes  the  foul  hath 
|a  Promife  fair,  and  feeks  and  finds4K)t ;  now  the  heart  goes  on  to  feek,  but  is 
jcxceeding  unbelieving,  or  l^dand  troubled  whiles  it  doth  not  feel;  and  un- 
ijtfeartkful?.lfo,  and  accounts  it  felf  miferable  whiles  it  wants,  andfo  doth  not 
jgloryintheLord,  and  his  f-Cilneft,  Which  is  his  in  the  Promife,  unlefs  he  feels 
jthegood  come  from  the  promife^:  like  a  man  that  doth  notaccount  himfelf  rich 
[while  he  hath  it  in  his  treafure  ,  amoftjfafe.and  fure  place  where  it  is  kept  for 
jhim,  unlefs  he  gets  a  little  out  of  it  into;^iis  pockets;  andfearshefhallbeflain 
j  with  thirfl:,  though  he  ftandsbythe  Spring  and  that  be  full,  if  his  diih  be  empty; 
oh  this  is  vile,  Hf^.  1 1. 1 5.  Ibefe  received  mt  the  promife  /.^.things  promi- 
fed,yecfawthem,  believed,  and  embraced  them  »>.  in  the  promife.    You  fay 
you  are  finful  and  born  dowabyyour  diftempers,  andbafe,  and  poor;  I  fay 
you  have  power,  victory  overall  fin  and  mifery,  and  have  eternal  glory  al- 
ready in  the  promife ;  only  here  is  thy  wound,  you  think  you  want  ic  becaufe 
you  have  it  not  out  of  the  promife ,  though  you  have  ic  in  the  fwadling 
clouts  of  the  promife  lapt  up  there  ^  and  by  means  of  this  finful  diftemper  of 
.heart  you  partake  not  of  Chrift,  becaufe  you  apprehend  not  your  exceeding 
[great  riches  in -the  promife,  2  *Pff.  1.2.     zSam.2^.^.  God  made  aneverlafiing 
Covenant^  this  is  all  his  defire;  fweec  was  Davids  H^im.  2  Sam. '7.22,  ffho 
is  like  to  thee^  :\\\iznhQ  had  no  accomplifhment  of  the  promife ;  Oh  fo  do 
you  fay.     £Iek.6.ij..  The  Lord  hath  appointed  we  fbouldhave  flrongconfoUtion 
by  promife  and  oath,  not  by  dreams;  ic  was,  the  complaint  of  Chrift  ,  unle^ 
jottfee  figns  and  wonders  joh  will  not  believe  ;  fo  you  call  in  queftioD ,  like 
T homos y  unlefs  you  feel ;  Ohclofe  with  the  Promife,  keep  ic  as  moft  pre- 
cious; andthen'T'/^/.25.io.  Hefaithnot  to  them  that  keep  their  covenants 
I  or  their  feelings,  hwt  his  covenant  as  their  portlcny  and  get  the  Lord  to  under- 
take to  keep  it  for  them,  and  fo  make  fure. 


SECT.    XVill. 

5.  t  Abor  to  be  near  the  Lord  in  all  his  Ordinances  alfo))bth  privately  and  pub- 
L  lickly,  for  there  is  his  prefence,  Ez>ek.  f*lt,  ttlt,  Pfal.  26. 8-  he  not  only 
loved  Ciirilt's  prefence,  but  the  place  where  it  was;  it  was  an  argument  of  his 
integrity.  Pfal.102.1^.  They  dia  love  the  dnft  of  Sion:^  never  think  there  is  a 
time  of  mercy  till  then. 

Firft,  Be  with  him  in  fecretas  oftasyou  can,  prayer,  meditation,  daily 
calling  your  hearts  to  an  account;  time  hath  been  that  you  have-  been  fo, 
when  in  affliction,  or  at  firft  converfion ;  but  now  twenty  hindrances  ^  and 
now  you  cannot  only  negledy  but  think  you  have  reafon  fo  to  do ;  there  have 

been 


36 


The  F arable  of  the  Ten  firginfj 


been  tearsj  and  prayers ,  and  thoughts,  andpreffings  hard  after  the  Lord,  but 
now  no  words,  r.or  groans  i  you  women  have  children  to  fuck,  and  fami- 
lies to  tend  i  you  fervancs  love  your  fleep  rather  than  the  bofom  of  Ciirift  j  and 
though  Confcience  cry  out  againft  you  for  it,  yet  you  hope  to  be  better  one 
day,  andfo  you  grow  ftrangers  to  Chrift,  and  no  publick  Ordinances  profit, 
becaufe  private  duties  are  neglected, ; and  thy  heart  like  the  fluggards  gaidenis 
undrelied  ;  is  this  to  be  as  near  the  Lord  as  you  can?  no,  if  the  Lord  oves 
you,  look  for  the  death  of  thy  Husband,  Wife  or  Ghiide  fnortly  j  look  for 
terrors,  and  then  you  fhall  account  ir  an  honor,  if  you  may  but  once  more 
fpeak  to  the  Lord. 

Secondly,  Be  with  him,  and  as  near  hirftas  you  can  in  all  publick  Ordi- 
nances, and  not  only  to  have  them  (  which  fome  care  not  greatly  for,  be- 
caufe they  fee  no  glory  in  them,  unlefs  glorified  fouls  fbould  come  out  of 
heaven  to  be  members,  and  Mofes  and  Ellas  to  build  tabernacles  here,  and 
fobe  Elders)  but  come  through  them,  look  beyond  them  to  the  Lord ;  look 
at  them  as  empty  and  weak,  unlefs  the  Lord  fill,  and  be  powerful  in  them; 
David  did  enjoy  God  fecretly,  yet  there  was  more  in  publick;  hence  Pfal.6^.2, 
The  Saints  are  a  generation  of  Seekers,  Pfal.  6.3. ,  CM.y  [ohI  followeth  hard  af- 
tch  thee'}  mercy  a?idtrnth  follows  you  many  times  when  you  forfake  it,Ffal. 
zi.nh.  much  more  when  you  cleave'' to  it  .•  Hez,ekjah's  frame  of  heart,  I  fa, 
^h.ult.  isimirable^  e^^.i.  Chrlji  ^romtfed  to-  f end  the  C^^fr^f^^  >  '^^^f  ^t 
Je'-iifalem-^  as  there  they  did  in  prayer,  and  atlaiithe  Lord  came. 

You  have  forfaken  ail  for  Ordinances;  and  now  you  have  them,  youde- 
fpife  them;  I  confefs  they  are  mcer  out{ides,yet  the  Lord  is  there;t|iere  is  a  glory 
which  wife  men  can  fee  in  Ghrirt  in  the  manger.- 


SECT.   XIX. 


Founhiy,r  Ahor  by  thy  dejires  to  be  near  him  ^   %jv,  2i.20.  So  i 
*--*to  wait  fer  thy  change  all  thy  ///<?,  look  for  it,  i  Thef,  ij 


defire  as 
nit. 

1.  Chrift 's  defire  is  that  thou  wert' with  him,  when  thou  art  ready,  and 
when  thy  work  is  done ;  Ob  let  this  make  thee  to  defire  it  alfo. 

2.  If  you  cannot  keep  your  hearts  from  vain  hopes,  and  foolifh  and  noy- 
fom'  lufls,  without  defiring  him, do  not  then  defire  to  be  with  him ;  for  you  may 
defire  communion  with  lutts  and  Chrift. 

Objet^.  Bm  death  is  terrible^  and  fefaration  from  him  bitter  ? 
ey^njw.  Long  for  him  therefore  to  <:ome  and  then  take  thee ,   and  fee 
thou  defire  nothing  but;  him'  rebuke  thy  unwillingnefs  of  not  being  with  him. 
If  Chrift  was  on  earth,  you  would  hazard  your  lives  to  get  unto  him)  much 
more  herein. 

Obj.  But  what  will  become  of  Gods  name  } 

Anfw,  Let  the  Lord  alone  for  that;  whiles' thou  liveft  endeavoi^r  cothe 
utmoft ;  but  its  appointed  for  thee  a  little  feafononlyto  be  here,  and  be  wil- 
ling the  Lord  ftiould  honor  himfelf  alfo  by  others  as  well  as  by  thee. 
Object,  what  will  become  of  my  wife  and  children  .? 
Anfw.  Who  regarded  thee  in  thy  blood.?  when  thou  liveft,  they  are  thine; 
but  then  the  Lords. 

Defire  to  be  with  him,  this  will  fupport  your  hearts  in  all  your  changes  of  this 
life. 


SECT. 


J 


Ofened  and  Afflied. 


37 


SECT.    XX, 


i  '^fi  6'    *^Oti  that  never  received  Chnfiy  now  do  it. 
I  X       Obje£l.  Tes^  I  have, 

I  <tAnf-vi>.  No,  you  have  not  fo  received  hi  m ,  as  to  let  all  go  for  him. 
j  Why  fo  ?  becaufe  he  alone  will  be  bleflfednefs  ,  but  he  is  not  fo  to  thee ; 
I  Oh  therefore  let  all  g©  now;  you  muft  part  with  Chrirt,  or  all  :hefe  things. 
Which  win  you  do  ?  If  v\'ich  Chrift ,  you  cannot  finde  him  in  thefe  th'ngs  ^ 
I  but  if  you  part  with  thefe  things  ,  then  you  fhall  finde  them  all  m 
him. 

Object.  Bu%  he  Will  have  none  of  me"* 

Aniw.  I.  He  cries  down  thy    laying  out    money   for  what  \s  not 
Bread. 

2.  Hepromifesto  give  thee  to  drink ,  now,  and  hereafter. 


.^.^ 


CHAP.  XIX. 


Shewing:,  that  none  Jhall  enjoy  Chrift  hereafter ^bm 
thofe  that  are  frefard  here. 


VERSE  lo. 

They  that  were  ready  ,  Ito/^^o/j  frefared. 


SECT.   I. 

Hofe  only  who  are  ready  and  prepared  m  this  life  for  Chrift^  O^ferv. 
jl'atl  enioy  eternal  and  Immediate  commffnton  with  Chrlfi ;  * 
thoj^e  only  who  are  nopp  ftted  for  his  fellawjhlf  ,  ^all  farti^ke 
of  hii  feHow^l'-'tf -^  for  of  all  thefe  Virgins  (though  many  of 
them  were  otherwiie  very  well  qualified  )  only  thofe  which 
were  ready,  did  enter  in  with  the  Bridegroom  j  which  re-adi^- 
nefsin  thefe  wife  Virgins,  was  nor,  nor  is  not  any  PopiiTi  preparation, 
either  meritorious,  or  congruous,  orwroughcby  the  power  of  corrupted  or 
adorned  nature  ;  but  Divine  and  glorious,  wrought  by  the  power  of  Chrift, 
out  of  his  eternal  love  to  the  Veffils  of  glory ,  as  an  Antecedent ,  not  mo- 
ymg  caufe  of  this  eternal  fellovvfh  p  ;  it  is  thefirft  degree  of  our  Refurredli- 
on  With  Chrift.     B.em.  g.  23.  ■  Vc(iels  of  glory    prepared  unto  glory    ;     the 

Sff  fam^ 


1^8  t  ^^^  F arable  of  the  Ten  firgins, 

fame  word  which  is  ufed  here,  thereare  two  ends  God   hath  appomced    al! 
men  to;  either  to  be  Veflelsof  wrath;  who  are  thofe  f     Fe  fe  22.  Tlo^i 
that  are  fitted  for  defruBion',    others  of  glory;  who  are  ihofe  ?-   prcv^rcd 
mto  alory.    ^Cor.  <.  5.  with  8.  How  comes  ,T^W,    and  all  the  Saints    to 


% 


know    and  groan  for  to  bs  out  of  the  body  ,  and  to  break  the  Cage , 
to  be  with  the  Lord  f  one  reafonis,  they  are  wrought,   and  moulded, 
fafhionedfor  that  condition  by  the  hand  of  a  merciful  God  ,  even  as 
may  know  what  VefTels  are  for  fpecial  ufe,  by  their  mettai ,  and   curious 
gravings  upon  them. 


and 
and 
one 
en~ 


if.  I, 


SECT,    IL 

■  -  '        ■       \ 

)  Scaufe  fill  mens  foi4ls  are  nat'Arally  unft    ,    and  unfre fared   to  i 

w  enjoy  communion  with  Chrif}^  it  is  faid,  %jv.2i.n!t.  JVcthi^g 

enters  into  the  new  Jerufalem  on  earth  ,  which  is  uncleane ,  and  defi/eth  ;  and 

M.^o  11.  14.   T^itho'yit  holineffno  man  (fall  fee  God.     Now  naturally  all  men 

are  defiled,   and  unclean  Vefiels ,  and  under  the  power  of  their  fins  ,  loa- ! 

thing  Angels  food,  the  grace  of  Chrift,    and  weary  of  the   fellowfhip  of 

Chrift  ;   and  therefore  rheymutt  be  prepared  for  the  Lord  firft;  this  is  one 

reafon,  why  preparation  to  every  holy  duty  is   needful,    and  fo   needful, 

that  let  men  performe   any  holy  duty   ,    wherein  they  draw  near,  to  Chriii 

withc't  a  Jieart  prepared,  jyiz/.  10.17.    their  performances  are  rejected, 

or  iius.  bielTed ;  and  hence  Rehoboam^  though  he  did  maintaine ,  the  worlbip  j 

of  God  at  Jerufalemy  yet  he  prepared  not  hts  hearty   2Chron.  12. 14.  and] 

hence  Hez^ekj-^h  mournes,  and  begs  pardon  for  this,  That  he  is  mt  fo  p-i 

rified  according  to  the  purification  of  the  S.anBuary.     Now  if  to  a  holy  duty^  I 

and  communion  with  Chrift  here,  this  is  needful;  much  more  to  eternal  fel- i 

lowftiipwith  him  ;  fore  eyes  cannot  behold  the  Sun  w-thout  grief;  iick  bo-| 

dies  loath  the-beft  food ;   if  the  Lord  fhould  let  a  carnal  heart  into  heaven 

with  that  heart  he  hath  ,  and  not  change  his  nature,  he  would  not  iby  there] 

if  he  could  efcape ;  but  having  his  iwiniOi  nature,  he  would  be  in   his  mire 

againe ;  and  the  Government  of  Chrift  being  a  bondage  to   him ,  he  would 

break  bonds ,  and  break  his  Prifon ,  if  he  kiiew  where  to  fly  from  the   pre- 

fence  of  the  Lord ;    And  hence  no  work  fo  wearyfome  as  Chrift;  now  ,  no  | 

time  fo  uncomfortable  and  tedious    as  abiding  under  Chrifts  wings  in    his 

Ordinances  now.  l  Cor.  1 5,  50.  If  fie^  and  h^ood  canvM  enter  into  the  King-  \ 

dom of  heaven^much leffe corruption, 

Reaf,  2.  In  regard  of  the  rich  grace  and  wifd^m  of  his  love  torvards  his\ 
people ; '  for  who  fees  not ,  but  that  it  is  a  curfe  to  be  unready  as  thefe  foolifri 
Virgins  ,  who  were  therefore  fhut  outi  Oh  therefore  it  is  grace  and  mercy 
to  make  ready,  and  indeed  an  anfwer  to  prayers,  and  a  comfort  againftall 
fearesof  the  Saints,  who  are  then  deftrous  to  be  with  the  Lord  when  they 
are  indeed  ready ;  readinefs  for  Chrift  doth  not  deftroy  grace ,  but  being  a 
fruit  of  Gods  grace,  advanceth  it.  Rom.  9.23.  the  Apoftls  makes  it  the 
firft  fruit  of  glory,  that  the  Saints  are  prepared  mt^  glory ;  glory  of  mercy 
is  the  end ,  preparednefs  thereto  is  the  meanes ,  or  way  leading  to  that  end; 
if  God  appoints  the  end ,  his  wifdom  alfo  leads  firft  to  the  meanes  which 
lead  atlafttothat  end;  if  out  of  his  rich  grace  he  appoints  the  end,  out 
of  the  fame  grace  by  this  other ,  he  leads  to  this  end;  and  though  you 
think  it  not  now  grace  ,  you  (hall  fay  it  is  fo  another  day  j  when  vvith  thefe 
'  fooliili 


Opned  and  A^^lied. 


139 


'  f  00  li{h  Virgins.,  youfliallfay,  Oh  that  I  were  ready  I     I   know   not  almoft 
I  which  is  greareft  love ,  to  prepare  for  glory ,  or  to  bring  into  the  poffeffion 
I  of  it;  to   make  a  Veflel  of  poyfonous   drofs  a  VelTel  of  gold  ,  or  when  it 
i  is  fo,  to  fill  it ;  for  the  Lord  to  look  upon  a  man  when  he  :is  in  his  blood, 
and  then  to  wadi  him ;  when  a  man  is  as  water  fpik  upon  the  ground ,  and 
a  broken  Veffel  of  no  ufe ,   now  for  the  Lord  to  pity  j  and  fit  for  ufe  ,  it  is  ex- 
ceeding rich  grace.  •  ;    ■     :  i> 

'  ^'^liiafi  "^^  In  regard  of  the  honour  of  the  Lord  Je[w  ^  it  was  one  part  of 
the  honour  of  Chrift,  to  ha.vQjohfi  go  before  him;  and  Luke  i.-  17.  to  pr£- 
fare  a  people  ready,  for  the  Lord :  As  it  is  part  of  a  Princes  honour,  to  have 
his  Bride  ready  ,  and  attired  to  welcome  and  entertaine  him,  when  he  fhall 
return  to  her ,  fhe  owes  this  honour  to  him  ,  and  be  expe(^s  this  honour 
froni  her  ;  SotheLord  Jefus  deferves  this  honour  from  all  his  peopleto 
be  in  a  xeadinefs  for  him.  Suppofe  thtio.  Virgins  had  turned  Harlots,  and 
gone  a;  whoring  from  him  till  his  very  coming,  and  then  had  been  taken 
in  ,  what  might  the  world  thiiik  ?  doth  he  love  the  feilowlliip  of  Har- 
lots?; for  a  mans  heart  to  go  a  whoring  from  the  Lord,after  the  world,or  lufts, 
to  die  fo,  is  to  difgrace  the  Lord  Jefus ;  And  hence,  PhlL  ?.  17.  to  the  end, 
there  are  two  forts  of  men  profefling  godlinefs;  fomeminde  earthly  thims^ 
orhers  look  and  minde  a  Saviour  from  heaven  i  the  one  difgrace  Chrift,  and 
are  enemies  to  him ;  and  hence  Paul  weeps  for  them ;  the  other  are  his 
friends;  And  are  Princes  fo  far  refpeded  as  all  things  are  ready  for  them  ? 
and  is  the  Lord  worthy  of  no  fucb^Jpe£t ,  foas  that  his  People  then  iliould 
be  unready  ?    No,  know  it,as  he  faid,  LMal.  i .  He  is  a  great  King, 

The  particulars  wherein  this  readinefs  confifts ,  I  have  fpoken  of  in  the 
firft  Part  of  the  Parable  y  and  ftiail  now  only  fpeak  of  them  inthefubfe- 
quentUfe^,  .  y 


^-w^ 


_',..'  SE^CT,   IIL  •      ,      ' 

life  I.  f^F  terror  and  aHemjhment  of  hearty  to  all  thofe  that  are  yphslly 
\^  mready  y  that  have  no  readinejfe  at  all  to  meet  -,  or  to  havefel- 
lovpjhip  vffkh  the  Lord  Jefm  i    if  thofe  that  are  ready  be    received   m  ,  then 
thofe  that  he  unready  y  fhallhe  fhm  om. 

There  is  a  number  among  us,  yeungandold,  qf  all  forts  almoft  among 
us ,  that  fwarme  up  and  down  Townes ,  and  Woods ,  and  Fields ,  whofe 
care  and  work  hithexto  hath  been  like  bees ,  only  to  get  honey  to  their  own 
Hive,  only  to  live  here  comfortably  with  their  houfes,  and  lots  ,  and  Vi- 
suals, and  fine  -cloaths,  &c.  but  not  to  live  hereafter  eternally.  Suppofe 
the  Lord  fhould  flop  thy  breath ,  and  cut  thee  oflf,  what  would  become  of 
thee  ?  I  truft  to  Gods?rnercy ,  I  hope  I  fhould  go  to  Chrifl ,  though  I  am 
notafTured; ;  ;  but  are  you  reacfy  for  Chrift  ?  yes,  I  hope  lam;  Oh  poor 
wretch,  why  doft  hope  fo ,  if  thou  never  hadft  one  houres  ferious  thoughts, 
What  will  become  of  me  ?  or  how  fhall  I  be  ready  ?  feeling  thy  unreadinds 
I  and  unfitnefs  thereunto.  Or  if  thou  haft  had  any  thoughts ,  never  waft  pof- 
feffed  with  any  ftrong  feares  of  eternity  .^  and  feparation  from  the  Lord  Jefus, 
which  hath  damptthy  mirth,  and  funk  thy  heart,and  perplexed  thy  thoughts, 
and  made  thee  think  with  terror  upon  thy  confcience,  What  will  become  of 
me  ?  nor  made  thee  defirous  to  ask  others  that  queftion ,  as  it  is  com- 
monly one  of  the  firft,  though  but  a  common  work ,  to  think  of  dying  pre- 

Sff  2  ^  fently, 


K^Hmm^mOtimmmmmmm 


\- 


140 


The  Parable  of  the  Ten  Virgim^ 


fencly ,  I  have  lived  long  vvirhout  God    and  Chrift  in  the  world ,  and  dye   I 

miift  Oiortiy ,  and  what  will  become  of  me  then  ? 

But  you  have  flept  quietly  enough  in  the  ni^ht,  and  fung  care  away ,  and 

c^{\  feareaway  in  the  day,  and  thy  hearc  reverhad  one  houres   fit  of  fha- 

kin^and  trembling  at  eternity  tocom.e,  when  it  is  the  nature  of  truefear,' 
I  ever  to  have  the  eye  upon  what  it  feares. ,  till  it  is  taken  away  •,  andif  dif- 
j  ficulty  at:end  the  fame,  to  remove  it  ;_  it  cannot  be  (juiet ,   but  will    cry  for 

help,  if  pofTiblyhelp  may  be  had;  this  you  never  did:     No  ,  thou  never 

hadn  fo  much  as  th^fefoolifh  Virgins,  viz..  to  beavvakened  at  all,  bat  a 
t  fpiric  offlumber  hath  been  upon  thee;  God  hath  given  thee  eyes ,  but  thou 

canfi  not  fee;  eares,  and  thou  canft  not  here;     Thoufayft  (it  may  be)that 

thou  doll  hope  thou  art  prepared  ;  alas,  thou  hafl:  not  a  Virgins  name; 
i  much  lefs  nature ,  nor  doft  not  deferve  it  neither ;  thou  haft  not-  forfaken 
I  thy  loofe  company  ,  nor  yet  come  to  the  company  of  the  wife  ,    r.either 

doftthou  defireit,   or  think  thy   felf  unworthy  of  it;    thy  Lamp  is   out; 

nay,  thou  never  hadft  any  light  at  all ,  'never  mad'ft  profefTion  at  all ,  as 
fof  one  ready  for  Chrift  ;  but  Opoore  wretch,  all  is  yet  to  do  with  thee  I 
I  if  lb,  then  remember  that  if  thoudieft  now,  thoufhalt  never  have  com  mu- 
I  nioii  with  Jeius  Chrift  in  glory. 


SECT.    IV. 


Objea. 


can 
will 


Mat  If  I  have  not  f 

Anfyv,  I  know  it  is  the  mifery  of  men  ]  they 
make  nothing  of  this  till  they  feele  it  j  But  two  things  I 
fay., 

I.  Do  but  confider  ^hat  if  thou  ftiouldft  be  deprived  of  the  light  of  the 
Sun;  nay,  only  of  bread,  only  that  one  creature,  and  have  cloaths,  Sun, 
Friends,  all  other  blefTmgs  but  that;  would  it  not  be  a  wo  with  awitnefs, 
would  it  not  cut  a  mans  heart  to  heare  him  cry^ ,  Bread ,  bread ,  a  little 
bread  for  the  Lords  fake,  tofave  my  life/  there  is  but  a  drop  of  the  fweet- 
nefs  of  Ghrirt  in  that.  Oh  what  a  mifery  will  it  be  to  pine  away,  and  fa- 
mifli  under  wrath  in  chainesof  darknefs,  and  to  cry,  Ob  a  little  refrefhing 
jfrom  the  prefence  of  Chrift,  andcanftnot  get  it,  but  to  live  ever  tor- 
mented without  that ,  when  thy  foul  {hall  cry,  Lord,  thus  long  have  I  been 
tormented  without  thee ,  till  my  fpirits  are  weary,  and  my  heart  faint;  Now, 

O  now  a  little  mercy,  -Oh  no. 

2.  That  though  thou  feeft  it  no  great  matter  to  be  feparated  from  Chrift 
now,  yet  when  the  heavens  {hall  be  in  a  flaming  fire,  and  the  earth  fhall 
give  up  the  dead  that  be  in  it,  and  Chrift  fhall  appeare  in  infinite  glory,  ad- 
mired of  Angels ,  blefTedof  Saints,  Crowned  of  God ,  comforting  hisE- 
le6t ,  Come ,  oh  come  ye  hie  fed ;  then  you  {hall  think  this  feparation  fome- 
thiiig.  Oh  that  you  would  now  so  hom.e  and  mourn  ,  and  look  up  to  the 
Lord,  that  he  would  make  thee  ready  a  Veffel  of  honour  ,  and  acknowledge 
it's  righteous  with  him,  if  he  fhould  never  do  it. 


SECT. 


J 


opened  and  Jfflied. 


SECT.    V. 


yfe  z,  T  T  is  of  examination  to  all  the  Virgins ;  fVeuU  jou  kttovp  yphe- 


r. 


thi^r  the  Lord  will  bring  yot4  to  eternal  fellow^i^  with  him?  are 
I  Yoti  ready  for  him ,  made  fit  to  live  yvith  him  or  no  ?  for  here  only  thofe 
[which  are  ready  ,  are  received  in  ;  the  foolijh  Vrrgins  did  lie  fo  long  afleePy 
i  th^t  little  did  they  thinks  they  were  unready  ,  nntill  the  Bridegrooms  came  , 
\and  it  was  too  late.  Icis  the  condition  of  many  at  this  day,  that  little 
[dream  of  their  reparation  from  Gh rift ,  and  yet  fhall  be  when  he  comes  j 
itut  they  have  fome  hopes  and  a{rurance;they  look  to  meet  the  Bridegroome 
when  he  /liallcome,  and  fo  fall  into  afweetfleep;  a  comfortable  conditi- 
on ,  untill  the  Lords  coming,  puts  them  upon  more  narrow  fearching  than 
ever  before;  that  which  many  ^hink  goIdnovV,  fliall  be  found  hay  ,  and 
ftubble,  and  confumed  to  nothingat  the  coming  ofChrift;  therefore  fearch 

now. 

I  know  there  is  many  a  gracious  fOuIthat  is  ready,  feares  to  flip  in  at 
the  paflage  over  that  narrow  bridge,  between  life  and  death ,  this  end  of 
time,  and  beginning  of  eternity  ,  and  loth  I  am  to  fad  any  ;  bur,  heare 
whic  IHiall  now  fay  infearej  when  there  are  thefe  three  things  in  the  foul, 
then  it  is  ready  ;  whiles  any  are  wanting,  it  is  unready  5  And  by  thefe  try 
yourfelves- 


SECT.    VII 


W  Hen  the  foul,  theSpoufeof  Cbriftis  made  lovely  by  its  Wed- 
ding Garment,  the  Royal  Robe  of  his  o^n  righteoufnefs  in  the 
^eyes  ofChriil;  for  this  Bridegroom  ,  though  he  findes  his   Spoufe  filchy ,, 
yec  he  being  glorious  and  lovely  himfelf,    makes  it  lovely  and  glorious ,  Efh. 
5.  25,26.     A  Queen   fit   for  the  tellow^hip  of  this  King  of  Kings  ,    and 
thorow  this  righteoufnefs  ( though  of  herwife  weak  and  vile,  yet)  the  object 
of  his,  and  the  Fathers  infinite  and  endlefs  delight  in  heavenly  Glory ;  now 
it  is  fit,  Zach.  3.  1, 2,  3, 4, 5^.  2  Cor.  5.  2,  :?.      Without  this  righteoufnefs, 
there  is  nothing  but  fhameful  naJcednefs  in  the  beft ;    fo  as  the  foul  with  ^- 
dam  y  will  rather  feek  bottomesof  Mountaines  to  hide  it  from  Ch rift,  than 
to  appeare  before  him.     NowexamineyouSaintsj  time  was  ,    that  finne 
was  no  fhame  to  thee ,.  though  thou  didft  wallow  in  that  Vomit  ,  and  livedft 
in  it,  and  livedft  by  it  as  by  thy  Trade ;  or  if  the  Lotd  did   keep  and  cleanfe 
you  from  foule  fins,and  that  you  could  pray,and  forrow,and  know  and  remem- 
ber what  you  heard,  and  had  fome  good  arfe^tions ,  now  you  were  fome  bo- 
dy in  your  own  eyes,  and  it  may  be  you  thought  if  you  died  then, you  iLou  Id 
to  heaven ,  and  Chrift  muft  needs  fave  you  -,  who  fhould  he  fave  elfe  ?    but 
now  the  Lord  hath  made  thee  poor  in  fpirit ,  andafhamed;  nay,  the  Lord 
hath  made  thee  lie  down  confounded ,  becaufe  of  all  thy  (hame  before  him  ; 
and  the  Lord  hath  made  thee  fee  a  glory,  a  rifing  Sun  in  Chrifts  righteouf- 
nefs which  the  Gofpel  hath  brought  to  light ;    though  thou  wert  a    poor, 
naked,  condemned,  vile  creature-   yet  the  Lord  hath  made  thee  feck  for  it, 
fo  as  to  efteem  all  things   lofs  to  be  found  there ,  and  now   here  is  all  thou 
haft  toglpryin,  as  that  which  may  make  thee  lovely  in  the  Fathers  fight ; 
and  here  the  Lord  hath  quieted  thy  confcience ,  and  heart  alfo  i  be  not  dif- 

coiira^ed , 


141 


— .  • 


142 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgim. 


1  cou  raged,  nor  afraid  to  ftand  before  the  Lord,  if  he  fhould  fend  for  thee! 
this  night ;  for  though  thou  arc  vile  in  thine  own  eyes ,  yet  the  Lord  looks  | 
upon  thee  as  lovely.  j 

TheApoftlemakesa  queftion,  why  the  Gentiles  are  juftified,  and  not  the! 
Jewes,  Rom.  1^.  -^o^  7,1,  he  anfwers  it,  verfe  32.   viz.  they  fuught  it  hy  the\ 
work^t  of  the  Law ;   but  if  it  be  otherwife  with  thee ,  that  in  Chrift  thy  righ-  ^ 
teoufnefs  and  ftrength  is ,  then  thou  mayft  glory  ;  fo  that  now   thou   flialc 
have  peace  againe ,  againftall  the  condemning  of  confcience,  Satan,  and 
God  himfelf. 

But  have  you  feen  your  nakednefs  ,  known,  and  flood  convinced  of  your 
viienefs,  and  have  heard  thevoyce  of  God  condemning  thee  for  thy  finful, 
though  civil  life,  and  been  afraid,  and  hereupon  you  have  reformed  your 
life,  lamented  yourcourfe,  fee  upon fome duties  ,  gone  to  Chrift  for 
ftrength  againft  fome  corruptions ,  and  you  have  had  it ,  and  you  have  look- 
ed about  you ,  and  have  been  ready  to  fay ,  If  the  Lordfaves  not  me ,  .who 
fhould  he  ?  and  fo  have  fowen  thefe  leaves  and  skinnes  together  to  cover 
yourfhamej  and  now  you  are  well,  being  ft  rangers  to  this  true  righceouf- 
nefs ,  you  Ihall  never  fee  the  Lord  in  pea^e ,  if  you  die  thus.  Or  if  thus,  you 
fee  not  Chrift  to  be  all,fin  is  not  your  l'hame,but  you  lie  in  it,and  holinefs  is  not 
your  glory;  and  hence  you  efteem  it  not  ,  but  it's  a  common  thin^  to  you, 
if  that  was,  then  it  would  be  your  glory  to  be  like  Chrift ,  and  to  live  to 
him:  Know  it  thou  art  not  yet  ready  ,  for  thou  only  feeft  the  Gar- 
ment ,  and  you  catch  at  it  ,  but  the  Lord  helps  you  not  by  faith  to  put 
it  on. 


SECt    VII, 


T  7T  THen  the  foul  is  filled  with  the  Spirit  of  Chrift ;  when  there  is 


not  only'fome  of  the  workings  of  the  Spirit  in  the  foul ',  but 
the  foul  is  filled  with  the  Spirit ;  for  this  was  the  wound  of  the  foolifti  Vir- 
gins ,  they  had  Lamps,  outward  Profeflion ,  and  glorious ,  which  was  a 
work  of  the  Spirit ,  and  fome  dipping  of  their  week  in  the  oyle ,  ^£ome  ligh- 
ter fuperficial  changes,  and  works  of  grace  in  their  hearts ;  but  they  had 
not  oyle  in  their  VelTel ,  they  had  not  plenty  and  fulnefs  of  the  Spirit ;  fome 
unripe  eares  there  were,  but  not  full  3  anS  hence  they  were  to  buy  when  the 
Lord  Jefus  came^  but  the  wile  had. 

The  blood  and  righteoufnefs  of  Chrift,    ever  brings  the  plenty  of  the 
Spirit  of  Chrift^    hence  2  Cor.  5. 5.  earned  of  the  Spirit. 

Ifpeak  not  now  of  extraordinary  fulnefe,  which  Prophets  and  Apoftles 
had,  nor  of  that  fulnefs  which  is  in  glory,  as  if  we  muft  have  that  here, 
but  of  that  which  the  Saints  attaine  to  in  this  life  ,  every  one  according  to 
his  need  and  meafure  of  capablenefs of  the  fame;  the  Spirit  of  love  is 
not  dropt,  but  fhed  into  the  heart;  the  Spirit  of  God  in  them,  is  not  a 
Spirit  of  fome  light  afFeftion,  dying  aflfe^ion,  but  of  eternal  life,  Rom.%. 
2,3.  Thefpiritof  m.ourning  doth  not  only  drip  upon  them ,  hnt  it's  ponred 
down  tipoft  them,  Zach.  t2.  10,  the  fpirit  of  wifdome  doth  not  only  give 
them  light  and  knowledge  ,  i^ut  OHarvellom  Light,  i  Pet.  2,9. 
I  have  opened  this  at  large ;  only  three  fignes  now  I  fball  give  you  to  difcerne 
this  Spirit  by. 

q^   JD  Vy  X  • 


Ofened  and  Jfflied. 


Hi 


SECT.   VIII. 


THls  Spir:t  i^nd  falnejfe  cf  It  ,  the  Sainis  not  or.ly  jr^y  for  ^    hm 
follow  their  jraytrs  to  Chrifi  ^  untillth  ir  [ou,ls  are 


I  hey 


fweetly  fatisficd 
'With  ity  a-fid  [o  It  abides  dad)' fati^fjing  their  hearts.  John  4. 1 4.  'fhewz- 
ter  I  [hall  give  ,  [hall  be  a  jfri/^g  y  jo  as  ,hc  jonl  [hall  not  thirjr  after  mon 
Ifrrae^  i.e.  with  atormencing tbirfi;  nor  after  rhe world  •,  ths  grace  of 
ood  ,  and  theSpiric  of  Gcd  in  ihe  heart  isfofvveec  ,  thac  the  fouie  faith, 
j  Oh  it  is  enough,  oh  if  my  foul  might  ever  be  thus  near  the  Lord,indeared 
to  him ,  walking  thus  humbly,  thankfully,  cheerfully  with  him  ,  this 
itbouldbe  all  my  dehre^-and  hence,  John  14.  16,  itis  called  the  Com  or- 
ter ,  which  dwells  in  them ,  and  is  knjwn  by  them ,  the  world  knows  ic  not. 
•Now  here  is  the  wound  of  others ,  they  have  the  Spirit  convincing  them  of 
iemptineis,  m'fery,  nakednefs,  and  they  lie  lb ,  and  theydeiire;  but  as  So- 
\lomon  faith,  frov^iT^.  4.  They  are  forjakenof  the  Spirit  y  before  they  finde 
{him  to  be  a  Comforter  qnenchmg  their  thirjiy  defres  ,  making  them  to  fesU 
the  fmetnefs  of  hi^  ^refence  ^  of  his  Grace.  Ifa.  ^8.  Ii.  There  were  divers 
chat  did  pray  ,  faft,  draw  near  to  God  ,  and  did  delight  in  it ,  but  they  fek 
not  what  they  defired  at  all;  there  were  feme  lufts;  their  fouls  were  leane, 
andiike  parched  defar  ts  ;  but  when  the  heart  is  indeed  humbled,  the  fpiric 
comes  in,  and  makes  the  bones  fat,  ^  and  like  a  watered  garden ;  Oh  there- 
fore take  heed  you  give  not  over  J  till  the  Lord  pour  out  in  thy  empty  heart  , 
of  thefuinefs  of  his  grace. 

2.  This  Sfirit  ever  ke^ps  aman  poor  and  vile  In  his  own  eyes  ,  and  em- 
pty. Take  a  man  that  hath  no  knowledge ,  nor  cafte  of  Gods  'grace  ,  whiles 
nefindes  ignorance,  he  may  pray,  and  be  diligent  inuie  of  means,  and  full 
of  life  ;  but  when  he  hath  got  fome  knowledge  ,  and  can  difcourfe  pretty 
well  i  and  hath  fome  talies  of  the  Heavenly  Gift ,  fome  fweet  elapfes  of 
grace ,  and  fo  his  confctence  is  pretty  well  quieted  ,  and  if  he  hath  got 
fome  anfwer  to  his  prayers,  and  hath  fwe^c  affeiViohs ,  he  grows  full  ,  and 
having  eafe  to  his  confcience,  cafts  off  fence ,  and  daily  groaning  und-rfiri; 
And  hence  the  Spirit  of  Prayer  dies ,  he  lofes  his  elfeeme  of  Oods  Ordi-- 
nances,  feeles  not  fuch  need  of  them,  or  gets  no  good  ,  feeles  no  life  and 
power  by  them  ;  and  whereas  before  he  could  citch  at  every  word,  and  mourn 
when  he  found  the  Lord  pafled  by  him,  and  fpeak  never  a  good  word  to 
him :  now  no  fuch  trouble,  b^caufe  he  is  full.  This  is  the  woful  corid  tion  of 
fome  ,  but  yet  they  know  it  not ;  but  iiow  he  that  is  fiiled  with  the  Spirit , 
the  Lord  empties  him ,  and  the  longer  he  lives ,  fo  that  others  think  he  needs 
not  much  grace ,  yet  he  accounts  himfelf  rhe  pooreft  ,  and  feels  a  need  of 
everv  truth  of  God  ,  and  Ordinance  of  God ;  his  fm  ('tis  true)  continues, 
'tis  notquiteaboliibed,  and  his  fighing within  himfelf  continues  alfo  to 
his  grave.  Ifa.  57.  i  <j.  foore^  and  yet  the  Lord  dwells  there  -^  how  can 
thefe  (land  together  ?  very  well  in  thofe  who  are  the  Lords. 

5.  This  Spirit  comes  in  thaf  fftfneji,  as  that  it  fo  purifies  the  heart  of  fijn 
and  [efi^:  as  that  it  makes  the  joul  fet  it  f elf  for  God  ,  as  his  lafi-  end  and 
happinejfe  ,  and  fo  as  that  the  worl^  of  Chrifl  ts  his  blejfedneffe.  2  Tim.a. 
20,  21.  He  that  ptargeth  himfelf  from  thefe  things  -^  is  a  Veflelof  honom  ^ 
and  fit  for  his  Maftcrs  ufe.  It  is  with  fome  fouls ,  as  it  is  with  fome  drofly 
Veffels,  they  are  put  out  of  the  fire ,  and  they  are  taken  out  before  their 
drofs  is  removed ,  or  they  melted,  or  if  melted,  yet  not  fafhioned  forufe, 

even 


144 


The  f  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins, 


even  to  every  good  work  ;  fo  fo.Tie  have  threat  troubles  vvichouc  ard  vvichm-  ; 
now  the  fire  goes  out,  or  they  get  out  of  ih3  fire  ;  viz..   the    trouble  ,   b:- ■ 
fore  their  drofsis  removed  ,     or  their  finful  natures  bs  changed':  or  it  they  ■ 
be  melted    yet  they  are  not    f^lliioned ,  and  framed  for  their  Mailers    nfe 
only-  they'are  for  cheirovvnufe,  and  their  lufls  ufe ,_  and  feek  themfelves  in  ; 
all  they  do,  bucnot  for  the  Lords  ufe  ;  it   is  not  their   life  to  live  to  God,  ■ 
Promifes  arefweet,  and  Chrift  is  fvveec,  and  Heaven  is  fweet ;  but  the  work'; 
of  ChrilUo  be  of  ufe  for  Chrift,  this  isnot  their  blifs:     I  know  Saints   fallj 
fhort  here  much,  and  feek  themfelves ;  but  yet  their  hearts   are   prepared,! 
fafhioned,  fetfor  this  end,   and  they  throui^h  the  help  of  the  Spirit,  refine  j 
themfelves  for  the  Lord-,that  when  fin  defires  them  to  ferve  ir,No(their  anfwer ' 
is )    I  am  no  debtor  ,  nor  fervant  to  you  ;    I  have  lived  too  long  to  you  , 
1  already,  I  am  now  che  Lords,  and  for  the  Lord  ;     Oh   that  I  m.ighr  have  j 
that  honour  as  to  be  employed  for  him  5  I  fay  unto  you,  the  Lord  hath  here! 
filled    you  ,     and   fitted   you  for    h's    ufe  ,    and    you  may    be  com.-| 
forted. 


SECT,    IX. 


^,  \'X"  7  ^^^  the  foul  is  recovered  out  of  that  [ecurity  ,  which  nfually  befalls 
VV  men  difurfome  time  of  firfi  ^jfe^iopj  and  -^rofeffion^  in  that  mea- 
fure^  oi  that  now  it  lives  nnto  the  Lord  in  a  daily  waiting  for  him ,  an>4 
lo'/}gingfor  him  y  rehen  ths  Lord  jees  it  m&et  to  come  and  take  him  to  hiwfelf. 
For  a  J 1  rhefe  Virgins  fell  afleep  ,  after  they  came  out  to  meet  the  Bridegroom ! 
with  their  burning  Lamps;  and  not  only  the  foolifh,  but  the  wife  alfo  flept. 
Now  I  ask  you,  Do  you  think  they  were  ready  then  for  the  Lord?  No,  not 
untillihcy  were  awakened  againe,  and  the  wife  had  got  their  Lamps  burning 
againe,  and  waiting  for  hims  but  yet  the  fooliilihadgot  not  only  nolighc 
to  their  Lamps,  but  Oyle  was  wanting  alfo  to  their  Veffels  ;  So  it  is 
here. 

Time  hjth  been,  that  the  Lord  hath  awakened  you  with  feares  and  terrors 
about  your  eftate ,  and  you  have  got  into  the  aflemblings  of  the  Saints  toge- 
ther,  and  kept  company  with  them ,  and  you  have  efcaped  the  outward  pol- 
lutions of  the  world,  and  defilements  of  Godsworfhip  and  fervices  ,   and 
you  have  feen  the  infufficiency  of  all  duties,  and  it  is  Chrift  you  have  look't  j 
after ,  and  prayed  for  ,  and  got  fome  peace   and  comfort  that  he  is  yours,  | 
and  have  look't  to  meet  him  ,  hoped  if  you  die,  that  you  fnould  be  faved  ; 
but  have  you  not  fain  into  a  fecure  frame  againe    ,    both  wife  and   fool  £h  ? 
have  you  not  turned  Prodigals,  andfpent,  and  loft  all  ,  after  you  have   had 
your  portions  ?  if  not,  thank  God,  be  not  high-minded  ,   but    feare^  fori 
very  few,  but  after  fulnefs  fall  afleep;  and  after  they  have  had  fomepeade.  ofj 
confcience,  buttheyfall  to  enter  into  fome  peace,  if  not  with  fome  foulo-' 
pen  fins ,  yet  fome  truce  with  fome  lefler  fecret  fins ;   and  if  their   oyle  be 
notffcnt,   their  forrows  fpent  in  forrrowing ,  their  trouble  fpent  in    trou- 
ble,  their  defires  fpent  in  defiring  (as  water  fpendsawayit  felf  in  running 
out  of  a  Cifterne ,  not  out  of  a  Spring  )  yet  their  light  bath  gone  out ;    the 
beauty  of  thy  profcflion  is  (^  it  may  be  ;  loft ,  that  heat  and  life  is  gone  which 
others  faw ,  and  you  faw  much  more  .•  are  you  ready  now  ?  and  though  you 
may  have   fome  awakenings  ,    yet  are  tbey  fo  far    as  to  caufe   you  to 
get  up  ,    and  kindle  your  Lamps  ,    and  waite  for    the  Bridegroome  > 
Ifitbefo     that  ftill  you  keep  fleeping  ,    and  have  not  your  Lamps 
'  ready 


Opned  and  Affiled. 


45 


ready  tEimm'd  ,    then  you  are  juft  as  all  the  fooliih  Virgins  were,  before  the 
cry  came. 


SECT.      X. 

Quefti  'Vyj{'T  may  not  a  godly  man  die  in  a  iicelinm&;^  decaying  ^  fecare 
JD    frame  ? 

nyfnfro.  1.  He  may  die  in  an  uncomfortable  frame,  without  great  peace 
of  confcience  y  forfometimesa  mans  Lamp  may  Ihine  brighteft,  when  his 
peace  is  leaft ;  but  the  more  prayer ,  the  more  fearchings  and  walWng  of 
heart  is  then  to  be  attended  ;  a  godly  man  may  die  mourning  for  ought  I 
know,  and  the  Lord  give  him  his  garment  ofgladnefsin  Heaven,  for  the 
fpirit  of  heavinefs  here  on  earth  ;  becaufe  though  he  lofeth  the  comfort  of 
his  eftate  ,  yet  not  thefafety  of  it,  becaufe  he  dyes  undei"  the  wings 
of  a  Promife  ;  So  that  though  he  dyes  uncomfortably  ,  yet  not  fe- 
curely. 

2.  He  may  dietiohis  feeling  in  fuch  a  frame,  poor,  and  contrite  ;  for 
growing  in  the  fence  of  emptinefs,  is  not  decaying  in  the  being  or  power  of 
holinefs ;  the  Lord  is  now  preparing  of  him  to  honour  his  grace ,  when  he 
doth  not  help  him  to  honour  his  Will  in  that  inlargednefs  of  heart  to  it  as 
he  would,  fo  that  this  foul  is  not  decaying. 

5.  But  yet  I  do  not  know  that  the  Lord  lets  his  people  die  ordinarily  in  a 
withering  condition ;  efpecially  if  it  appear  fo  toothers  of  his  difcerning  fer- 
vants;  the  Lord  will  fend  fome  cry  to  awaken  his  fervants  before  he  comes 
to^them ,  or  they  enter  into  the  Marriage  with  him :  I  will  allow  fo'me  unu- 
ftial  exceptions  againft  general  rules ,  and  put  in  Afa  for  one,  and  leavefe- 
crets  with  God  i  but  ordinarily  the  Lord  doth  not  let  his  deare  Servants  dye 
in  a  fottifh  fecure  eftate ;  When  Sarrj-pfons  locks  are  cut ,  and  his  ftrengch 
loft,  hefliall  lie  in  the  Mill  untill  they  be  grown  againe  before  he  dies;  and 
5o/ow<7;2  may  run  ryot,  but  he  fhall  proclaim  his  folly  to  all  ages  in  the 
world  for  it,  in  Ecclef.  before  he  dies.  Ephe[,  j.  2<^,  27.  Chrifi  pre  ferns 
his  Church  wlthom  wrinckje 't  you  are  to  be  prefented  by  Chrift  to  the  Fa* 
ther ,  and  to  be  fet  before  Chrirt  without  wrinckle ,  without  witherings ,  and 
decayes  j  if  he  loves  you ,  he  will  walli  you  ,     that  it  may  be  fo. 


Queft. 


A>Tfrx>,  Yes,  in  fome,  meafure  at  leaft  J  for  there  are  awakenings  to  the 
life  of  glory  in  another  world ,  and  awakenings  to  the  life  of  duties  in  this 
I  world  ;  by  the  one  the  foul  is  raifed  out  of  this  world  to  the  Lord  in  ,Glory ; 
by  the  other  the  foul  is  raifed  up  to  duties  in  this  world;  if  the  Lord  awakens 
jnot  his  Saints  ro  the  firft  ,  either  they  are  not  awakened  truly,  or  not  through- 
ly and  erfe^lually  ;  for  till  then  the  foul  is  not  ready  ,  Luk^  12.  40.  vvirh  7,^, 
[As it  is  with  a  man  who  isfent  for  to  enjoy  favour  and  fellowfhip  of  the 
JKing,  he  is  not  ready  for  it ,   untill  he  ftands  waiting  at  the  door ,  and  that 

Ttt  it 


SECT.    II. 

■    ■-.■■ 

ZfT  mtffi  they  bef)furre  awakened,    as  to  wait  far  the  Lord , 

anddejireto  be  with  him  y  having  got  Vef els  full  ,    and  Lamps 


The  Parable  of  tk  Tmt^irgins, 


jif  ishisbufmefs;.  the  paccerqes  of  mercy,  ^nd  Veflels  of  glory,  are  eve?  fet 
outin    theNewTeaament,  byrhis  ,   Nek  9.   nit:   T/r.  2. 1 2,  i  ^.' 

Look  as  it  was  with  Simeon^  Luks  2.2^.  He  had  a  promife  he  fi-iculd 
fee  Chrift  before  he  died;  hence  he  waited  for  the  confolation  of  Ifrael ;  fo 
!  the  foul  having  a  promife  of  feeing  Chrift  when  he  is  dead  ,  ic  makes  him 
wait  for  this  time;  and  when  he  wanes  a  promife  fealed,  though  he  waices 
not  nextly,  yet  he  waites  remotely ,  that  the  Lord  would  caufe  him  to  be- 
lieve it ,  that  fo  he  might  wait  for  ic;  that  is  his  end,  this  is  the  meanes;  he 
knows  it  is  beft  to  be  with  the  Lord,  where  is  no  fin  ,  butholinefs;  he  bafh 
found  him  fweec  in  his  looks,  in  his  words,  in  his  works,  in  his  hopes  ,  his 
firft  fruits,  but  to  be  with  him  i$  beft. 

This  is  not  fuch  ail  high  pitch  which  Saints  come  not  to  ,  it  is  indeed  fuch 
which  Hypocrites  come  not  to;  the  Hypocrites  end  is  to  efcape  miferyj 
hence  they  defire  comfort  by  duties,  that  they  ftiall  be  freed  from  ic,  but  not 
to  enjoy  Chrift  ;  the  Lord  never  tied  in  their  fouls  fiich  a  -knot  of  faith  and 
love  which  works  this. 

For  1.  Security  of  Saints, 'tis  not  the  privation  of  life  (that  is  death)  but 
a  fyfpenfion  of.  the  a<Sls  of  a  heavenly  lite  ;  there  is  in  them  love  to  Chrift, 
delight  in  him,  happinefs  in  living  to  him,  pleafing  of  him  ;  bucic  isfu^ 
fpended  by  cares  or  concents,  ^f  the  world ,  and  love  of  ejife ;  hence  a  Chri- 
ftianis  nevet  throughly  awakened,  till  he  comes  to  that  lifeagaine;  his  heart 
is  with  Chrift  in  heaven  ;  and  becaufe  he  cannot  be  there ,  hence  he  ftayes 
awhile,  and  looks,  and  waits,  for  ic  ;  anothers  feeurity  is  the  privatioia  of 
life,  of  empty  duties  ariftng  from  fome  vanifhing  affe6tions,as  in  the  f<ioliih 
Virgins  which  were  to  quiet  confcience  only  j  Hence  cheir  awaTcenin^  are  on- 
ly to  thac  life  ag^ine^t  the  beft,  if  ever  God  do  awaken  them ,  unlefs  cje  Lord 
indeed  convert  them. 

a.  Every  thing  will  mightily  tend  to  that  to  which  its  nature  bends  and  in- 
clines it  5  as  a  fton^  li  thrown  upward,  will  mightily  tend  downward.  Some 
fay  there  is  an  Element  of  fire  above ,  becaufe  this  here  endeavours  to  a- 
fcend,  as  being  out  of  its  place ;  he  that  is  of  the  earth ,  he  will  b©  tending 
to  it,  thoughawakened,  enough  lifted  up;  Saints  will  be  tending  upward, 
becaufe  their  nature-is  heavenly  ,  loving,  looking,  waiting,  longing,  2  Cor. 
5.  5,4.  with  I.  as  Angels  here  be  willing  to  ftay  to  do  the  work,  buc  yet 
they  long  to  be  before  the  face  of  God  againe,  becaufe  their  natures  are 
heavenly,  and  there  their  proper  place  is. 

I  Now  for  th^Lord  Jefus fake  examine  your  felves  here.  I  hope  fomq  are 
awakened,  the  Word  hath  done  it-,  cry  of  affliftions ,  inward  temptations 
have  made  you  look  about  you,  and  you  are  wearied  ouc  with  your  own  wayes; 
I  but  are  you  not  fince  grown  fecure  ?  time  was  the  feec  of  ths  Melfengers  of 
j peace  were  glorious ,  but  now  their  Mcffage  is  meane  •  Sabbaths  longed  «for, 
1  now  you  are  weary  of  them,  heartlefsin  them,  fleep  with  the  fpoon  in 
jyour  mouths ;  private  duties  were  feafons  of  breaking  the  heart,  refrefhing 
and  comforting  from  the  Lord ,  but  now  you  negle^  them,  fleight  them  , 
and  the  Lord  in  them,  and  are  not  much  troubled  at  it,  becaufe  you  have 
fome  excufe  or  other  for  ic;  thy  mouth  was  full  of  good  queftions  ,  now 
thou  thinkeft  thy  kli  more  fit  to  teach  than  learn  ;  thy  fociety  was  fweet 
asthe  Rofein  Spring,  noW;  the  fweet  odour  of  ic  is  loft  ;  time  was  thou 
wert  exceeding  tender  of  th^  leaft  finne  ,  and  not  adaypaft,  but  thy  cheeks 
were  wet  in  fecret  before  the  Lord  •,  now  thou  arc  grown  blinde  and  bold, 
and  you  can  defile  your  felf  in  all  your  wayes,  and  your  fa  thin  Chrift  keeps 
you  from  repentance  for  fin  ;  time  was,  the  truth  wag  glorious^  and  you  couJd 
make  ule  of  your  Notes  many  a  day  afrer ,  when  you  did  not;  finde  good  in 
publick;  but  now  pen  and  Ink  is  left  at  home,   you   caft  your  bread   inro 

cor 


Opned  and  Affiled. 


147 


I 


corners ,  and  feed  not  youc  hearts  therewith^  Time  was ,  you  could  take  a 
rebuke  kindly ,  when  you  were  liccle  in  your  own  eyes ;  but  now  if  you  think 
a  reproof  is  meant  of  you ,  your  hearts  can  fwell ,  nay  ,  now  your  judge- 
ment decayes;  what  warrant  for  private  prayers  twice  a  day  .^  what  warrant 
for  weekly  Sermons ,  when  we  have  fix  dayes  to  labour ,  and  one  to  reft  in? 
you  were  formerly  moreexadl,  but  now  wifer,  and  thus  you  lie,  and  as  if 
you  were  com.e  to  the  end  of  your  race  already,  and  reach  nor  after  things 
before  you,  you  have  enough  grace,  hence  you  think  you  flia'l  be  faved, 
andfo  litftJl,  and  now  play  the  good  Husband  :  On  the  Covenants  you 
have  had,  if  ever  you  came  hither  what  you  would  do  I  oh  the  efteem  of 
the  Lord  afar  off  /  but  now  you  are  broken  by  your  Voyage  ,  and  your  Vef- 
fel  iscrackt,  andoyleisrun  out,  and  Lamp  is  out,  will  you  dye  fo?  if  you 
fay  yes ,  I  profefs  you  are  not  ready ;  it  is  a  que{Hon  if  ever  you  had  grace, 
if  it  be  fo;  and  therefore  blefs  God,  the  Lord  gives  you  warning  this  day; 
but  I  feare  many  will  notftir  till  Chrift  comes;  I  fay  as  {he  to  Samffon  ^ 
Vp,  for  theThiltB-i»s  tirs  Hfon  thee 'y  folfay,  Security  is  upon  chce,  and 
wrath  is  now  gone  out  to  awaken  thee,  if  the  word  doth  not. 


Ufe  3. 


SECT.  xn. 

OF  Exhortation.  Labonr  to  he  in  a  readlnejfe ,  atvakeft  out  of 
Jleep  ,  a-aA  get  yoHr  garments  on  y  your  loynes  girt  ^  y^^^Fff' 
fels  fnlly  your  Lamps  hurning  ^  that  yoamay  be  indeed  ready  ^  andthe  ^ord 
may  finde  yonfo  y  as  well  as  men  thlnk^yoti  fa  ;  It  is  Chrifts  Exhortation  j 
Luke  12.40.  whereupon  T^/^^r  askt ,  Did  he  fpeak  that  Parable  only  to 
theDifciples,  or  of  all?  Verfe  41.  heanfwers  all ,  efpecially  them  that 
know  the  Lords  mindc  herein  ,  and  do  it  not,  Verfe  j^-j.  So  you  may  ask 
me,  Whom  do  I  prefs  to  make  ready?  lanfweralL  Twp  forts  I  fhall  there- 
forename, 

1.  Thofe  who  arc  yet  unready,  either  in  whole  orparc. 

2.  Thofe  who  are  ready ,  but  not  fo  ready  as  thofe  fliould  be  who  ftand 
before  the  Lord,  and  as  themfelves  will  wiib  another  day  they  had  been; 
the  wife  as  well  as  foolifh ,  may  be  fleepy  ,  and  fo  unready  for  a  time  j  but 
O  awake. 

Firft,  Thofe  who  are  unready  and  unprepared  for  the  Lord  and  his  co- 
ming 5  are  there  any  fuch  ?  Yes,  very  many  j  fome  there  be  who  know 
they  are  unready,and  will  not  yet  buy,and  yet  prepare  not  for  it,  becaufe  they 
are  young  enough  yet,  or  have  time  enough  to  provide  for.  that  hereafter. 
Some  ochers,  becaufe  they  cry  ,  Lord,  Lord>  and  look  to  Chrift,  and 
are  well  thought  of  by  the  wife,  that  think  they  are  ready  ;,  but  know 
it ,  all  your  thoughts  ,  and  cares ,  and  prayers  ,  and  endeavours  ,  are 
little  enough  for  it  ,  even  all  your  life  ;  and  yet  to  prepare  for  this, 
hath  been  the  leaft  part  of  many  a  mans  life  ;  and  fuch  is  the  fecurity 
of  fome ,  that  till  thrift  come ,  they  will  not  Gird  up  themfelves  to  this 
Work. 


Ttt2 


SECT. 


■Jhh 


H8  i 


The  f  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgim, 


Aiotlve  I. 


JMotive   2* 


Motive  3, 


SECT.     XIM. 

C^O^/^^r  the  Umemable  e-^d  of  one  who  dies  unready  ;    fome    ^  nnr  .Jl  ^ 
.the  Lord  leaves  for  rerrours  ro  the  fecure  world  ,  who  are  as  ^ooA  I 
menrifen  from  the  dead     to  tell  me^  of  ihe  vanity  of  their  fmful  ?ouL 
who  looking  upon  time  pa(i  ,  they  fee  that  it  is  irrecoverablv  loft     anH    n!a 
awayasa  dreame     and  loft  asaftadovv,   look  upon  rime  prcfent    xheyS 
their  fouls  left  naked,  their  accounts  not  made,    an  end  cornet^  all  rh^;! 
hopesand  comforts  here     their  body  fick ,  their^onfcielce  rreml^li^ 
not  tearing,  their  hearts  hard  .  God  departed,  the  grave  opened  for  theiVfi 
thy  carkafles,  andDt^vils  waicmg  for  their  fecure  fouies         AnH  n?.     r 
fuch,  What  profit  havel  for  all  S.y    anity  under  the  Su"  /   Look  "o"  me' 
to  come,  therethey  fee  the  Throne  fet,  the  Lord  Jefus  on  it,  their  fouTes 
todmg  naked  before  him,  whofe  grace  was  great  toward  them  whiles  "hev 
lived,  but  whofe  face  nowisaconfumingfire  ;  ^nd  they  behold e^ernlv    e 
ven  that  eternal  black  Gulf  betvveen  them  and  the  Lord  i   and   here  thev  lie 
wiftjingthey  had  taken  their  time,  profeffing  now  their  time  h  iT^  t 
feeching  other^to  take    warning  by  them ,  defiring  the  prayers  of  nr'h^r!l 
but  yet  thinking  though  Noah  and  Samml  ftiould  ftand  before  the  Lord  fn'r 
them,  thereis  no  hope.    Comeand  tellthem  ,  Donot  caftawav  mercv 
caft  not  away  that  blood      which  is  worthy  to  be  gathered  upby  bleirS' 
gels  inVddelsof  cold,    lament,  andreturne,  and  theLord  will  rn 
^hac  tell  yc.  n.- of  repenting  and  believing?' is  a  fS^  T^^k^ 
repent  in?  buttheLo^d  hathdonegreac  things  for  you,  yoi  have  Zn  L 
fo,  W there  were  (uch  fins,  orfuch  afin,  Tknewfyouknew  nl     rt^^' 
it,  yet  lloved  it,  I  had  indeedTbme%purpoJSSr  'bJ^^^ 
Lordhadi  taken  me  in  my^feemings  j  but  mercy  is  infinite ;  oh  it's  mt.^ 
memj  Lhavefeenanend  of  my  finnes,  andnowlfeei  thebeoLnT/J    ^ 

^ow  flyingabr^ad-  if  you  did  think  you  ft^oudbf next  fmi^tnd^^^^^ 
youwoujdp^^^^        fe^cyou    chiJL,h.Lordde-a3:^t^:^t^^^^ 


Remember 
)come. 


that 


yoi 
time    thou 


do'ft    kaft 


'aye 
think 


iiis/  cominc^ 
oi  ,     Chrift 


Oh 

will 


L      ^/  f^^ready  now  ^  you  will  l>^  much  more  mready  next  d^v      or-,  .    - 
time  50  be  long;   you  will  be^  the  more  unfit  the  longeT^^^^ 
hafthmderances  novv,  the  longer  thou  liveft,tbou  vvilc  have  mLel^'      """ 
1  liy  heart  will  be  harder  cverfday  than  other     ^^^  ^'^'''^  "'^^  ^^^^^  ^nd  more,- 


XMeanes  i. 


SECT.     XIV. 

TiR^yjo  the  Lord  that  he  would  prep^e  yort,  and  fit  pa^  <rive\hisChri(i 

to  ^^^^that  ^^  J    for  man  like  the  Totters  clay ,  ps  no  more  able  to  tre1>are 
f^^ff^or  ^lor;  ,  than  to  appo^nr^^  eleci  hi^M  theremto    H^ncT^^^^^^ 


^txs\^  opened  and  Applied. 


lO.  17.  Rom.  ^.  25,  fre'pared  to  glory  \  therefore  pray ,  not  that  prayer 
can  move  the  Lord  to  it,  bucbecaufe  it  is  a  means  appointed  of  God  to 
execute  his  eternal  purpofes  of  grace  unto  the  Veflels  of  grace,  A^s  p. 
jp,  II.  Fafil  was  three  dayes  mourning,  and  he  did  not  eat  and  drink,  and 
yet  was  not  difcouraged  ,  but  kept  on  praying ,  and  ceafeth  not  ,  till  the 
Lord  {^nAs  Ananias  that  he  might  receive  the  Spirit,  Verfe  17.  So  fay  I 
toyou,  Time  hath  been  thou  hail  not  prayed,  morning^;,  evenings  ,  year 
fleep  would  not  fuffer  you,  orif  fo,  yet  it  hath  been  without  mourning  for 
living  without  Chrift,- abufing  of  Chrift,  and  the  fin  of  yournactire  ;  orif 
fo,  itharh  been  onyby  fits,  andyou  could  hold  up  your  headagane,  be- 
fore Ood fends^y|«<3A?/W  wuha  Meflfage  of  peace,  or  that  MefTa^e  without 
the  Spi  rit  of  grace  ;  Are  you  now  prepared  ?  Oh  no!  oh  therefore  now 
begin  this  ivo:^k ;  fsyyL'am  thy  clay.  Lord ,  and  have  been  a  broken  unclean 
Veflfel,  unfit  for  any  ufei ,  to  hold  any  grace  j  if  mercies  come,  I  forget 
thee,  and  g^ow  worfe  ;  if  ficknefs,  I  am  blockilli ;  if  Ordinances,  I  defpife 
them ;  if  thou  forfakeft  me,  I  forfake  thee ;  if  thou  draweft  neare  to  me 
Irefifttfaee;  if  Chrift  be  offered,  I  rejedl  him ;  if  notj  Iprefume  ,  and 
rurnihis  grace  to  wanconnefs ;  now  Lord  gather  a  broken  VefTel,-  if  I  Hvq^  I 
(hall  ftili  fin  ;  if  I  die-,  I  fhall  bliifpheme ;  if  I  forfake  a^s  of  fin ,  yet  lufts 
of  finremaine  ;'  if  they,  b^  que hched,  yet  my  polluted  nature  remaines  not 
cteanfed  ;  and  the  guile  cries;  Now  Lord  undertake  forme,  begin  thou  the 
work^  and  take  the  glory ;  and  hire  mourn  rill  the  Lord  comes ;  know  the 
worth',  and  prize  the  prefence  of  the  Spirit,  and'then  j?r^/,  John  14.  16. 
The- world  cannot  receive:  it,  becauferheykhow  it  not ,  with  fohn  4.  lo; 
{sacrifice  is 'unfit  Mo:  becfffefed,  rill  by  fhedding  blood  ,  life  is  taket; 
jaway. 

'  Be  very  watehfuh-  ovet^  jouf  hearts ,  that  they  groTv  not  too  gentle ,  ^nA 
ha»dle^teMderijJimes  artfmg  after  frith  ,  ani^r^ejfion  of  yow  inter  eft  in  \  Meanes  2. 
y^/w*  C^rt}?, ;  fins  of^  the  fecond  girowth ;  fome  fins  groyv  up' before  pro-? 
feflion,  as  all  manner  of  ignorance ^  and  hardrief^,  land  lafcivioiifnefs , 
and  tranity;  now  manygrdw  tetrified  for  thefe ,  and  cx>mforted|)ycfae  Go- 
fpel  againft  c  hefe  ,  and  now  peace  is'made  ^  6h  but  there  are  fonie  mens 
natures  like  fome  fields,  vvhiihw'hen  they  are  mowen  and  weeded,  yet  they 
have  a  fecaid  growth  ;■.  it  may  be  as  with  other  kihde  of  Weeds,  you  may 
never  fall  to  th^fefins  you  lived  in  o  }ce  ;  but  other  fi  is  moreclofe,  more 
fpiritnal;  like  the  Hotife  Lukh  ii.z^l  fvyeptand  emptied,  hnt  fe-^en  other 
^irits  i^mfe'^fhaii  'th¥ former ,  r^kf  'at  laft  enier^in\  Oh  tj^e  iieed of  thefe, 
for  they  vvill  make  your  latter  ehd  iiiferable  ;  you  know  habitations  of  Sa-< 
tan,  are'not'fit  nlanfionsfdr  thb '^itit  of  Chrift;  you  know  Vefjels  not- 
only  of  Wood  ,  but  of  Coldjif  filthy  and  poyfoned,  are  unfit  for  Princes 
ufe  till  cleaflfed  ,*  and  look  through  all  the  Scriptures  on  the  faces  of  the  beft 
hypocrites,  you. fhall'finde  fome'' filth  growing  up  after  their  Profeifion,  or^ 
together  with  it ,  like  blood  and '  taci^rifice  mixt  together ,  CM  atth.,  7.  23.- 
Luke  1 3.  27.  Not  thofe^that  have  iniquity ,  biit;  thofe  that  work  it ;  not' 
thofe  that  work  againft  it;-  and  atd  deftroyers  of  it  by'iittle  and  little,  but  wor- 
kers of  it.-  -      '  V!  ' ;   ^\j  \  ,:.w 

If  you  ask  me,  what  thefe  fins  be  ?  laniwer,  Thefe  tares,  and  choaking,. 
Thorne^,  astheyare  fown,  and  growti  whiles  you  be  afleep, ,  fo.they  may, 
be  feen-wheri  they  are  orown  iip',  if  you'walk'in  your  fields,;  and  medicate  oJ;, 
your  hearts/  rie  only  nsimefome.;^  '  '.        ,    ^,     \,.. 

i.'Trtae^a^eaiij'gfolneej^cSllVtfcy  above  and  thinking  your  k\i 

fome  body.  ■'    '  "    ' ''- 


1. 


Spiritual: 


150 


Msanes  3. 


The  Parable  of  the  Ten  Virgins^ 

3.  Spiriciial  fulnefs ,  and  fecrec  loathing  of  Ordinances  ,  when  men 
are  clogged  with  rhem. 

3.  Defpifing  known  truths  (which like  flowers  ,  were  notwithftanding 
fweec  at  firll  gathering  )  either  concerning  your  mifery,  or  Chrift:  if  the 
Gofpel  were  preacht  to  the  ignorant ,  they  would  take  heaven  with  vio- 
lence ;  but  thy  foul  now  is  not  moved  ,  and  the  meffengers  of  God  that 
bring  them,defpifed,as  Galatia  and  Corlmh  did  Tanl. 

4.  Afpirit  of  contention  with  good  people.  Now  you  cannot  bear  un- 
kindnefles,  and  they  offend  you,  &c.  Alexander  atfirft  ftood  for  *?<?/*', 
and  he  oppofeth  l^aul  to  his  face  at  lall. 

5.  Boldnefs  to  fin  in  fmall  matters  commonly  without  forrow,  begot  by 
counte  rfeit  affurance  of  Gods  love. 

6.  Seeking  of  God  in  Ordinances,  and  working  of  iniquity  out  of  them; 
fits  men  have  of  good  affeilions ,  but  healthful  conltitutions  of  bad 
ones. 

7.  Thinking  you  are  indeed  what  you  would  be ,  and  yet  indeed  would 
not  be  :  There  be  other  (ins ,  bat  thefe  are  fome  of  the  moft  fpecial  which 
I  rhall  now  mention ;  take  heed  of  letting  thefe  grow,  or  dealing  gently 
with  them  ;  for  Saints  may  feel  thefe,  but  they  put  their  hook  to  the  roots 
of  thefe  Weeds ,  and  would  faine  pull  them  quite  up ;  but  if  you  dealgently, 
(as  D<2^//^  with  the  young  Ahfolom)  and  think  God  muft  do  all,  I  cannot 
part  with  them ;  and  hence  you  give  way  to  them  ;     and  though  there  be 

I  thefe  fins ,  yet  I  have  many  good  fignes  and  promifes  too  I  (hall  be  fa- 
ved  ;  and  fo  long  as  they  cannot  deftroy  my,  foule  ,  what  though 
they  grow  in  my  foul  •<*  .•  Youperifh  (  i  Cor,  9.  ja6,  27.  )  if  thus  ic  be 
with  you. 

Take  heed  yot*  do  not  run  arvay  with  fuch  comforts  ari/t»g  from  your  \ « 
feeding  ftfon  the'  promt fe  and  ferfon  of  Chr'tfi  ^  mthont  refefhmg  the  Joule 
alfo  vpith  the  good  WiU  and  Commands  of  Chtifi  i  ,do  not  think^your  f elves 
ready  to  enjoy  Chriji  y  whenhis  fromlfe^  per  [my  and^,,love  is  fweet  y  (which  is 
good)  ^ftf  his  will  is  littery  and  a  burden  to  thy  foul  y  even  thy  whole  /<?«/, 
\  I  know'  *cisfo  to  the  unregencrate  part  of  godly  men  )  for  fuch  men 
there  be,  1  John  i.  6.    To  the  Saints,  Chriftsloveis  fweet ,  and  promife 

fweet,  and  therefore  his  Will,  his  Work.     John  4.  34. Bread  you 

know  not  of ,  to  do  the  will  of  him  that  fent  me ,  and  to  fnifh  it  ;  fo  it  is 
their  food  to  do  the  Will  of  him  that  loves  them,  and  to  finifhit;  If  a 
man  is  to  remove  from  one  Countrey  to  another ,  and  he  cannot  live  upon 
the  Bread  of  the  Countrey ,  nor  water  where  he  goes,  he  is  then  unfit, -for 
fuch  a  Journey,  becaufe  he  cannot  live  upon  the  bread  of  it.  No^^'wiat  is 
that  which  feeds  the  life  of  Saints  in  glory  ?  not  only  Chrift,  but  livitig  un* 
to  Chrift,  to  be  peifefted  under  the  Government  and  Kingdom  of  Chrift  ; 
can  you  live  upon  this  now  in  part ,  and  the.  firft  fruits  of  it  ?  if  you  can, 
know  it  is  then  prepared  for  thee ,  and  thou  for  it ;  if  not,  but  you  live  (  as 
you  fay  J ,  upon  the  prefent  fweet  of  the  promife ;  nay,  it  may  be  upon  the 
thoughts  of  old  comforts-,  but  to  do  the  Will  oi  Chrift,  is  death,  not  life 
to  you-,  and  it  is  meerly  your  task  for  wages ,  to  do  his  Will?  not  part  of 
your  Inheritance,  youareimfit  to  be  with  Chrift  ;  <tA^s  21.  13.  why 
breaks  you  my  heart  ?  (faith  *P^«/)  /  am  ready  to  die  for  the  fake  of  Chrifiy 
and  to  do  much  more  j  So  think  thus,  Was  Paul  ready  to  die ,  and  I  not 
ready  to  do  f  my  heart  loaths  thy  Commands  Lord  ;  but  what  the  Law 
makes  heavy,  the  Gofpel  makes  fweet;  for  thy.  fake.  Lord  ,  Hove  thy  wills 
pray.  Oh  thy  love  is  fweet,  but  let  thy  will  be  fo  alfo. 

Labour 


opened  and  Jfflied. 


I  ■  haboHT  to  grovf  foer  in  ifirtt  ,  that  when  you  cannot  honour  the  L^rds 
willy  j/et  you  may  he  gathering  fom-.thing  out  of  aU  finnes  and  roeakneff^es  ^  to 
honour  Gods  grace ;  the  giory  of  grace  is  the  lart  end ;  thofe  that  be  pre- 
pared for  it  J  iTiall  enjoy  ic  i  Who  are  cbofe  ?  The  po:)re ,  who  when  they 
fee  they  have  loft  their  lives,  their  foules,  rheir  comforts,  in  not  doing  bis 
will,  which  is  bitter  to  them,  yet  the  Lord  ftiall  not  lofe  the  honour  of 
his  grace,  T^falme  74.  21.  The  poor  w'llbe  thankful;  What  doth  PW, 
chat  Veflel  of  grace ,  Per  fecutor,  Blafphemer,  but  a  Saint,  now  fay?  Oh 
buttheleaftof  them  ;  but  he  wasanApoftle;  but  I  deferve  nor  that  namej 
but  yecheis  received  to  mercy  ;  'tis  very  true,  yen  never  fuch  an  example, 
as  he  thinks  5  and  therefore  faith  he  To  theKing  immutable ,  &c.  when  fa- 
cab  hadfeenthe  Lord,  Gen.z6.  ult.  if  he  fhall  give  me  food  and  ray*^ 
ment,  hefhallbe  my  God  (/.  ^.1  lliall  then  magnifie  him;  \\z  having 
faid  he  would  be  fo  before  ,  and  he  had  it  in  plenty ;  So  fay,  If  the  Lord 
{hall  pity,  pardon,  I  fhallthengive  all  to  him  ,  if  I  had  a  thoufand  hearts, 
tongues ;  truly  as  Pfalme  40.  nlt^  The.  Lord  novc  thinketh  on  you  ;  Whei> 
a  iServanc  hath  fpent  and  loft  his  Mafters  eftate  ,  and  be  is  to  ^\^ 
up  an  Account  ,  truly  then  he  may  give  it  with  comfort,  When 
as  he  gaines  one  way  abundantly,  though  he  lofeth  another ,  and  makes  the 
beftgunes;  fohere. 


151 

Tiieanes     4. 


SECT.    XV. 

a,  ^T^O  thofe -mho  are  ready  y  (^ttt  yet  mt  fo  ready  as  is  meet, 

X  The  Lord  hath  given  you  warning  to  prepare ,  by  Ibme  fliarp  af-^' 
fliftions  on  thyfelf,  or  by  the  death  of  thy  friends,  or  by  fecret  feares  df 
thine  own  heart,  thy  time  is  not  aiany  hands  breadch  longest ;  ^nd  it  m:ayM 
this  (hall  be  the  Funeral  Sermon  of  fome  of  you  j  you  have  %ttn  flying  like 
Bees  abroad  in  the  world  to  gather  your  honey  ,  and  the  Lord  hath  been 
fmoaking  of  you  ,  and  that  in  your  own  Hive  ;  you  have  thought  to 
d(WelI  long  in  Tabernacles ;  the  Lord  hath  let  it  fall  to  decayes,  and  repaires  it 


If  you  live  unready,  it  may  be  the  Lord  will  try  you  with  fome  for^c6(ft^' 
Qi\St\  with  fears  of  death,  and  terrors  o£  da  cknefs-  andalfyo«r  preparation 
is  too  little  for  your  eombate  then. 


The  place  of  glory  is  made  ready  for  you  ;  how  {hall  I  fo   unholy  , 
God?    Chrift  is  there   fohn  14.   3.  waiting  for  thee 
thee. 


fee 
longing' after 


Afottvi 


I. 


Jktotf've 


2. 


Thou  art  it   may  be.    yet  in    many    refpe^iis  unready.   As 

1.  Not  yet  planted  intheHoufe  and  Church  of  God,  not  yet  gatbef- 
edtocommunionof  Chriftinhis  Saintsonearth.  I  know  men  may  have 
juft  reafons  to  deferre;  but  if  they  have  none,  I  would  be  loth  to  die  in 
their  room  i  Hezekiah,  I  fa.  58.  Hit.  Pfa/meiS.S.  f  have  loved  the  ha- 
hit  at  ion  of  thy  Houfe ;  Oh  gather  not  my  Jo^k  with  the  wicked.  I  am 
perfwaded,  fome  deare  to  Chrift  linger  here,  and'you  cannot  finde  this  nor 
that  faving  good  in  your  felves,  you  fay  ;  I  had  rather  hear  one  mourn  for 
emptinefs,  than  boaft  of  his  grace. 

2.  There  are  many  linnes  not  yet  mourned  fufficiently  for  ,    in  dayes 
___^__  of 


Motive  3, 


LMotive  4. 


*\K»i«-*Tll*!?SC"-  ■■ 


152 


The  Farableofthe  Ten  Virgins, 


of  youth ,  and  in  a  fecure  condition  ;  in  heaven  is  no  mourning ;    oh  there- 1 
fore  take  time  now ,  for  want  of  this  grace  is  not  fo  fweet.  ! 

5.  Ic  may  be  fome  main  duty  is  negl:(fted  to  the  fouls  of  them  ,  whom 
thou  haft  a  charge  of,  as  not  Catechiling  thy  family,  children  not  careful  for 
their  fouls.  ! 

4.  It  may  be  thou  haft  been  little  in  prayer  for   the  Churches    (  though  \ 
for  thy  family  and  children  )  which  is  ufually  the    laft  work  of  the   Saints ;  j 
there's  no  praying  for  them  in  Heaven  ;  as  Chrift  ac  the  end  of  his  life  like 
a  Prieftfned  blood,  and  prayed  for  them,  fo  Saints  are  madepriefts  to   God 
and  Chrift.  : 

5.  It  may.  be  thyhoufe  is  not  yet  fee  in  order,  nor  thy  Will  made, 
Reckonings  between    men     not  yet    fee    right  and   even  ,    and  then 

,  there   is   Quarrels  when    thou    art    Dead  ,     and   trouble    when  you 
dye. 

(5.  It  may  be  thou  art  grown  fecure  ,  andarc  loft ,  and  driven  away,and 
many  wrinckles  be  on  thy  faceand  heart  ,&c.  you  cannot  fay  with  *P<«»/, 
zjim.  4.  That  yoH  have  fought  y  &c,  but  are  rather  at  truce  with  fin; 
ypurunnot,  but  have  dipt,  and  falleadown,    and  fo  loft  all. 


in.;.;. 


•C\\'.  .'' 


Meanes  i. 


Memes  %, 


SECT.    XVI. 

THerefore  to  help  here  in  this  readinefs  ,    Get  a  heart  more  loofneA  ami 
weaned  from  the  world*     Solomon  he  did  launch  out  his   heart   herein 
lltoofari  notin  Epiturifme  ,  but  fW^/.a.  5.    allying' his   heart  to  wifciome 
|;  all  this  time;  fp  may  you,  and  be  unready ;  How?    I  cannot  ,   but  Coi 
|,wiiUeachit  you  by  affliiSlion.    Pfalme  59.6,7.  You  are  Sojonrners'  here 
jwifh  God,  as  all  your  Fathers;  there's  nothing  proper,  nothing  long  t<>  be 
lienjoyedi  ' 

Own  the  Lord  Jefw  ;  he  is  yours^  hut  you  own  him  not  5  as  Simeon  came 
to  the  Temple  and  there  found  him  ,  and  there  bleft  God ;  and  now  (  faith 
he )  let  me  depart  in  peace ;  hath  the  Lord  ftirred  up  unutterable  fighings, 
and  groanings,  and  mournings ,  (  you  think  ( it  may  be  )  if  Chrift  was  pre- 
fent,  you  would  not  doubt  of  anfwer)  and  they  continue  ftill ,  and  do  you 
think  Chrift  is  hard-hearted  ?  hath  the  Lord  come  to  thee  in  the  Temple , 
and  manifefted  his  love  by  his  own  promife ,  fure ,  and  faithful ,  and  wilt 
thou  not  yet  own  him  }  haft  had ,  and  haft  now  the  firft  fruition  of  the 
Spirit,  and  wilt  not  yet  own  him  .>  and  art  afraid  to  go  to  him  ,  when  others 
are  in  glory  that  trod  in  thy  fteps  ?  Oh  be  humbled  for  it ;  I  know  there 
is  nothing  which  makes  thee  feareit,  but  a  Rebellious  vile  heart,  and  na- 
ture^ and  can  the  Lord  love  fuch  a  one?  Yes,  fuchaone,  if  he  mournes 
under  it, ^o«;,  7.  24.  I  fa,  57.  18,19.  The  Lord  will  create  peace;  he 
hath  feen  thy  wayes ,  and  he  will  heale  them  ;  And  when  you  have  him 
thus,  own  him  daily ,  keep  your  peace,  do  nothing  which  may  make  you 
lofeboldnefs  in  prayer,  and  therefore  reckon  daily  with  him;  and  Remem- 
ber, the  promife  ftands,  when  feelings  are  loft, 
Objet^.  But  I  can  do  bnt  little  for  him. 

ay^nfw.  True  ,  Ifa,  64.  6.  Thou  the  Lords  clay  ,  his  Veflel , 
though  of  little  publique  ufe  ,  y^t  in  thy  place  do  what  thou  canft 
for  Chrift    JeCus.     Servants  ,    Mafters  ,    Members  ,    Rich  ,    Poore  , 

be- 


Ofened  and  applied. 


53 


The  Door  was  {h»t. 


IN  thefe  words  is  fer  down  the  confequenc  of  that  which  immediately 
followed  the  Wife  Virgins  gracious  entertainment  with  Chrifl ;  the  door 
wa^s  jhm ,  by  which  is  iignified  the  exclufion  of  the  foolifh  from  the  fel- 
lowOiip  of  Chrift;  as  alfo  thegreatnefs  of  Chrifls  love  to  the  wife  ,  open- 
ing the  door  of  glory  unto  them ;  and  when  they  are  gathered  ,  fhucring  the 
door  againft  every  one  elfe. 

Hence  ObFsrve, 

That  the  endeared  love  of  Chrlfi  to  his  Elecly  doth  much  appear  J»  this. 
In  opening  the  dorr  of  glory  nnto  them  ,  and  jhmting  it  aga'infi  others  of 
great  efieem  and  name  In  the  Church  of  God  •  for  this  is  one  Scope  of  the 
words,  Gen.'j.i^. 

To  open  the  Kingdoms  of  Heaven  to  all  the  world,  andfaveall,  would 
be  great  love  in  the  eyes  of  the  Saints ;  buc  to  fave  them ,  and  condemne 
others  j  to  receive  them ,  and  exclude  others ,  and  that  of  great  name  and 
efteem ,  Virgins ,  this  fets  out  the  Lords  love  exceedingly ;  Chrifts  diftin- 
gailHng,  feparating  love,  is  his  great  love,  LMat,  11.25. 

\  If  we  confider  the  multitude  of  the  one ,  and  fewnefs,  of  the  other ;  not 
only  in  regard  of  the  world,  but  in  regard  of  others  in  Churches  ,  Luke  13. 
24.  CManj  fhall  [eeJ^ ,  and  many  that  are  firfi ,  fl^all  he  laft  ,  OKat- 
therv  19.   30. 

If  we  confider  that  there  is  asmuchreafon  appearing  outwardly,  that  the 
Lord  lliould  choofe  thee  one  as  well  as  the  other;  what  difference  is  appearing 
outwardly  between  thefe  Virgins  ?  I'le  warrant  you  the  wife  did  think  the 
foolifh  as  good ,  and  it  may  be  far  better  than  themfelves.  Jt*dges  6,  i  j. 
Saith  Gideon,  How  wilt  thou  fave  Ifra  I  by  me  ?  I  amths  leajl  in  my  Fa- 
thers honfe ;  yet  faith  the  Lord  ,  /  will  be  with  thee  ;  fo  the  Saints  may 
fay ,  and  do  fay  ,  Why  Lord,  wilt  thou  fave  me,  I  am  the  leaft  and  poorett 
of  all  others. 

If  we  confider  the  reafon  why  the  Lord  doth  this ,  and  that  is  becaufe  of 
nothing  but  the  Will  of  God,  his  good  pleafure;  Matth.  11.  25;.    For   why| 
lliould  their  Veffels  bs  filled  \  they  received,  and  not  othecs    only  the  Will 
of  God;  Ih^ow  notjou^^c.  Of  which  hereafter. 

If  we  confider  the  intolerable  torment  of  thofe  who  go  -  farre  ,  and  yet 
;are excluded.  Mat.  8.  11,12.  Children  of  the  Kingdome  cafi  out,  there 
(hall  be  weeping;  the  higher  a  man  is  rifen,  the  greater  is  his  fall,  and  his 
bruifes  attheboctome  j  fo  when  one  hath  been  raifed  up  to  great  hopes , 
profeflion,  affe6lion,  yet  now  to  fall,  to  lofe  all,  to  fee  he  hath  been  fpinning 
Cobwebs  all  his  life  !  when  Ifrael  were  near  to  Canaan^  now  to  be  fhut  out! 
Now  they  wept. 

Uuu  .     TVe 


Obferv, 


Reafon  I. 


Reafon 


Reaf.    3, 


R^4'  4. 


^54 


The  Parable  of  the  Ten  Virgins ^ 


Vfe-i. 


Ufe  2. 


ZJfe  I.   fVe  may  pe  hence  ^  what  little  canfe  any  have  to  bosifi   only    in 
outward  fr'iviledges,   or  common  gifts  ,  graces^  excellencies.     I  confefs    it  is 
oreat  mercy  for  the  Lord  to  call  a  man  out  of  his   prophanenefs,  and  fepa- 
race  him  from  the  world  ,  bringing  him  to  the  fellowHiip   of  Saints  ,    and 
oivehim  that  which  makes  h-m  reputed  well  of  by  others  ;    but   boaft   not 
only  of  this ,  as  if  the  Lord  did  ther^ore  highly  favour  you  ;   for  the   Lord 
Jefus  may  ihcw  (  for  all  this )  his  Jove  to  his  own  ,  and  his  terrour  to  thee, 
and  may  lliut  the  door  of  glory  at  laft  upon   thee.    iCor.   i.   27,  i8,  2$>. 
The  Lord  choefes  things  that  are  not  ,  to  bring  to  nought  and  to  fialne  other 
olory,    Rom.  II.  17.  The  (j^;?f /7f J  boalkd  themfelves ,    that    they  were 
%rajfed  in  ;    oh  faith  the  Apoftle   (  feeing  this  fpirit  apt  to  rife  )  hoafi  not , 
be  not  high-minded ,  do  not  grow  fecure  ,  but  feare  ;   common  graces  c- 
ver  make  men  proud  ,  as  others  make  men  humble ;   they  defpife  not  others, 
they  m.agnifie  God  ,  if  the  Lord  hath  made  a  difference ;    fee   the  goodnefs 
of  God,  vsrje  22.  but  boaft  not  therein ;   therefore  do  not  content   thy  felf 
with  a  name  to  live,  and  having  fome  cankered  hopes,  fom.e  fhining  excel- 
lencies; for  the  Lord  may  do  this  to  fliew  others  his  love,  and  yet  ftaine 
thy  glory ;  as  one  that  hath  great  hopes  of  preferment,   many  Friends    to 
commend  and  fpeak  for  him  ,  if  one  tells  him ,  You  fhall  certainly  lofe  all 
your  labour ,  he  will  mourn  more  than  another  that  had  no    hopes   ,    nor 
helps  at  all    of    rifing  ;    he  will  not  glory  in  any  thing  he  hath  ,  but  will 
take  fome  fare  and  fafcr  way   ;    So   I  fay   to  you  ,   If  there  be  the   leaft 
Grace  and  Favour  ,    blelfe  God  for  that  ,    but  do  not  boaft  of  any 
thing  elfe. 

Vfe  2.  Hence  the  Saints  may  learne  how  t^  ajfeB  their  hearts  with 
the  Lords  love  to  them  (  for  there  is  fuch  a  poyfonful  difpofition  in  them, 
that  though  they  have  it ,  yet  they  cannot  be  affected  fometimes  with  it  ; 
Vf  *Deborahy  Awake  Lme  and  Harpe )  and  'tis  this ;  Do  not  only  Re-^ 
I  member,  and  think  on  the  Lords  loVe  favirgthee  ,  calling,  humbHng 
&c.  butfoastocall  thee,  and  leave  others;  to  quicken  thee,  and  leave  o 
thers  dead;  to  open  the  door  of  glory  to  thee,  anci  exclude  others  ;  to 
call  thee  out  of  the  Kingdome  of  the  world ,  to  look  upon  rhee  in  a  linful 
Town,  to  awaken  thee,  and  leave  others  (fo  many  J  fecure,  to  call  thee 
out  of  thy  finful  company ,  Tome  of  which  like  brands  ,  are  now  fmoaking 
in  this  world,  others  burning  in  another;  to  call  thee  oirt  of  a  finful,  ig- 
norant family,  thou  the  leaft,  the  worft  of  them,  and  to  leave  the  reft,  thi^  is 
much! 

But  when  thou  art  brought  into  the'  Kingdome  of  Heaven,  Fellowfl-iip 

of  Saints,  for  the  Lord  to  love  thee ,  fet  his  heart  upon  thee ,  when  he  for- 

1  fakes  others  of  thy  own  company  ,  of  great  parts  and  abilities  ,  whom  thou 

thinkeft  better  of  than  thy  felf,  at  leaft  as  well;  to  pull  down  thefe  Princes 

to  the  dunghill,  and  to  exalt  thy  horn;  to  cut  down  thefe  Cedars,  and   to 

preferve  a  Shrub;  to  tread  upon  the  greatett  glory  of  man  ,  and  to  pity  a 

worm ,  for  fo  thou  art  in  thine  own  eyes  ;    Oh  let  this  fire  warme  thy  heart, 

though  thou  haft  been  affe6^ed  with  it  before,  efpecially  confidering  noreafon 

for  it,  but  only  the  good  pleafure  of  God;  this  affei^ed  Oh  rift  himfelf,^^?. 

II,  25.    'Tistrue,  you  do  not  fee  this  done,  but  you  ftiall  one  day  behold 

it  with  your  eyesj  only  let  this  love  kindle  love,thankfulnefs,  humility  in  thine 

heart  againe. 

And  hence,  if  the  Lord  hath  put  a  difference  between  thee  and  others , 
do  not  deny,  do  not  doubt  of,  do  not  defpife  his  grace;  that  if  ihou  haft 
loft  thy  firft  love ,  this  may  recover  it ;  if  all  his  love  makes  thee  more  hum- 
ble, and  thankful  5 /(?« y?W ,  Rom,  ii.  20.   Ifa.  6^.  16,    Do   not  feare 

thy 


opened  and  Applied. 


thyeflate ,  becaufe  the  Lord  cuts  oft'  the  natural  branches  ,  that  therefore 
thou  mayRbeone;  but  b^featful  of  the  leaftfin,  and  wrong  to  Chri(l, 
that  hath  loved  thee,  efpecially  of  pride,  and  unchankfulnefs  the  root  of 
that  ;  and  Remember  ,  that  the  poor  things  are  chofen  to  confound  the 
Mighty. 

That  the  door,  of  grace  and  glory  (hall  bs  Jhs^t  agalnB  all  wicked  men- ll- 
vlngy  at  the  coming  of  the  Lord  to  dsath  or  judgement',  there  is  a  time  that 
the  door  is  open  unto  men,  in  regard  of  Minifterial  difpenladons  (  forfe- 
crets  of  eleflion  we  are  not  tominde)//^.  ^^.  6,7.  This  time  is  in  this 
life ;  but  when  death  comes ,_  then  ic  is  lliut ;  when  Angels  finned,  the  Lord 
immediately  fhuc  the  door  againlUhem  J  j^iit  through  Chrift  the  door  isopen 
for  term  of  life  to  men. 

Becaufe  after  death  there  u  no  meanes  of  grace  or  glory  left^  which  lithe 
Minifiry  of  the  Word  and  Prayer ;  for  that  is  the  chief  key  of  opening  the 
door  y  even  when: he  doores  of  heart  and  heaven  are  fkut.  Mat.  16.  i p.  and 
hence,  zCor.6.  2.  Now  is  the  time  of  prayers  and  preaching ,  and  fo  to  be 
helped;  but  after  death  there  are  no  Minifters,  they  are  at  reft  from  their 
labours ;  and  the  Miniftry  of  men  is  for  men ,  not  for  naked  foules.  La^a- 
rm  muft  not  give  a  drop  of  cold  water  then  to  cool  the  tongue,  much  lefs 
Minifters  to  comfort  or  convert  their  hearts  \  'tis  true  ,  the  Lord  can 
work  extraordinarily;  but  do  you  think  he  will  do  ic  for  one  that  hath  defpifed 
grace  all  his  life? 

Becaufe  it's  imfofflble  they  fhoald  repent  after  death  ,  ^^any  other  means 
(^If  meanes  were  afforded)  ashy  feeing  their  ftnne  ^  and  feeling  their  punifh- 
ment,  John  g.  ^.  The  night  cometh  rv herein  m  man  can  workj  becaufe  af- 
rer  death,  cpmes  judgement  of  wrath  to  the  wicked ,  Hek  g,  tilt,  all  pati- 
ence, and  pi^y  have  forfaken  them ,  aodfo  wrath  lies  upon  them  ,  that  they 
can  do  nothing  but  bear  it;  as  one  under  a  great  load,  orburninoin  the  fire, 
all  his  thoughts,  and  affeaions,  and  fpirics,  are  taken  up  with  that,  and  that 
is  all  he  can  do,  Heh.io.zj.  So  here. 

Vfe  I.  Of  Confutation  of  a  viperous^  fatanical,  fecret opinion,  which  like 
a  ghoB  haunts  the  mindes  of  fome  people  ^  (  viz..)  that  think  and  conclude 
even  in  lime  of  health,  in  midftof  faving  healing  meanes,  that  their  time 
of  grace  is  palt,  anddoor  isftiut  to  them,  before  Chrift  comes  againft  them 
at  death  or  judgem:;nt ;  which  though  God  many  times  turnes  for  good,  to 
humble  a  bold  heart  which  will  burne  Gods  day-light  out,  and  linger  in  its 
finnes ,  yet  ic  doth  fomecimes  dead  the  heart  from  all  effectual  endeavours, 
and  diicourage  the' heart  from  all  duties,  makes  all  the  Golpel  the  Miniftry 
of  blood  and  death,  and  a  hand-writing  againft  it;  and  when  ic  concludes 
God  hath  lliut  the  door  againft  it,  it  ftiuts  God ,  and  Chrift,  and  all  his  Promi- 
fes  out  of  its  heart. 

1.  Some  think  they  having  finned  againft  light  ,  have  had  fome 
blafphemous  thoughts  ,  that  they  hav6  committed  the  unpardonable 
(in,  &c. 

2.  Some  others  think  not  fo,  but  yet  they  heare  that  Tome  mens  time  is 
out  before  death  •,  they  think  theirs  is  alfo ,.  having  fought  fo  long,  they  are 
evenfealedupbyGod  to  hardnefs  ofiieart ;  and  thus  fome  feemingly  earning 
to  Chrift,  are  indeed  kept  off  from  him. 

7,.  Others  of  the  Saints  meeting  with  many  fore  troubles  and  tryals,  and 
that  for  fome  ftns ;  and  one  deep  calling  to  another,  they  think  with  David  ^ 


55 


UUU2 


God 


Obft 


erv. 


Reafon  l. 


Reafon  2, 


156 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  fir  gins. 


GodJyath  forgot  ^  hath  (hn  up  his  nurcles  ^    will  rcmsmber  no  more  to  be  ^r a - 
and  CTiOut'h  he  hath  bxn  fo  ,  yec  becaufe  he  hath  been  fo  abufcd   by 


ciom 


them     that  therefore  now  he  will  not  be  merciful  again  ;  and  thus  their  hearts : 

fink. 

Oh  Remember,  the  Gate  of  Cods  Grace  is  not  flYuc  up  before  death  y\ 
then  is  the  time  for  it  10  befhut.  I  confefs  indeed  there  is  a  time  in  this: 
life  the  Lord  doth  ceafe  to  ftrive  ,  and  doth  forfake  the  foul;  and  we  may! 
fay  of  them,  as  Chrift,  Oh  that  tho!4,  hadfi  k^own  \    but  mw  thej  are   hid  \ 

from  thi/ie  tjes\  ■ But  yet  thisis  afecret,  which  as  a  fecure  defpifer   of 

grace  j"houId  tremble  at-,  fo  thofe  that  are  awakened,   and  fet  in  their  way  to 
Chrift,  fhould  not  trouble  ihemfelves  about  it. 

Object.     -S^f  oh  that  I  did  kj^ow,  whether  it  be pajf  crrio^ 


Anfw.    I  fliall  rather  give  to  thefe  people  fome  good 


counfel ,   for  'tis 
I  would  fay  ,    if 


not  for  you  to  know  thefe  times  and  feafons  -,  though  this 
the  impardonable  fin  be  not  committed. 

1.  This  time  of  the  doores  being  fhut ,  is  notin  time  of  health  and  peace, 
but  in  lime  of  extream  trouble ,  wherein  trouble  doth  affe6l  them  more 
than  the  fm  j  as  Trov.  i .  and  as  many  when  a  fick  bed  is  come,  and  in  Noahs 
Flood,  I  Tff.3.20. 

2.  Or  if  it  be  in  time  of  health,  this  is  ever  the  companion  of  it,  (vU) 
hatred,  and  oppofing  Saints  fecretly  or  opening,  becaufe  Chrift  having  quite 
forfakenhim,  his  heart  fwells  againrt  the  Saints ;  hence  Saul  txwXoA  David y 
EfaH  hated  Jacob  Mcirmurers  againftGod;  were  in  the  Wildernefs,  and 
againll  CMoJesi  But  I  come  to  counfelj  for  God  lets  loofe  Satan  full  of 
malice,  upon  a  poor  creature,  fometimes  to  vex  and  trouble. 

Firft,  Conftdtr  tkt  root  of  this  diftemper  y  (W^<.)  either  great  pride,  or 
defpifmoof  the  riches  of  Gods  grace.  . 

iv  Pride,  for  (  this  we  lliall  findej  fuch  fpirirs,  becaufe  they  have  not 
peace  fealed,  ftrength  agairifl  fin  granted  unto  them,  and  that  which  they 
.would  have,  (li  difcouraged,  and  not  quickened  by  this)  they  regard  not 
life,  meanes,  offers  of  grace;  What  is  all  this,  if  Godhathforfakenme? 
What  is  it  ?  Yes,  that  'tis ;  as  might  at  large  be  {hewed. 

2.  Defpifing  of  grace;  if  1  had  not  committed  fuch  fins  ,  I  could  then 
think  for  mercy  ;  but  fuch  evils,  fuch  mifenes,  cannot  be  remedied.  Tru- 
ly, as  it  is  a  defpifing  of  a  Phyfician  ,•  to  think,  If  I  was  not  fo  fick,  he  would 
betender,  and  helpful;  but  not  nowjbeingfo  exceedingly  difeafed  ;  So  it  is 
here,&c. 

Secondly,  Confidery  Suppofe  the  time  be  paft  ,  yet  remember  thou  art 
worthy  to  be  forfaken  of  God  even  from  thy  birth ,  not  worthy  of  thy  daily 
bread,  muchlefs  to  tafte  of  Gods  Supper ;  the  Lord  was  loth  to  llauc  the 
door;  Hence  he  we-^t  on  Jerafalem  y  and  Pfalme  Zi.  12.  cryed  out  ,  Oh 
that  my  fecfle  had  -walked  in  my  wayes  \  thy  finiles  provoked  the  Lord  un- 
to it ,  if  he  hath  in  juftice  caft  thee  off;  therefore  though  it  be  paft  ,  be  not 
difcouraged,  but  lie  down  humbled,  as  Judges  10.  14,  i-j.  and  as  David^ 
T/*?/.  1}.2.  3.  -My  teares  are  my  meaty  Tvkiles  they  [ay  [0 y  Where  ts  yov^f- 
(jod  ?  So  tell  the  Lord,  Satan  faith  ,  and  feeling  faith,  and  feares  fay,Where 
is  my  God  ?  Lord  pity!  And  if  thy  heart  be  fick ,  tell  the  Lord  of  it ,  Ferfe 
6.  I  am  perfwaded  many  fhould  quickly  feele  an  Anfwer  to  this  QsieftionJ 
by  taking  this  courfe  ;  but  they  mifs  at  leafl:  of  the  comfort  of  Grace  and 
Mercy  ,  becaufe  they  will  be  Difpofers  of  the  ■  Lords  Grace  and 
Time. 

Thirdly,  Co^j/^^r,  it  may  be  that  time  is  not  paft,  it  is  a  fecret  only  known 
to  God  ;  the  door  of  grace  may  only  feem  to  be  fhut;  why  doth  Chrift  bid 
knock  elfe?    When  the  Ninevites  heard  that  they  fhould  dye  within  f'urty 

dayes, 


Ofened  and  J f  plied. 


6iyQSy  Jonah  g.p-.  fay  they,  J0}o~can  tell  hf^tthe  Lard  ma/  repe^a  !  ^you 
fay  the  Decree  is  pall,  andfpoken;  and  as^~'/?/r^  faid  ,  Ihave  thu  Witne'r- 
fed.  Ifayagaine  ,  Who  cantell,  but  (if  God  had  faid  fo,  but  )  that  he 
may  repent?  therefore  be  notdifcouraged,  or  faint  becaufeof  this.  Nay, 
'tis  moft  probable  time  is.  not  part . 

I.     Becaiife  the    things  of  thy  peace,  cbe,  difcovery  ot  the  yilenefs  of 
thine  own  heart,  the  glory  of  Chriit,  is  not  hid  from  thine  eyes. 

2.  God  cals  thee  now  to  returne ;  When,  JW/?/;  had  banillic  David,  and 
they  might  think  He  will  not  receive  us  ;  yet  when  David  fent  by  his  Mef'- 
fengers ,  IVh)/  do  pH  not  bring  the  King  back^  I  1  ^''.m  fiejh  of  jokt. 
fiefh  ;  then  they  all  were  encouraged  to  hope  for  favour  ,  2  Sar^/. 
ip.  12,  14.  So, 

4.   Conjidcr ,  if  thou  doft  return ,  thz  time  of  love  is  fo  farre  ffom   be^ 
jingpaft,  as  that  it  is  then  come  indeed  unto  thy  foul. 
Objeil.  Jim  my  fin  u  great  I  •    . 

u4nf}v,   Suppofeicbe'lafphemy  of  Chrifi,  nay,  murder  of  the   Sonne  of 

God;  yci -A[is   2.38.  when  P^rfr  preached    Repentance  to  life  ^  they  that 

gladly  received  tbat  word,  who  might  be    inftrumental   to  crucifie  Chriit, 

I  we  re  received.     Oh  but  my  heart  is  hard!    Hejea  10.  12.  bre^k  up  your  fai- 

i  low  ground,  &c.  'Tis  time,  faith  he,  &c. 

I     '  Object.  But  I  have  refafed  to  returne,  and  have    not  been  afhamed\ 
Afifw.  Yet,   Jer.     5.     3>  4>    5.     }Viii^,th(iH.notfi:om  this  time.. cry.  to 


and '  he  ■  refufe    to 


returne 


me }  CTc.  .      .  •  .ri: 

Obje6l.     But  I  may  returne  to  the   Lord 
'to  me. 

zAnfw.  No,  Jer.  8.  7.  Shall  he  fall^  atrdmt  arife ?  fhM  the  Lojid  turn 
away,  and  not  return}  why  then  is  he  fallen  perpetually ',j  the  reafon- is:gi- 
ven  ,  No  man  faid,  what  have  I  done  ,  how  have  I  defpr[ed^ods. grace  f'  thi' 
Storks  knows  hfrfeafon ;  but,  &e.  the  Lord  keep  you  from  dafhirig  your  (elves 
iq  pieces  here  ,  and  make  shis  a  Word,  iof  Ghriiis  EncoiiragemeaEto 
thee.  !"  .•  'i^'''''  ■■    ■  '--^r  v-.-'-:  -  ■   ,'' 

ZJfe  2.  Of  Exhortation  unto  all  men,  nA  to  delay  jour  making  teac-s  T^ieh' 
,God ;  for  when  you  are  dead ,  the  gate  is  fhyt ;  and  if  Angels  Siould  cry  to 
have  It  opened,  they  iTiall  not  be  heard. 

You  that  are  young  ,  take  warning  this  day ,  do  not  think  there  is  time 
enough  hereafter  :  You  that  are  old ,  do  not  thmk  it  too  late,  or,  that  it 
would  be  a  lli.ime  for  you  to  begin  now  ,  who.  have  propt  up  your  hearts 
with  bafe  comforts ;  you  that  have  beenilUrred ,  but  are  now  fain  afteepy  be- 
ware of  dyingin  your:  ditches,  and  pits,,  wherein  you  are  fain  •,  you  muft- 
(iand  before  God  lliortly.  Though  you  never  repented  yet ,  &c.  never  was 
inbitternefs,  never  had  any  great  mourmng,i  8fc,  never,  knew  the  life  of 
Chrift,  peace  of  confcience ,  never  felt  the  KJngdome,  and  mighty  power 
of  Chrifl-,  yet  defpaire  not ,  for  yec  there  is  hope;  but  if  once  death  comes, 
then  thou  art  gone  •,  it  is  day  yet ,.  and  Ch rift  holds  open  his  wings  yet ;  but 
if  djath  comes,  his  time  is  our. 

Obje6t.    Btit  I  have  a  f aire  time  yet  before  me. 

Anfiw.  1 .    It  may  be  rot,  for  thou  arc  condemned  alieady. 

2.  If  you  have,  yet  wile  abufe  patience ,  and  forbearance  of  God?wiItde^ 
fpife  what  leads  thee  to  repentance  \  as  a  man  finking,  ipitsinthe  face  of 
him  that  holds  ap  his  Head^  wijt' thou  be  worfe  than  a  devil  ?i  • 

Obje6lion.  But  a  little  rspsntance  will  ferve  the  turm'^^'^tis  qpti^kj/ 
lone  ?  ,       ■  '    '  '         " 

Anfwtr.  Oh  no  /    zsVa-yil  faid,  /  hAve  fought' a  good  fight ;   thou'  haft 

fins 


^V 


ttfe 


I 


158 


The  F  arable  oftk  Ten  Virgins, 


JOferv,  I. 


! 

{Reafon  i. 


Tins  as  dear  as  thy  life  to  forfake  ;  thou  halV  Devils,  World  to   vvreftle  vvirh; 
linay'  ,    Godtiimfelf  to  wreftle  with ;     you  cannot    runne   your   Race  in 

a  day.  "        '  | 

Ob|e6V.  whatif  Ihe  (hHtom}  ^     '  -  -     | 

Anfw,  I  fay  no  more  but  only  what  Solomon  faid  ,  ^rov.  5.  1 1, 1 2,  i ;. : 
O  horo  have  I  hated  reproof  \  that  lliall  be  thy  vvpful  dirge  another  day,  when 
lliutout;  oh  never  to  have  one  look,  one  word  fromChrift,  but  to  leehiai; 
afar  off,  this  fliall  be  thy  fearful  portion  hereafter.  _  Truly  we  may  take  up. 
that  complaint  of  Chrift,  You  can  difceme  the  times  of  the  Weather,not  s 
Chrirts  coming.  | 


VERSE    II,  12. 

Afterward  came  alfo  the  o:herVlrglni  ,    fayifig  ,     Lord,  Lord  ,   syen  un- 


to us. 
Bm  he  anfrverei^  and  f aid  ,  Vtrily  I  [ay  unto  yoH  ^  I  knorpyounot, 

INthefetwoVerfes,  is  fet  down  the  entertainment    Chrirt  gives  unto   the 
foolifh  Virgins ,  and  his  behaviour  toward  them  ;  and  that  is,  he  did  not 
own  them  as  his,  but  faith,  /  know  yon  not.    Their  miferable  i;eje<3:ion 
is  aggravated  from  thefe  particulars,  fhewing  their  mifery, 

1.  The  note  of  certainty  of  this,  Ffr;//,  (^f. 

2.  Though  they  c^me  afterward  to  the  Lord,  ( it  is  not  faid,  with  their  Oykj 
in  their  Veflels,&c.) 

3.  Though  they  prayed  to  the  Lord  to  open  when  they  came» 
f  :  4.  Though  they  prayed  earneftiy,  Xor^,  Xor^. 

5.  Though  they  fought  thus  with  Arguments  ,    Lor  d^' Lord  .^  as  if  they 
fhould  fay ,  Thou  art  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  we  look  for  life  from  none  but  j 
thee.  j 

that  after  the  coming  of  Chrlfi  to  death  or  judgement  ,  then  (hall  thofe\ 
who  are  mofi  fecretly  wicked  ,  know  certainly  that  the  gate  i^sjhat,  and  their] 
exclafen^  and  final feparation  from  the  face  of  ChriJ}. 

. .  Thefe  foolifh  Virgins  had  feme  hopes  and  affurances  of  mercy,  whiles 
the  Bridegroom  was  abfent  in  their  life ;  fo  men  have  in  this  world  fuch 
hopes ;  but  when  Chrift  came,  andfhut  the  door  upon  them ,  then  they  knew 
their  miferable  condition. 

This  life  is  compared  unto  a  fleep,  and  dreame ,  l^falms  90.  %.  wherein 
men  underhand  and  conceive^of  things  with  falfe  flaapes ;  fo  here  ;  but  when 
they  awaken,  thentheyappeareotherwifej  after  death  men  are  awakened , 
and  then  they  fee  things  as  they  are ;  the  Parable  of  the  rich  man ,  Luke  1 6. 
proves  this. 


Becaufe  then  God  lets  in  a  new  light,  moft  full  and  cleare  ,  to  fee  and 
know  things  as  they  are,  arid  fo  to  know  themfelves  and  their  eftates  ;  it  15 
an  Atheiftsfpeech,:  SccUf.g.  5,7,  lo.  That  the  dead  know  not  any  things 
and  hence  ,  bsasmerry  as'youcan,  eat  thy  bread  with  joy,  &c.  No,  now 
they  do  know,  &c.  as  the  Saints  know  their  eternal  acceptation,  by  a  moft 
glorious  light ;  God  walks  darkly  here,  but  then  this  full  light  fhall  come  in; 
As  if  is  with  a  man  that  is  to  be  condemned ' ,  before  he  be  call,  the  Jtfdge 
'  brings 


opened  and  Applied. 


brings  in  full  evidence;  ^o  Heh.  g.  ult.  After  death  cometh  jnd^emera - 
there  is  full  evidence  ;  when  AAAtn  itood  before  God ,  the  Lord  fuTjy  con- 
vinced him ;  when  death  comes,  then  there  is  an  end  of  mens  Steward^ip^ 
Luke  16'.  z.  and  when  an  end  comes  to  that ,  what  comes  then  ?  Come 
give  up  thy  account ;  now  thofe  whofe  reckonings  are  naught  ,  muft  either 
deceive  and  biindetheall-fearching  eyes  of  God,  and  fo  not  be  found  out, 
or  they  ihail  fee  wherein  they  have  been  faithlefs  and  falfe.  What  is  fpoken 
of  the  general  Judgement ,  is  true  alfoof  this  particular ;  it  is  the  day  of  Re- 
velation ;  Godhimfelf  will  now  cleare  up  matters  as  Chrift  here  doth  ,  Ferl- 

Becaufe  then  the  foul  will  defire  to  know ,  and  have  leifure  to  fee  and 
know  itfelfj  asthefe  fooliili  Virgins ,  their  fouls  were  looking  (  in  a  fort) 
in  their  life-time  for  Chrift  ,  but  now  they  look  and  fee  indeed  j  fo  me  know 
Inot  themfelves,  though  having  light ;  nor  their  prefent  mifery  ,  becaufe' 
they  deiire  not  to  know  •,  and  hence  reflect  not  upon  themfelves  according  to 
lighc  now;  or  if  they  defire  fo  to  do,  yet  they  have  not  leifure  ;  the  noife 
and  multitude  of  cares,  keeps  chemfroma  cleare  knowing  of  their  eftates  : 
but  now  meniliallbe  brought  to  the  Land  of  folitarinefs  ,  and  {hall  have 
leifure  to  fee ,  having  Gods  light  let  in  to  fee  by;  there  fliall  then  be  no  bu- 
finefs ,  but  only  to  confider ,  Who  ami?  and  what  have  I  done  ?  men  fhall 
have  no  Cities  to  build,  nor  bufinefs  to  do,  as  F^//^  then  ,  and  hence  put  out 
the  light. 

Becaufe  then  confcience  is  throughly  awakened,  becaufe  it  is  a  time  of 
judgement  now ;  andiffo,  then  the  witnelfes  muft  appeare  ;  though  they 
[have  been  filent  long  before,  they  (hall  be  forced  to  fpeak.  Now  it  is  won- 
crful  to  fee  whriC  confcience  will  fpeak  when  God  awakens  it;  men  many 
times  will  non  lee  the  evil  which  they  have  done ;  but  confcience  will  make 
Ithem  leeit,  myjconfefsit,  when 'tis  awakened.  Three  things  confcience 
will  do,  when  it  is  awakened. 

I.  It  will  Ihewamanhis  chief  fins,  which  he  defended,  which  he  ex- 
tenuated ,  which  he  never  fulpe^ed  ;  Thefe  things,  ha fl  thou  done. 

a.  It  can  bring  frelli  to  memory  fins  forgotten  ,  fleighted,  dead  and  bu- 
ried ,  a  great  number,  all  of  them  as  if  new  done.  John  4.29.  all  things  that 
ever  I  did. 

;?.  It  can,  and  will  aggravate  ali  thefe  things  and  fins,  and  prefent  them 
in  the  greatnefs  of  them  ,  that  mens  mouths  ihall  pafs  their  own  Sentence 
upon  them ,  as  Cain  did  ;  that  let  all  the  world  perfwade  them  their  cafe  is 
good,  they  cannot  believe  it;  now  this  we  fee  in  this  life  in  fome  •  but 
when  life  is  ended,  then  thefe  things  (hall  be  aded  much  more  lively,  Tfal. 
50.  21.  /  will  refrove  thee;  even  of  what  they  thought  God  did  approve  j 
and  I  will  fet  them  in  order ,  in  their  number  and  greatnefs  before  thy  eyes  - 
i.e.  of  confcience ;  all  falfhoods  ,  deceit;^ ioathfo me  tricks,  &c.  I  did 
this  and  that,but  I  had  thefe  ends  in  them  ,  Ad  I  harboured  thefe  fins  by  them, 
will  confcience  make  men  fay. 


Becaufe  now  Satan,  to  whofe  cuftodythe  foul  is  committed  ,  appears  ro 
the  foul ,  and  it  fees  it  felf  in  his  hands.  The  beft  Hypocrite  is  never  deliver- 
ed out  of  the  hands  of  Satan  and  his  power;  he  will  eitheir  keep  conftant 
pofieffion  ;  or  if  not,  yet  he  will  returneagaine;  now  he  wiil  not  appear  in 
this  time  of  peace  to  the  foul,  becaufe  there  is  yet  hope .,  but  after  death  , 
then  hope  is  paft ,  and  therefore  then  he  appeares ;  for  as  the  fouls  of  the 
Ele(5t  are  carryed  to  Heaven  by  Angels ,  and  bleffed  among  them ;  fo  e  con- 
tra y 


159 


Re 4.  2. 


%eaf,  3. 


\faf.  4. 


i6o 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins^ 


Reafon  %. 


Ufe    I, 


tra^  the  fouls  of  the  wicked  are  in  the  hands  of  Devils  ^  i  Tet^  3.  19.  He 
peach  to  the  tf'irus  mrp  in  Frifon',  Theeves,-lb  long  as  they  are  not  known^  i 
or  if  known,  noc  apprehended ,  they  fear  not  death;  hm  when  taken,  and; 
laid  up  in  prifon ,  there  they  know  their  death  ,  and  there  they  fee  their : 
Jaylour^  fo  here-,  and  as  Satan  did  condemne  ,  and  fad  the  hearc  of  the: 
humbled  out-caft,  2  Cor.  2. 11.  fo  much  more  thefe,  when  caft  out  from' 
the  prefence  of  God.  A  Captive  when  taken  by  him  that  hath  overcome  , 
him,  the  Conquerourappeares,  andfers  his  foot  upon  him,  efpecialiy  if; 
one  eminent  whom  Satan  hath  conquered.  ' 

Becaufe  of  the  intolerable  and  heavy  wrath  of  God  ,  ■  which  then  doth 
feize  upon  the  foul,  Luke  16.  I  am  tcrtne»t.d:  In  this  life,  though  God  be 
loft,  yet  mens  hearts  are  comforted  with  creatures ,  and  padence,  and  com- 
mon bounty  ;  as  it  is  with  skali'd  legs ,  eafed  in  the  water-  but  now  when 
men  are  dead,  then  there  is  no  creature  to  enjoy,  toeafe  the  heart  j  the 
body  is  dead,  and  VN'h  at  are  thefe  things  to  the  foul;  now  hence  the  fouk 
feels  God  is  gone,  andforever  gone,-  and  now  when  he  hath  molt  need, 
in  great  torment  gone,  the  foul  feels  this,  I  fay;  and  feeling'  this  woe  ,  it 
knows  it  indeed;  thebeafts  know  their  mifery  ,  when  they  feel  the  Knife 
in  their  hearts.  Let  men  deceive  themfelves  never  fo  deeply  with  falfe  ima- 
ginations, yet  when  they  feel  it  otberwife  ,  it  fhall  confute  them  ,  as  the 
Generations  of  men  in  the  dayes  of  Noah  ;  men  vyiH  have  fome  hope 
while  patience  lafts,  but  when  that's  gone,  then  their  hopes  and  hearts  fink 
alfo ;  whiles  men  be  in  the  Veffel ,  they  hope  to  live  ,  but  if  that  fink  ,  and 
they  can  fee  no  plank,  nor  fhore ,  but  fee  waves,  and  men  crying,  &c.  now 
their  hearts  muft  needs  fail  them. 


Of  terroHr  to  them     tvho  tifon  cleare  conviEiion  from  the  Word, ,  nvlll  mt 
believe  their  doomy  their  mifery  nore.     Sometime   the  Word  comes  fo  near 
men,   and  the  very  fin  they  live  and  lie  in,is  pointed  at,  found  out  ,    and 
words,  and  thoughts  opened  ,  as  if  fome  body  had  told  the  Minifterof  the 
man;  and  they  think  HefpeaksagainPcme,  but  they  will  not  believe  that  fin 
is  fo  black,  or  God  fo  angry,    but  hope  well;  but  if  they  do  fleight,  and 
regard  not  thefe  convictions ,  yet  oh  remember  the  time  is  drawing  on  ,  and 
it  is  notfarre  of,  but  therein  you  lliallknow,  the  word  of  the  Lord  is  more 
precious  to  him  than  to  you  ;  you  kn  it  fall,  but  the  Lord  wiil  not ;     i  Sarrj* 
5.  19.    The  Old  World  would  not  believe  Noah-^  the  Lord  therefore  made 
their  experience  convince  them  of  it.    I  know  men  may   be  deceived  ;  but 
ashefaid  in  another  cafe.  The  word  is  not  bound;  fo  the  word   which  like 
God,  fearcheth  the  fecrets  of  thy  heart ,  and  thy   Hypocrifie ,  that  is  not 
deceitful;  thy  Scepter,  OLord,  is  a  right  Scepter,  and  it  cannot  be  crook'c| 
'  and  bent.  And  if  man  doth  condemn  thee,  know  it,  God    is  greater  then 
man,  and  it  is  his  glory  to  confirm  the  words,  of  his  Servants    ,    that  are  j 
not  Diviners,  South-fayers  ,  andiincertaine Prognofticators  of  mens  deBi-  j 
nies,  If  a,  44.  26.  but  having  that  warrant  from  the  Word ,  it  fhall  be  con- j 
firmedbyGod  himfelf;  nay,  that  very  Word  fhall  arife ,  though   it   fleeps  ' 
now  ;  the  Word  is  only  left  as  a  PVttnep^  OHatth.  24. 14.  and  do  you  think 
it  fhall  not  be  fo  f  if  Chrift  lives,  he  will  confirm  it.  Is   it  no:  better   to 
know  your  condition  now ,  and  be  humbled  for  it ,  feeing  elfe  you  muft  know 
it,  when  it  is  too  late  to  know  it  ?    If  two  have  a  Quarrel  aga'nft  each  other , 
andthe  one  who  hath  the  betterfide  entreats  to  agree  with  him,  to  acknow- 
ledge his  fault ,  be  humbled ,  he  will  forgive  him,  before  he  comes  to  higher 
\  Courts  where  it  will  be  tried ,  and  himfelf  caft  ,  and  fuch  a  Fine,  and  dama- 
ges be  fet  upon  his  head ,  as  will  Utterly  undo  him;  is  it  not  a  mifery  for  fuch 

an 


opened  and  Af^lkd. 


i6i 


an  one  fo  brought  under,  to  feed  himfelf  with  hopes,  and  nottoliften,  till 
he  hath  fpcnt  all ,  and  is  utterly  undone,  and  beggar'd  5  truly  thus  'tis  here ; 
And  fo  I  end,  with  reminding  you  of  the  fpeech  of  God  to  Sites  Sons  , 
I  Sam.  2.  25.  They  he^.rd mt  their  father,  because  God  would  jlay  them; 
fo  here  you  will  not  hear  Minifiers  condemne  you  ,  becaufe  God  will 
do  it. 

See  the  great  folly  of  ihofc ,  vpho  having  got  fome  falfe  comforts  ,  and 
are  loth  to  kj^ow  the  worfi  of  the'.r  efiates  now  ;  Ifa.  30.  10.  that  fay  to 
the  Prophets,  Prophefe  deceits ;  or  if  not,  they  will  npt  come  to  the  light; 
John  3.  2c.  or  if  light  come  to  them ,  they  hate  ity  and  put  it  out,  choak 
it,  if  they  do  not  alfohate  the  man.  Shall  you  know  your  eftates  hereafter, 
and  will  you  not  fee  them  now  ?  what  comfort  will  this  be  to  you  ?  There 
is  a  Beali,  when  it  is  hunted,  and  weary,  runnes  its  head  into  the  ground  or 
bullies ,  and  thinks  it  felf  then  fafe ,  though  its  body  be  all  feen ;  and  chat 
the  Hunter  doth  not  fee  it ,  nor. the  Hounds,  becaufe  it  fees  not  them ;  So 
it  is  here  ;  What  will  it  profit  you  to  hide  your  eyes  from  the  Almighties 
fcarch  ,  who  cannot  hide  your  felves  f  It's  true  ,  if  there  was  no  hope 
now,  then  men  might  comfort  themfelves,  and  not  dye  with  thoughts  and  fears 

of  it,  till  they  come  to  dye  ;  but  there  is  hope;  < Oh  folJy  not  to  fee  it 

now  !  and  truly  this  is  mens  frame. 

1.  Becaufe  fome  think  it  a  fhame  to  begin  now,  after  they  have  beca  fo 
well  thought  of,  now  to  ftrip  themfelves. 

2.  Becaufe  of  trouble,  men  naturally  will  avoid  it,  and  hence  skin  their 
fores  over  lliperficially. 

3.  Becaufe  they  think  it  impoflible,  or  very  difficult  to  be  faved  now,  if  all 
fliould  be  naught  that  they  have  done  already ;  and  hence,  rather  hazard  all, 
and  put  it  to  the  venture. 

4.  Becaufe  they  muft  maintaine  their  innocency  and  confidence.  What? 
mufti  not  believe,  nor  hope  well? 

5.  Becaufe  when  they  have  done  their  beft,  they  can  do  no  more  than  what 
they  do  now,  'viz..  truft  to  Gods  mercy. 

But  more  particularly  this  appeares 

Firft,  When  men  will  not  fee ,  nor  dedre  the  Lord  to  reveal  their  finne 
and  deceits,  ^^falme  36.  3.  That's  one  part  of  heart- flattery ,  not  to  fee 
^o  do  good  ;  a  gracious  heart  is  broken  oif  from  flattery;  he  knows  it,     and 
hence  will  to  the  Lord;  when  he  knows  not  himfelf,  and  his  eftate,  Lord 
teach  me  ;  the  damning  (in,  is  fome  dear  fin  ;  a  fin  which  the  foul  allowes 
habitation,  and  houfe-roome ,  and  heart-roome  unto ;  and  hence  it  will  not 
fee  it ,  becaufe  it  would  not  part  with  it ;  and  hence  it  faith ,  It  cannot   fee 
it ,  becaufe  it  will  not-  it's  in  love  with  the  flattery  of  it  ;  and   hence   'tis 
ftrangeto  fee  fome  that  live  in  oppreflion  by  unlawful  prizes,  and   exa6ling 
immoderate  wages ,  cannot  fee  their  fin  ,  though   privately ,    and  publickly  [ 
fpoken  of,  becaufe  they  will  not;  cannot   fee  it,  becaufe  they   will    not;' 
't's  Itrange  to  fee  how  time-fervers  will  defend  their  Fafhions ;   and   they  | 
cannot  fee  it ,  becaufe  the  heart  is  fecretly  in  love  with  fuch  vanities ;    and 
'tis  juft,  feeing  they  love  not  the  truth  ,  they  ftiould  be  deceived  by  errors; 
Two  wayes  men  have  to  hide  their  fins  from  God  himfelf. 

1.  By  covering  them  with  reafon  »  A  man  that  is  afliamed  of  his  na- 
kednefsor  fore,  he  will  get  a  covering  for  it-,  hereby  one  may  know  what 
a  mans  chief  fin  is ;  viz.,  by  his  reafon  ngs  for  it ;  as  one  may  know  where 
the  eggs  be,  by  the  Hens  fitting  upon  them;  and  truly,  a  little  reafon  will 
blinde  the  eyes  many  times  ;  nay,  though  God  and  Scripture  be  brought  in; 
Balmm  would  fain  finde  out  fome  light  from  God  to  curfe,  and  from  Altar 

Xxx  to 


l62 


The  Parable  of  the  Ten  Virgins^ 


Vfe  3. 


coMtar   hewent  ,     &c.  _  but  found   nothing;     Thus,|iere,    &c.  \ 

2.  By  covering  them  with  duties  and  for  rows  j  and  yet  keeping  them  5 '. 
forwhen  men  do  fee  their  fin,  and 'cis  great    ,     what   co,;:hey  therefore?; 
theywafhit  v\ich  teares ;  they  confefs  it    asthofe,  J[a.  5 8.  .5,  6.   they  faft 
for  ttrife  or  debate;    they  would  be  vexed  with    enraged    confcieiices     but 
f©r  thefe  duties ;  and  this  makes  them  hope  well ;  and  here  come    in  thofe  \ 
diftin(9:ions ,  I  have  fms  as  others ,  but  I  mourn  under  them  !   oh  but  Re-  ■ 
member,  thofe  forrows  deftroy  fin  by  litde  ar.d  little  ,   and  do  not   feed 
{in;  btK thefe eafe  thee    in    thy  iin  j     Bofea ^10.  ^.  Hemlock^  grow es    ttf 
in   the    Furrow -s  5     jopi  fieak^  words  ,     faith    the    Lord   ,     &c.     So 
here,    &c. 

Secondly,  When  men  are  willing  the  Lord  fhould  let  them  fee  their 
fin,  but  unwillin'7  to  attend  him  in  the  ufe  of  all  meanes  for  that  end ;  efpeci- 
aljy  thefe  two.  ' 

1.  Diligent  watch  overihe  hsart  daily ,  by  frequent  refl«6ling  upon  its 
own  neks  ;  it's  ftrange  to  fee  what  difcoveries  might  be  made  by  obfer- 
ving  ends,  aimes,  motives  of  workings  5  Hence  Chrift  beats  much  up- 
on tnis. 

2.  Daily  Meditation  in  fome  folemn  manner.  2  Tim,  2.  7.  Conftder 
what  I  fay  ;  and  the  Lord  fhM  give  th,ee  auderftanding  ;  'Tis  a  tho'u- 
fand  to  caie  if  men  do  not  lofe  themfelves ,  and  fouls  in  negle6l  of  this. 
Hag.  1.^,7-  David  ^nidy  I confidered  my  wayes  ^  and  turr,ed.  Now  to 
fay,  LettheLordfearchme,  but  notto  ufe  means,  istofhutyour  eyesagainft 
the  book,  and  fay.  Now  Lord  teach  me. 

Of  Exhort atioK ;  Oh  therefore   kpow  the  worfi  sf  your  own  hearts  mw. 
Phil.  2.  12.  JVork  ofit  your  falvMim  with  fear  e  :     Saints  with  a   feare    of. 
careful  fearch  ,  but  you  much  more.    G*!?;?.  27.  11,   12.    When    B.ebeccah 
would  have  fizcob^o  10  Ifaac^  fai«:h  facol>^   what  if  my  Father  feel  met 
I  may  get  a  cnrfe  thsn^      So  the  Lord  Jefus  (  believe  it  )   will  feel  thee;' 
he  will  fee  who  thou  arc,  before  he  let  thee  into  Heaven  ;    if  thou  art    a 
ftrangerto  thy  fin,  andChrifl,  and  his  grace,   thou  fhakfeethe  gateftiut; 
upon  thee  hereafter;  therefore  know  it  now  how  'tis  with  thee;    nothing; 
will  be  fuchacutto  thy  heart  as  this  ,  viz.,   when  'cis  too  Lite  to  fee  thelin^ 
which  ruined;  oh  this  will  torment !  as  it  doth  Politicians,  when  they  fee. 
There  Iforfook  a  Rule  of  Policy,  there  I  Wasmiftaken  ;   if  I  had  carried 
the  bufinefs  otherwife  there ,  then  I  had  got  this   ;     oh  it  troubles   them  ; 
fo  it    will    do  you  ,    when   you  fhall   fee    your  Projedls   and   Hopes 
dafht. 

Queft.  How  (hall  J  k^ow  this  ? 

Afifw.  I.  Mark  what  others,  godly,  anddifcerning,  fpeak,  or  fear  con- 
cerning thee ;  for  though  God  reveals  not  a  Hypocrite  to  all,  yet  'tis  feldom; 
but  it  is  to  fome  or  other,  i  T/w.  5.  25.  notfpeakagainft,  yet  not  give  a 
full  Teftimony. 

2.  Mark  what  conscience  fpeaks,  orfeares  thee  with  in  cool  blood  , 
without  getting  thofe  feares  qucncht  by  frefli  Application  of  Chrifis  blood; 
it'sfaid,  The  feares  of  the  wicked  fhall  come  upon  him ;  there  are  fome  hoc 
pangs  which  men  have ,  and  then  think  well  of  themfelves,  but  generally 
live  out  from  God  and  Chrift.  Mark  which  way  the  fcale  turnes  ,  vvheo 
you  are  ftill;  the  worme  that  is  not  killed ,  will  gnaw  for  ever  ,  if  it  bices 
now. 

3,  Mark  what  troubled  thee  when  affli^ions  were  upon  thee  ^  then  God, 
many  times  convinceth  men  of  folly  ;  when  Benjamins  fackhad  the  Cup  ,1 
The  Lord  hath  fonnd  ont  our  inic^Hity  ,  faid    they  ,   Ge».  44.  \6.    So  fome 

■■■"  •  '     ,      ■  _      .  cvils; 


opened  and  Afflied. 


a  Concrovcrfie   with 


evils  maybcfalfely  imputed,  but  then  you  {hall    fee   fome 

maybe)  for  which  the  Lord  may  have   had  long 

you. 

4.  Mark  what  thou  arc  when  crofled;  many  a  one  is  good,  while  men 
andGodpIeafe  him;  but  when  reproof  comes,  or  he  is  croft,  then  he  is 
naad,  hair-brain'd,  hateful,  fcorneful ,  wilful,  Ecclef.  10.  n.  for  men 
may  be  croft  of  their  will,  but  their  own  ends  they  will   not  be  croft    in; 

;  Mark  how  you  deny  your  own  ends  in  what  you  do ,  then  you  may  appeale  to 
God  indeed. 

5.  Mark  your  temptations ,  and  corruptions  ,  with  oppofition  ;  if  all 
be  quiet  ,  either  there  is  a  truce  for  a  time,  or  elfe  there  is  peace 
between  you  and  finne  ,  and  Satan  ,  and  fo  Warre  between  God 
and  you. 

6.  Mark  thy  Opinions ;  Sometimes,  faith  Solomon^  a  fool  is  not  known 
till  then,  ^rov.  17.28.  for  they  arife  (unlefs  fome  in  (implicity  )  from 
fome  corruption. 

Queftion  2.  How  niaj  the  Saints  come  to  be  fetled  ,  that  they  may 
k^oTv  this  f    ' 

<iAn[wer  I.  Beware  of  contenting  your  felf  with  any  meafure  ;  but 
with  T^^/  ,  reach  after  things  before  ^  &c.  for  hence  the  foolifh  Vir- 
gins were  deceived  ;  but  after  all  fillings  be  ever  empty,  hungry,  and  feeling 
need,  and  praying  for  more ,  fetting  thy  felf  againft  all  fia  ;  fay  with  David , 
CleaKfe  me  from  jeer et  fins. 

2.  Strike  at  the  root  of  all  fin ,  (  viz.. )  your  evil  natures  ,  mourn  daily 
under  it ,  and  the  a6tivity  of  it ;  and  though  fome  fins  be  unknown  ,  yet 
when  the  rope  dyes,  theyfhall  dye.  If  a.  57.  18.  When  you  mourn  for  this, 
God  will  Tpeak  peace. 

3.  Befureyourendbe  right,  that  having  received  Chrift,  and  doing  du- 
ties, you  do  them  before  him,  and  for  his  fake  ;  for  here  Hypocrites  fail; 
and  this  makes  P^«/  to  appeale  to  Ch rift,  3  Cor,  5.  Depart  you  workers  of 
imqmty  ,  will  Chrift  fay  hereafter ;  You  have  fought  your  felves  in  all  this.- 
Though  the  duty  is  hard,  and  thy  heart  loth  to  come  to  it,  yet  fay  ,  F&r  thy 
Jake^  Lord,  I  love  it,  ' 

The  earnefl  cryes  and  prayers  of  unregenerate  men  At  death  or  ,  judgement , 
are  then  too  late  to  pr'Cfire  mercy  from  the  hands  of  ChriFt,  .If  there  be 
any  means  in  time  of  diftrefs  to  have  help,  it  is  by  prayer  ;  it  helps  the 
Saints  out  of  deep  pics,  dark  dungeois.  Lam.  3.'  and  Iron  Furnaces,  bit- 
ter agonies,  intolerable  preftures ;  but  this  meanes,  though  they  fhall  ufe  it 
then,  becaufethdr  torment  is  great,  and  their  felf-!  ove  remaines,  asthefe 
Virgins  did,  yetitcomes  too  late  then;  I  know  their  prayers  differ ;  but  of 
that  I  ("hal I  fpeak  hereafter. 

If  in  this  life  fometimes  they  come  too  late  ,  much  more  after,  this  •  but 
fo  it  is  fometimes ;  T^rov.  i.  28.  Pfal.  18.  41.  Trov.  15.  i.  even  unto 
the  Lord.  The  Lord  fees  it  meet  togiveatafte  of  his  feverity  after  life, 
and  in  this  life  ,  that  men  may  fear ,  and  the  terrour  may  fall  upon 
many. 

Becaufe  then  Chrift  fits  upon  the  Throne  of  judgement',  and  fo  no  Me- 
diatour  to  help  them ,  as  hath  been  proved  ;  and^tf  it  be  fo  ,  how  (hall  they 
fiand}  Pfalme  1:50.  g.  In  this  life  mercy  waits ,  and  patience  bears  ,  till 
it  can  bear  nolongef ,  and  then  dotheafe  it  felf,  Ez^kjel  ^.  i:?.  and  cries 
tojuftice,&c.  And  therefore  the  prayers  and  bowlings  of  the  wicked 
are  to  no  more  purpofe  than  of  a  Malefa6lor  before  the  Judge  condemned 
forTreafon. 

XxX2  ^1'    #':Se- 


erv.  2, 


Reafon  i. 


Reafon  2. 


Re4' 


I. 


^fe  I. 


The  Tar  Me  of  the  Ten  PirginSj 


Ufe  2. 


thei: 

Lord  Ihould  heare,they  would  b?,  as  bad  agame  as  ever  betore  ;  Jt  mercy 
lliouldrave'^thefe  Thieves  from  this  Gallows ,  they  would  cut  the  Throat  , 
arid  Stab  the  heart  of  mercy  afterward  ^  as  all  fuch  perfons  do,  'who  are  car- 
ried from  that  principle  in  their  prayers ;  and  therefore  let  them  never  look 
to  be  heard  now. 

JJsnce  fee  the  exceeding  greatnejfe  of  the  wrath  of  Chrlfl  ,    to    them  that 
d'lewhhom  /?/W,,  Pfalm  18.41.     Many  times-the  Lord  hideshis  face  from 
his  people  for  a  time  ;  but  then  they  pray,  and  feek  his  face  aga  n  ,  and  the 
Lord  hea res  them  ,  and  fhines  upon  them  again ;   when  his  Spirit   in   thsm 
fpeaks  to  him  ,  his  Son  in  his  Covenant  fpeaks  unto  them;    and  the  Lord 
hearsthe  cry  of  their  weeping',  as  well  as  their  praying,  Pfalme  6.8.  But 
if  when  they  pray  earneftly  ,   and  the  Lord  bears   not  then  ,    but  is   angry 
withthe'r  prayers,  oh  thisis  bitter  to  them,  Ffal,  80.  4,  5.  Lam.    :;.  44. 
'tis  that  which Chrirt  typically  complaines  of,  Ffal.  22.1,  2,  4,  5.     There 
is  no  wrath  like  this  5    for  a  Godfo  pitiful,  as  many  times  to  h-]p  without 
cry6s,  more  than  a  Mother  with  tender  bowels ,  and  not  to  regared  cryes, 
asif  hebaddatt  off  his  nature ;  this  makes  wrath  and  (in  bitter   to  the  peo- 
ple of  God;  and  indeed  this  is  thereafon  why  the    Lord  gives    his  people 
mtity  ;  but 'tis  by  means  of  prayer  ufaalJy,  that  they  might  fee  in   what 
favour  they  are  in  his  fight  above  others,  that  when  he  feems  to  be   averfe 
fi'bm  hearing  ,  yet  prayer  vVill  turfi  thewheele,   and  Jacob  prevailes   over 
God  J  and  hence  Tjalwe  2.   Chrifi  fhall  have  all  Nations  for  his  pfeffio?is-^ 
butyet  Askof  ftlei  as  Herod  izid,  whenhefaid,  tAsk^of  me  ,  to   half  of 
the  Kingdome,  &c.    And  hence  exceeding  wrath  is  {hewn ,  in  denying  for 
a  time ,  to  hear  prayer  many  times :    Now  look  upon  the  condition  of^ 
po6re  linnets  dying  without  Chrift ;  they  fhall  then  cry ,  and  cry  earneftly ,  | 
and^yet  notprevdl';   if  the  wrath  of  God  did  break  out  at  this  time,   and! 
lieieavy,  ahdtheLordfay,  Now  cry,  and  I'le  deliver ;  it  was  no  fuch  for- 1 
row ,  though'  bitter  enough  to  lie  under  wrath  one  moment  ;   but  to  cry ,  | 
and  cry  vehemently ,  Lord  ,  Lord ,  and  never  to  be  heard   ,     oh   who  can 
beare  this !  their  torments  are  intolerable;  hath  the  Lord  no  pity  ?     their 
cries  are  many ,  and  hearts  are  faint;  hath  Chrift   no   bowels?    hath   this 
Lamb  no  more  meeknefs,  gentlenefs?  yes,  that  there  is;   kit   fuch  h  his 
terrout  now,  they  are  fhut  up  from  you ;   and  fo  fhali  ever  be ,  though  you 
iliall  cry,  and  weep  as  many  teares ,  and  more  too  than  the  Sea  hath  drops  •, 
and  when  you  cannot  come  before  his  face,  the  Gate  being  fhut,  you  ftiall 
cry,  That  the.  Rocks  and  Mountaines  may  fall  upon  you  to  h'de  you   from 
this  wrath  of  the  Lamb;  and  you  fliall  then  cry,  Behold,   and  fee,   if  ever 
forrow  were  like  minel  but  all  iLall  be  in  vain. 

Oh  therefore  fee  the  sreatnefs  of  this  wrath,   foas  to   fee  the  bitrerne;s 


of  any  one  fin ,  which  ftands  yet  between  thee  and  Chrift  |  \^^. 
though  it  be  fweet  under  thy  tongue  now  ,  yet  when  the  oa^y 
thy  anguifh  fhall  come ,  it  {hall  fbut  up  Chrifts  heart  from  hearij^g 
cryes. 


lich  I 
ofi 
■all 


Of  Exhortation  ,  To  ferfwade  all  men  to  take  their  feafor:  of  frayiK'g\ 
now,  Ifa.  55.  I.  with  6.  when  the  Lord  cryed ,  Come  to  the  waters,  &c. 
and  becaufe  they  might  plead,  Hereafter  ;  oh  faith  he ,  Call  upn  him  whiles 
he-  is  neare  ;  there  will  be  a  great  Gulf  between  you  and  Chrift  ,  when  you 
are  dead ;  now  therefore  when  the  Lord  comes  in  his  Word  efpecially  ,  cry  un- 
to him  for  help  and  pity. 

You 


opened  mid  Jfflied. 


65    ; 


You  will  fay,  There  is  no  great  need 


rhanks    be    to  God  ,    of  preffino 

men  to  prayer  here  •,  Who  is  fo  prophane  but  doth  ?   he   is  not  \yoii\\y  to 

live,  or  to  enjoy  the  benefit  of  the  Sun  ,  nor  fitcoi.ye  aiTiong    the  fociety 

of  men  ,    who  dares  not  do  thus,  but  to  live  aT.ong   Bears  and  Wolves, 

and  Beafts  in  the  Wildernefs.      I  would  to  God  there  was  no  need  to   prefs 

this  points  buttruly,  the C^untrey being  a  place  filled   with  difcontents, 

which  ever  keeps  from  prayer ,  becaufe  the  Devil  is  in  them  :  and   alfo   of 

'great  peace  and  reft  ;     hence,  here  men  are  more  apt   to  fleep  ,  and  grow 

jiecurc,  thm  in  any  other  place  of  the  world  ;  and  the  Sjiricof  prayer  is  rea- 

idy  to  dye,  even  in  Gods  own  ;  and  hard 'tis  for  this  Incenfe  to  befweet,  w'th- 

jouc  feme  fire,  fome  affli<^i3n  thereunto. 

I.  Sometherebe,  than  donot  fo  much  as  feel  their  mifery  at  all,  nei- 
ther finnorwrath;  and  hence  they  cannot  pray  at  all;  they  are  not  in  fo 
good  a  cafe  to  pray,  as  the  damned  who  feel  their  mifery,  and  cry  out  un- 
der it;  thefe  caft  out  of  Gods  fight ,  yet  hiving  hope,  and  fo  lliould  pray 
the  more,  andfo  cry  out  under  it,  yet  cannot;  though  the  earth  groanes 
under  their  fins,  yet  their  hearts  are  hard,  and  they  cannot  feel  them  ,  and 
fo  cannot  pray  ;  and  they  quiet  themfelves  with  fome  formes  ,  and  their 
Colewofts  twice  fodd,  andfotne  cold  prayers  morning  and  evening,  and 
hope  that  thefe  will  ferve  the  turn,  and  here  is  all  the  comfort  they  have  j 
nay,  not  only  fo  ,  bjt  if  others  that  know  their  hearts  better ,  and  fo  pray 
longer,  reprove  them  for  it,  they  finfully  reply ,  What  ?  you  are  like  the 
Pharifees,  that  think  robe  heard  for  their  long  prayers.  Oh  the  Lord 
gives  many  up  to  this  fpirit  of  flumber^  their  hearts  are  heavy, and  can  no  more 
lift  them  upthanaftone. 

2.  Some  there  be  who  feel  their  mifery,  and  go  unto  the  Lord  with  ina- 
ny  cries  and  prayers ,  but  yet  herem  behave  themfelves  like  Sml^  when  God 
anfweredhim  not,  then  they  forfakehim;  and  like  them  ,  tJMal.  5.  14. 
what  frofits  m  that  we  have  walkfd  moMrfsfnlly  ?  and  thinking  they  (ball 
not  finde  ,  they  build  their  Cities  as  Caine  did ,  and  eaie  themfelves 
that  way. 

3*  Some  there  be  that  do  not  give  over ,  becaufe  they  think  they  fhall 
not  find,  but  eafe  themfelves  by  their  very  prayers,  pray  out  their  prayers, 
and  confefs  out  their  confeflions ,  and  mourn  out  their  forrows;  and  are 
compared  to  the  Dog,  who  eafeth  himfelf  by  his  vomit ;  they  are  troubled, 
and  then  prayer  eafeth  them  ;  and  when  a  little  eafe,  then  prayer  is  done ,  as 

4.  Some  that  have  no  eafe,  yet  have  no  leifure ,  nor  time ;  as  many  fer- 
vants,  and  men  greedy  of  the  world  rife  betimes,  and  work  hard  ,  fleepy  at 
night,  that  they  cannot  have  leifure ;  and  when  confcienee  asks ,  Why  do  . 
you  not  take  time  ?  this  is  their  excufe.  Oh  but  cannot  you  take  it  out  of 
your  deep,  and  lofe  your  life,  rather  than  lofe  your  feafons  of  prayer  ?  they 
hope  hereafter  fo  to  do. 

5.  Some  that  have  leifure  ,  yet  their  hearts  are  dead ;  they  can  pray,  and 
ftand  convinced  of  mifery-,  but  I  fay  their  hearts  are  dead,  Ifa.  64.7.  TSlisve 
fiirreth  up  himfelf-,  nay,  fometimes  as  a  man  afleep,  when-the  lire  burns 
round  about  him  ,  yet  he  feels  it  not,  Ifa.  ^i.ult.  They  canvex,andbedif- 
content  when  crolTes  and  affli6tions  come,  but  no  heart  to  pray ,  or  lay  their 
condition  to  heart :  Oh  this  is  fad  and  fearful, 

I  Befeech  you  therefore  take  your  time  now  ;    you  muft  and  fhall 
pray. 

I.  Do  you  th:nk  ever  to  have  mercy  without  feeking  it  ,  and  praying 
hard  for  it  ?  No ,  if  ever  God  intend  good  to  thee ,  if  an  Ele^  Veffel,  thou 
muft  pray;  yea,  and  glad  you  may  have  fuch  an  unvaluable  priviledge,  and 

that 


66 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgim^ 


Ufc    3. 


that  you  are  alive  to  do  ic.     I  know  the  Lord  is  found  of  thein  that   ic^k  hiin 
not ;  but  he  will  make  you  feek,  that  fo  he  may  be  found  ;  feek  therefore  in ' 
time  now,  before  it  is  too  late.  ! 

a.  Do  not  fay  the  Gate  is  fhut ;  no,  'cis  yet  open  ,  and  that   by  the  blood  j 
of  a  Mediatour ,  Heh.  1  o.  19,'  20.    So  that  when  you  ob;.;5t  God  hears  not 
finners  ,  yet  Zach.   it,.  1.     there  is  ytt  a  fountain  o-^e/ied  ^  fo-  toiva(h  ifif/r\ 
fn  andmcleanyiejfe-j  ail-thy  fins  cannot  lliut  it,  becaufe 'cis  opened  to  uafh  a- 1 
way  fin.  _  i 

3.  Do  not  fay,  If  Ihada  part  in  Chrifl ,  I  could  then  be  encouraged  to! 
ask.  I  pray  what  think  you  of  that  Woman  of  Samaria  ,  when  Ohrifi' 
fpake  ,  If  thondidfi  know  and  oik^y  he  rvould  give  thee  living  waters  'y  What  j 
did  the  poor  Woman  df  Canaan  do,  when  Chndhimfclf  told  hsi ,  She  was  j 
a  Dog  ,  and  had  nothing  to  do  with  Ch'ldrens  bread  ;  when  you 
have  no  Promife  to  aflure  you  the  Lord  vvll  give  ;  yet  the  glo-i 
rious'bounty ,  and  riches  of  grace,  may  encourage  you  ftiflficiently  to! 
feek.  _  j 

4,  Do  not  fay.  But  it  maybel  fhall  be  denied,  let  me  pray  never  fo 
long;  I  know  you  are  worthy  to  be  denied,  and  as  you  have  cried  the] 
Lord  fhould  not  heare ,  and  as  you  have  abufed  grace  ,  it  fhouid  cry  againfl 
you,  why  fhould  you  Quarrel .?  the  Lord  owes  thee  not  ftrawes ;  hut  yet  Re- 
member the  Parable  of  the  unjuft  Judge ,  who  heard  a  v\oman,  a  (iranger 
when  importunate  ;  and  this  is  found  afuretruth;  'tis  with  all  men  pray- 
ing,as*tis  with  women  in  trayailing,  either  their  pangs  will  deliver  them  of 
their  burden,  and  fo  they  live,  orelfe  they  will  be  their  death  ;  if  they 
ceafe,  and  give  over,  then  they  die.  Prayer  will  del'ver  you  of  your  finnes, 
unbelief,  or  whatever  ftands  between  Chritt  and  you;  or  if  rot,  they  fhall 
die,andperifli.  Sow  your  feed  of  Prayer,  it  will  multiply  if  it  be  the  li^ht 
feed,  untillyour  Harveft  be  great,  and  your  gain  unknown ;  fecurity  will  fall 
on  a  Hypocrite,  before  he  gets  the  blelTing,  and  the  cares  of  the  world  wi,! 
choak  his  prayers. 

5.  Oh  therefore  follow  the  Lord  ^  Hofea.  6. 3,4.  Ton  jhall  know  him f  if 
yoH  foUow  on  to  know  him ;  efpecially  if  you  be  truly  wounded ,  though  he 
hath  been  as  a  Lion  to  you ;  Ls  Chrift  fo  glorious ,  his  prefence  fo  fweet , 
hisKingdome  fo  great,  his  mercy  fo  rich,  his  Injieritancefofuil ,  and  wile 
not  thou  pray ,  awake  one  houre  ?  hath  Chrifl:  bought  mercy  with  bis 
blood,  and  wilt  not  thou  fpili  thy  blood  ?  nay,  not  fpare  and  fpend  thy 
poor  prayers  to  beg  it,  (it  may  be  praying  time  is  declining  apace  )  ard 
fo  get  it ;  and  by  that  meanes  hear  Chrift  Jefus  fay  ,  Come ,  oh  come 
thoublefi,  that  haft  been  praying,  weeping,  following  me,  and  take  thy 
Crown,  and  fit  down  on  my  Throne ;  oh  it  will  be  a  cut  to  think.  Had  1  fouohc 
it,  I  had  had  it!  TfaL  24. 

« 

Of  Thankfulnefs  to  the  Saints,  that  the  V'rd  hath  given  them  hearts  to 
feek,  the  Lord  in  a  finding  time  ^  Pfal.  52.  ■),  6.  Time  was  thou  couldft 
not  pray  ;  but  tht  Lord  hath  found  thee  out  ,  and  ftirred  up  unut- 
terable groanes  here,  and  all  thy  groanings  have  not  been  hid  from  the 
Lord. 

Obje(5l.    Bm   many  fray  and   finde  not  ;     how  fh^Jl   I  know    I   have 
found  ? 

Anfvf,  when  the  fpirit  of  prayer,  not  the  gift  of  prayer  hath  carried  thee, 
%j}m,%.  I'J. 

Qjueft.  How  fhall  /  know  that} 
Aniwer^   i.    It  is    not    fervency.     2.   Nor   looking   to  Chrift    and 
his  Mercy.     3.    Nor  Arguments   that  are  evidences   of  this  Spirit ;    for 

thefc 


opened  and  Jf plied. 


ithefe   the  foolilli 


Virgins 


had.      But:    I    ihali  ihew    ic    in   three   Y>c- 


1  • 

j  Firrt,  Obferve  vvhacischeutrnoftend  in  prayer,  and  fo  hath  been  in  all 
ichy  prayers ;  it  is  certain  all  the  prayers  of  unregenerate  men  ,  chough  en- 
i  livened  with  iome  common  gift  of  the  Spine,  are  ever  for  themielves;  if 
jany  outward  calamity  befalls  th^m,  they  then  pray ,  P///.  7S.  But  it  is  as 
P/;^r.ca;?,  for  themfeives ,  bacaufe  the  plague  is  upon  them;  if  the  Word 
jmeetswith  them,  and  troubles  them,  their  prayers  f  if  fervent  )  are  only 
Iforeaie^  when  their  bones  are  broke,  'tis  for  peace  and  comfort  ;  and  if 
ithey  dehre  grace ,  'c  s  for  peace-fake ;  if  they  have  peace  for  the  prefenc ,  i 
jaiid  feel  biindinefs,  hardnefs  of  heart,  they  think  rh^^fe  will  damn  them;  and 
jbeiice  falvation  and  deliverance  from  mifery,  is  the  utmoft  end  they  aim  ac; 
jarKiib.  .mall  their  prayers ;  let  men  liudy  their  hearts,  and  they  iLaU  fee 
Ithemfelvesthe  mark  they  iLoocat,  and  the  God  they  ferve,  and  Idol  they 
ivvoriHpin  all  their  prayers;  and  do  you  think  ihefelliaU  be  heard?  No, 
no;  but  Saints  they  look  not  at  thefe  things  chiefly,  but  their  ucmoftend  is 
lanorher  'hing ;  atfird  converlion  icis  muchfeif,  but  ic  turnes  in  time  to 
higher  ends,  &c.  and  that  is,  what  though  I  have  peace,  falvation,  thefe 
loaves,  bucyetmifs  of  Chriit  hlmfelf,  and  the  life  of  Chritt  ,  to  live  by 
him,  and  live  to  him,  which  is  our  lift  endl  2  Co-.  5.  15.  And  here  all 
his  prayers  end,  though  crooked  many  wayes;  elfe  thefe  are  the  prayers  of 
that  Spirit  of  life ,  which  is  ever  heard;  and  hence  James  5.  5.  Te  ask^and 
have  not y  because  ye  ask^t^  Jpend  it  on  your  Ufis.  Ifa.  58.  ■j.  though  they 
fafted  and  prayed ,  yet  it  was  for  firife  and  debate ;  the  Saints  do  it  to  de- 
Ikoy  their  lufts;  and  hence,  though  all  fervent  prayers  are  not  of  the  Spi- 
rit ,  yet  all  prayers  of  the  Spirit  are  ever  fervent ,  though  expreft  with  chat- 
terings,  mournings  as  Doves ,  becaufe  the  laft  end  hath  a  mighty  force  with 
it ;  and  hence  waiting  on  God  in  all  meanes  for  Anfwers ,  follows  ;  and 
hence,  prayers  of  the  Saints  are  endlefs,  ^ppetttm  fi/fis  ?fl  InfimtM  ;  hence 
Rom,  8.  25.  life  in  heaven  is  his  Scope,  and  he  is  longing  for  it  ,  gl^adof 
that  time  ffor  sll  prayers  of  Hypocrites  are  but  ilfues  of  lelf-lovc  )  .and 
all  occafions  do  but  quicken  up  that  principle  ^  fo  all  the  prayers  of  the 
Saints  rife  from  rhe  fpirit  of  love  ro  God,  and  faith  'm\Avci  ^  Rom.  8.  27, 
28.  The  Sonlike  Spirit  ,  or  Spirit  of  Adoption  ,  not  fervile ,  is  in 
them.. 

Secondly,  If  the  foul  receive  any  thing  from  the  Lord  thus  praying,  'cis 
exceed'ng  thankful ;  the  Spirit  of  Chrift,  wherever  it  is,  glorifies  Chrift:  , 
John  i6.  and  P[cd.  116.1,  and  that  in  time  of  peace  ;  htucQ  Pfa/mf  ^o. 
14,15.  Ojf'cr  to  God  thanksgiving  ^  and -pay  thy  vowes  ^  and  then  cattthongh 
in  time  oj^iroable  ^  anl  I  will  h'-^re.  For  the  Lord  to  be^into  do  the  foul 
any  good,  andilrew  it  its  mifery,  the  worth  of  the  Lord  jefus ,  togivchim 
any  heart  tofeek,  to  give  him  any  hope,  to  give  him  the  leaft  hint  by  any 
word  of  mercy  ^  oh  ics  heart  melts  (itfhould  be  thus)  and  wonders  but  to 
think,  nay,  to  fee  the  Lord  hath  anfwered  him  !  oh  this  fwallows  him.  up , 
makes  him  give  all  10  the  Lord,  as  Hannah  did,  whenfhe  h,ad  her  Childe, 
iSr.m.i.  1,2.  Sfnii  iofUhe  blelfing,  though  he  begged  in  with  tears;  he 
hadaprophane  heart  that  did  not  erteemic  indeed,  and  fo  would  never  have 
been  thankful  for  ic ;  po  jr  Jacob  gets  it,  though  i:ie  had  but  a  ftaff  to  hold 
him  up. 

Tbirdiy>  If  it  receive  not:  an fwer,  it  mournes,  andloaths  it  felf ,  juttifies 
Coi,  gives  all  to  him  ;  prayers  from  felf-loathing  ,  are  not  prayers  which 
come  from  felf-iove  ,  '■PjaL  22.  2,  ;,;4.  Zach.  12.  10.  Tfal.  72.  li. 
There  the  Spirit  dwells  in  th,2  poor  and  contrite ,  and  their  cries  are  heard; 
when  men  pray,  and  want,  and  are  quiet  without  wifbing  they  could  la- 
ment, 


67 


i68 


Ufe 


The  V  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins y 


ment,  'ns  not  from  the  Spirit;  oh  therefore  try  here,  if 'tis  thus  ;  as  he 
faid  to  Hiz,ekjah  ,  The  Lord  hath  heard  thy  cries  ,  and  feen  thy 
teares;  and  oh  wonder  at  the  Lord  ,  that  he  fhou Id  give  thee  a  heart  to 
cry  now. 

Rej^roof  to  Saints  ,    Who  though  received  and  heard ,   yet  think  the 
Lord  regards  them  not  ;    and  as  David  ,   think  his  mercy  is  fhut  up. 

1.  Remember  former  times,  Pfal.jj.  7.  Your  experiences  of  the  Lords 
pityisgtheein  thy  blood,  and  he  will  not  caft  thee  off  now. 

2.  Confiderthe  Riches  of  grace  jwhen  you  cannot  find  any  thing  paft  ,  but 
what  might  caufe  him  to  loath  thee,  yet  the  Lord  may  then  love,when  thou  art 
lamenting  thy  vilenefs, //"-«.  <^  5. 1 5, 1(5. 

5.  Confider  the  Lord  doth  purpofeiy  feem  to  dif-regard   thee  fometimes ; 
not  to  (hut  out  prayers,  but  to  make  you  pray  better  j  not    that  you  fhould 
not  pray  at  all,  J^-tdg.  16. 10.  but  to  make  you  feek,  and  follow  him>  though  in  1 
the  dark.     Lam.  3.45.  with  5  ^.  in  a  la/id  of  pits-^  eye  hath  not.  feen  what   God 
hath  laid  up  for yopt.  j 

4.  Confider  there  is  as  much  in  the  Lord  to  move  him  in  thy  worft  e- 
ftate  to  help  thee  ,  as  in  the  beft,  ( 'viz,,  )  his  mercy,  Pfal.  6.  4.  You 
fay  ,  If  my  heart  was  not  fo  vile  ,  if  I  had  not  committed  fuch  fins ,  the 
Lord  might  l  this  is  as  if  you  faid ,  The  Lord  {hews  not  pity  only  for  his 
mercy,  &c. 


Obferv.^. 


Co»fjderi^.t.i' 


w; 


VERSE  12. 

/  kj:iovp  J  OH  mi^ 

Ords  of  fence  in  Hebrew,  beare  and  fignifie  aflFe«^ion  alfoj  The 
principal  aflFe^ions,  are  Love,  and  Hatred,  i.  Love,  V[aL  i.nlr, 
JohniQ.i^,  2.  Hatred,  H<?y>4  7. 2.  ReveLZ.  12.  In  this  place 
fuch  knowledge  is  meant,  which  hath  the  affe6tion  of  love  joynedvvith  it  1 
fo  that 'tis  as  if  Ch  rift  fhould  fay ,  I  love  you  not,  I  delight  not  in  you, 
my  heart  is  not  toward  you  ,  whatever  good  words  you  give  me  ,  and 
how  ever  your  heart  is  toward  me ,  or  you  have  thoughts  of  me  ;  And  this 
is  the  great  mifery  of  foolifli  Virgins. 

That  it  is  a  ntoft  heavy  and  dreadful  mifery  not  to  be  beloved  ,   not  to   be 
htiown  of  Jefm  Chrift ;   for  now  when  the  Tables  are  turned ,  and  the  Stage 
ispuU'd  down,  and  the  Foolifhfliutout,  and  when  Chrift   himfelf  would 
give  them  a  doleful  Anfwer ,  exprefsin  words  their  woe ,  he  coucheth  it  un- 
der thefe,  I  knixro  yoa  net.    Idonotfay  that  mendofeel  itfo,   but  it  is  fo, 
and  at  iaft  it  will  be  found  fo. 
This  may  appear,  if  we  confider  thefe  particulars. 
If  you  confider  the  exceeding  greatnefs ,  and  glory  of  his  place ,  and  per- 
fon  ;  He  is  exalted ,  and  fet  at  the  right  hand  of  God ,  upon  the  Throne   of 
his  Father,  and  his  Dominions  reach  from  fea  tofea  ;  he  is  King  of  Kings , 
and  Lord  of  Hoafts  of  Angels,  &c.    Phil.  2.  9.    A  Name  above  every. 
Name  he  hath,  and  God  hath  fworne,  To  him  fhall  every  one  bow.    Now 
being  thus  great,  and  not  to  be  beloved  of  fuch  a  one,is  heavy;    if  we  want 
/Uhe  love  of  poor  men,  and  bafe  ignoble  fpirits,  it  is  no  fuch  matter;  but 
I  to  lofe  great  ones  favour ,  efpecially  if  we   depend  upon  them  in  life  and 
'  -  goods. 


opened  and  Applied. 


goods,  peace  and  honour,  this  is  bitter,-  hence  2  77?^/.  i .  9.  fiom  the  glory 
of  hisfower. 

If  you  confider  the  cerrour  of  the  wrath  of  God  for  time  to  come.  If 
a  man  be  abroad  in  the  Fields  from  home,  and  no  ftormes,  nor  colds,  nor 
heats  arife  to  hurt  him,  a  llielcer  would  not  befo  much  prized  ,  nor  the 
lofs  of  it  great  j  but  if  there  befuch  ,  and  then  to  want  it ,  and  to  lie  open 
to  the  injury  of  all  Wenhers ;  now  it  is  a  woe  to  want  it :  So  I  fay  to  you, 
men  chat  are  abroad- in  the  wide  Fields  of  this  ivorld,  and  gone  from  home, 
if  there  llioulditeverbe  mifery,  bucyou  might  eat  your  bread,  and  drink 
your  wine  with  a  merry  heart,  and  re  Joyce  in  your  Wives  ,  and  there 
theniliould  be  no  knowledge  of  any  thing  after  death  ,  as  rhofe  Epicures 
fpake,  SccUf,  9.  the  Love  of  Chrirt  would  not  be  fo  fvveet;  but  there 
will  be.  ftormes ,  fcorching  hears  that  fhall  burn,  and  never  be  quenched, 
there  will  be  colds  which  ("hall  blart  all  your  budds  ,  and  bloflbmes  ,  and 
beauty,  &c.  Now  to  have  no  love  of  Chriil:  to  rake  your  felf  to  ,  as  to 
a  fhelterinthefetimes,  is  very  heavy  ;  hence  Ifa.  7,2.  2.  Chrift  typified 
by  Hez^ekjah^  (hall  be  a  iliadow  in  a  weary  Land  ,  which  is  fpoken  to  (hew  rh^ 
fweetnefs  of  his  love,and  their  bleflednefs  that  have  him  to  fly  to;  and  hence 
their  woe  who  want  him.  Itisfaid,  Gen.  6.  8.  Noaiifomd  grace  In  Gods 
ejfei/j  not  in  the  eyes  of  men  ;  for  before  the  Flood  came,  they  did  nor  fee 
it  fuch  a  favour  ,  for  to  have  an  Ark ;  but  when  that  came,  and  they  fled 
from  Houfes  to  Trees  ,  from  Trees  to  Mountaines  ,  and  waters  beneath  , 
and  above  prevailed  ,  now  theyfawic  fomething  to  finde  favour  in  the  eyes 
of  God,  and  their  woe  to  want  it.  <JM.ofes  dies,  wondering  at  the  happi-  j 
nefsof  the  Saints,  in  regard  of  this,  Dem.  35.  ^6.  and  »/f.  The  eternal' 
;  God  is  thy  refuge;  be  fore-fees  ftormes^  he  preferves  from  miferies  above 
head ,  fo  as  they  cannor  touch  the  heads  of  the  Saints  ;  if  fo  be  they  do 
fall,  yet  they  cannot  fall  fo  low,  but  underneath  are  his  armes ;  As  a 
Child  which  ftands  alone,  if  it  be  in  danger  to  fall ,  and  others  cry  out  , 
Pray  take  heed,  I  have  my  armes  fay  they,  under  it  5  hence.  cJ^^j  ^^  dyeth 
with  this  word,  Oh  Ifrad  wio  us,  liks  t^nto  thee}  happy  an  thoal  then  VYO 
to  thofe  who  want  this;  there  is  not  one  man  living  ,  but  he  fhall  meet 
with  extremities,  which  ilhall  make  heart  and  fpirits  to  faile ,  and  the  povv- 
j  ers  of  heaven  iliall  be  iliaken  ;  every  thing  may  forfake  you,  but  Chrirts  love^ 
:  but  if  that  alfo  doth,  wo  then  to  you. 

\      If  you  confider  the  power  which  this  privation  of  love   hath   to  damp 

;  $11  joy  and  mirth  in  all  things  prefent  j   it  invenomes,  and  puts  a  fting  and 

rpoyfoQ  in  all  bleiTmgs ,  and  makes  comforts  torments  ;   to   have  all  "blef- 

lings,  and  all  priviledges,  and  not  to  have  Chrifts  love  with  them,  is    to 

.have  a  fnare,  a  trap,  aikimbling  block,  and  a  Recompence  ,  &c.     Rem. 

^  II.  9.     Men  regard  not  wrath  to  come;  but  confider  of  this,  thy    bleffings 

:  are  woes,  curfes ;  and  youfliallone  day   cry.  Wo  is  me  that  ever  I  was, 

or  that  ever  I  had  any  blelfrng  /     Suppofe  a  man  fhould   be*  enriched  wich 

:  bai^sof  pidaionds,  hung  with  chainesot  gold,   fare  delicioufly,   but  con- 

;  delnnedto  die,  this  would  damp  all.    Pharaoh  had   a   flout  will,   UM'^fes 

tells  him,  Exod.  g.  16.  For  this  canfe  God  had  ra'ifed   him  up  to  Jh^iv  his 

power  upon  him    ;      one  would  have  thought   it  fhould  have  pull'd  him 

;  from  .his  Throne  ,     and  made  him  lie  in  the  dufl  ;    it  -did  not  ,   becaule 

'  God  had  hardened  his  heart ;  fo  would  this,  if  the  Lord  had  not  hard'Cned 

yours. 

Hence  we  lliall fee  Saints ,  whefithey  lie  under  f.Ufe  feares,  only  or 
_.  iofs  of  love  ;  thole  very  things  which  are  mofl  fweet ,  are  made  moit  bitter. 
['  P[al.  77,  :?.  /  remtmbrstl  God)  arA  was  tronbied  ;  but  what  think  you  of 
■  thofe  that  be  not  indeed  loved   ,    it  is  enough    to  bring   down   the   mofl 

Y  V  y  '"ncr- 


1  .Confider  at  i 


l-Confid^rat.  \ 


1 70 


Tbe  F arable  of  the  Ten  Virgim, 


Cpnjiderdt.^. 


Confderat.<^. 


Ufei, 


merry  heart  ,    and  htghcft  looks  for  the  prefent  ^   what  are   my  friends  j' 
mine  enemies?  is  there  none  to  comfort  me  of  all  my  Lovers  ? 

If  youconfider  the  fweetnefs  of  this  Love  of  Chri(i  Tie  inflanca  on- : 
iy  inoneparricul:r,  Tfal.  5?.  '^.  Cant.  1.3.  The  E!ed,  when  they  are  r 
glorified,  andwich  Chrift,  what  iliallbe  moft  raviiliingm  their  eyes  .?  what: 
Oiall  fwallow  up  their  thoughts  miOft  I  oh  the  love  of  Chrift,  his  free  love  / 1 
vvhyfliould  I  be  accepcedjbeloved  I  oh  that  ever  the  Lord  fhould  C3.[\  his ; 
^yes ,  and  fee  his  heart  upon  fuch  an  ouc-caft  !  Hence,praife  of  the  Riches ! 
of  Grace  ,  Efhef.  i.  is  the  wcrk^of  lieaveyi.  Now  to  be  •  caft  out  of  this  j 
love,  wiil,  mtiftbe  exceeding  bitter  to  the  foul;  hence  Oiiat.j.  25.  Zw- ! 
ver  k^ewyoH^  will  be  daggers  at  the  heart,  or  the  Hone  ijpon  the  graves] 
m.outh, which  fhail  torment  forever. 

If -you  confider  the  nature  of  this  want,  ornegation  of  Chrifts  love,  what 
it  is. 

1.  Degree,  Is  for  Chrift  not  to  have  fo  miich  as  one  purpofe,  or  thought 
of  peace  and  good  to  them,  not  to  put  the  kaft  Chara6ler  of  their  names 
in  the  Book  of  life ;  that  is  the  firft  degree  and   fountain  of  all  orher ;    Gods 

I  love,  fer.  29. 9.     '  '  - 

2.  Degree,  Is  not  to  fpeak  one  word  of  peace  and  love  to  a  man ,  no 
abfolute  promife  of  life  to  themj  Tfalme  50.  16,  They  have  nothing  to 
do  to  take  Gods  Covenant  into  their  mouths  ;  thofe  promifes  which  com- 
fort andfupport  the  hearts  of  the  Saints  againfl:  all  fins,  ail  miferies ,  belong 
not  unto  them.. 

5.  Degree  ,  Not  tofuffer  for  them  ,  not  to  fhed  one  drop  of  blood  for 
their  lives,  Joh,  17.  9.  fo  that  all  their  fins  muft  lie  upon  them  ,  to  bear  and 
anfwerfor. 

4*  Degree,  Not  to  do  the  leaft  good  for  them-,  good  things  they  have^ 
but  through  their  fins,  and  Chrifts  ordering  of  it,  are  not  good  for  them, 
but  they  are  there  by  fitted  by  patience  for  deftru6^ion. 

5.  Degree,  Not  to  accept  any  thing  which  ihey  do  to  him;  their  facet-! 
fices  and  prayers  are  fins,  Mcd,\.  I  kavenovU^[urein  you.  1 

6.  Degree,  Not  to  pity  them  in  time  of  their  trouble  ,  but  to  laugh  | 
at  their  Calamity  ,  and  10  rejoyce  in  their  Ruine  ,  -and  eternal  over-; 
throw  ;  Chrirt  lliall  get  glory  from"  them  then  ,  whom  they  defpifed  fo  long : 
before. 

This  may  let  us  fee  ,  what  caufe  all  the  people  of  God  have  to  be  abun- 
dantly fatisfied  with  the  love  of  Chrif!:;  the  heart  of  man  is  naturally  like 
the  raging  fea,  never  quiet,  if  theleaft  windesdobut  arife  ;  the  Saints  may 
have  un mortified  affections,  and  are  very  apt  upon  troubiefome  temptati- 
ons to  be  difquieted  ;  the  Saints  are  compared  to  the  Apple  of  Gods  eye; 
and  we  know  little  things  will  trouble  much  there  \  it's  becaufe  in  loflfes  and 
forrows  which  befall  themfelves,  andin  beholding  the  madnefsand  folly  of 
others,  they  are  very  apt  to  look  upon  the  anger  of  the  Lord  in  them  for 
their  fin,  which  others  ufually  do  not.  Oh  confider,  is  it  fuch  a  miferyto 
lofe  Chrifts  love?  and  have  you  a  fhareinit?  oh  then  be  thankful  for  it, 
and  contented  With  it.  When  Chrift  was  to  depart  from  his  Difciples, 
^oh.  16.  22,  yoii  fhall  fcrrow '^  but  what  doth  he  leave  with  them  to  qaiet 
them?  /  will  fee  you  agalne ,  that  mourn  now  for  lofs  of  my  pfefence; 
What  elfe  ?  doth  he  promife  them  nothing  elfe  ?  truly  that  is  enough.When 
David  looked  upon  theprofperity  of  the  wicked ,  and  that  they  fiiould  ;.t- 
ver  fe;  light,  Pfal.  49.  15.  with  19,  But  God  will  redeem  my  foul  from 
the  grave  ,  not  from  troubles  ,  and  he  v?ill  receive  me ;  Some  read  ic  ,  For 
he  hcth  received  me ;  both  may  fl:and  together,  and  this  was  enoueh  to  him. 

If! 


opened  and  Applied. 


71 


If  a  Trav^^ller  have  lo(t  his  way,  and  not  come  looTie  to  hii  journeys  end, 
he  may  be  very  well  unquiec ;  buc  when  he  is  come  to  the  end  of  his  jour- 
ney, andean  go  no  further,  then  he  fits  down,  and  lives  there  ,  and  would 
not  go  bick  againe  ,  efpecially  if  he  confidcrshowmany  are  out  of  doors, 
and  under  lempelb ,  he  may  now  blefs  God ,  -  they  have  a  llielcer ;  So  if 
theLoid  had  siever  revealed  his  grace  to  you  ia  the  Gofpel ,  and  you  were 
not  yet  drawn  by  it ,  nor  drawn  to  it,  but  were  loft  in  your  fins,  or  felves  , 
or  world,  aad  h-id  miferies  upon  you  ,  th^n  you  m;ghc  be  unquiet;  but 
now  when  laid  in  thebofome  of  Chriil,  when  fuck'ng  the  breafts  of  the 
grace  of  Chrift,  \yhen  ycucango  no  further  though  thou  wert  in  Heaven, 
for  there's  no  other  happinefs  there  ;  Now  fit  (iiU  contented  ,  and  be 
giad  of  this ,  as  under  thy  Vine  and  ilhadow  ;  efpecially  confidering  the 
woes  of  them,  ihatare  yetfarre  from  this  grace  and  mercy  in  JefusChrift, 
and  under  Clouds  of  blood.  Men  that  faile  upon  the  Sea,  if  they  fee  norhing 
but  waves,  and  vail  raging  of  waters  about  them  ,  they  keep  themfe'ves 
clofe  in  their  Ship,  though  their  Cabbinsbebut  little;  tell  me  one  thing 
that  i?  good,  where  Chrills  love  is  not  ;  fhew  me  any  thing  but  mifery, 
death,and  eternal  forrows  out  of  it;  oh  therefore  fit  ftil I  ,  quietly,  meekly, 
contentedly,  though  you  be  tofled  as  high  as  Heaven,  and  go  down  as  deep 
as  Hell  again. 

You  are  troubled  fometimes  with  lofles  of  outward  things ,  Cartel  dye, 
and  .Rachels  Children  and  Husband  are  not,  increafe  little,  decayes  many  , 
zndjobs  wife  bids  him  blefs  God  (and  give  glory  to  him,  by  confefTmghe 
is  an  Hypocrite ,  becaufe  fo  much  -affli^ed  )  and  dye ;  and  David  fees  the 
ungodly  flourifli ,  and  he  thinkshehachwalhc  his  hands  in  vain  ,  and  'tis 
good  to  fare  and  live  here  as  they  live  ;  Oh  confider,  fupppofe  the  Lord 
{bould  give  thee  thefe  things  as  he  doth  to  others ,  to  be  fnares  ,  and  at  lalT: 
fay,  /  k^ow  jott  mt  J  when  thy  foul  fhall  come  trembling  out  of  a  fickand 
weary  body,  before  the  Tribunal  of  God  Almighty,  as  thefe,  was  that  por- 
tion then  fo  good  ?  Oh  therefore  take  yoar  portion,  and  be  thankful  for  it! 
Oh  therefore  be  glad  in  this,  and  fay,  I  have  thefe  miferies,  but  Chrifls  love 
to  fweeten  them  /  thefe  Torrows ,  but  Chriiis-  love  to  faniftifie  them  / 
I  fee  Floods  of  Fire  arifing  ,  but  oh  here's  this  Ihelter  to  be  a  Refuge 
to  me.' 

You  have  heard  what  it  is  not  to  be  beloved,  what  a  mifery  it  is;  by  that 
contrary,   fee th's, -z//^. 

1 .  For  [he  Lord  to  have  thoughts  of  peace  to  thee ,  when  thou  wert  no- 
thing but  death  and  mifery  before  his  eyes,  to  bear  thee  in  his  heart  ever  fince 
hewjsGod. 

2.  For  the  Lord  to  fpeak  to  thee,-  and  make  an  eternal  Covenant,  and 
every  promife  thine.     Davids  dying  words,  are,  This  -was  enough^  even  all  his 

\  defire  :  and  not  one  tittle  but  fhall  be  accomplifhed  one  day. 

?.  For  the  Lord  coihed  his  blood,  bearethy  fins,  curfe,  and  tread  down 
death  and  fin,and  teare  away  the  hand-writing  of  the  Law  againft  thee ,  rather 
than  the  leaf!:  evil  befall  thee. 

4.  For  the  Lord  to  be  working  for  thee  by  all  good  things ,  all  evil 
things,  all  providences ,  all  Ordinances,  night  and  day,  and  you  may  find  it 
in  part,  nnd  fiiall  find  it  hereafter. 

5.  For  the  Lord  to  accept  all  thy  poor  endeavours  ,  defires  ,    prayers , 
\  IfauS  %6.  ^ 

\       6,  For  rhe  Lord  to  pity  thee  in  all  thy  mifery ,  and  worft  times  /   then 
I  to  fliew  his  greatei^  Ipve ,  when  death,  and  powers  of  darknefs   put   forth 
their  greatettmali'pe  !  truly  thus  it  is ;     Oh  let  this  love  be  enough,  confider- 
ing efpecially  the  woful  condition  of  them  that  want  it ,  who  fiiall  cry  for  one 
1 Y  y  y  2 imiie. 


72 


Ufel. 


The  far  able  of  the  Ten  Virgins^ 


fmile  5  and  cannot  get  ic  /  See  this  love,  and  doubt  not  of  it ;  hovv  couid 
you  love  him  ,  if  he  did  not  love  you  firft  ?  efpecia^Iy  if  you  Have  been  fa- 
tiatedwith  it?  fray  for  it,  Tfalme  ^^0.14.  I  fpeak  this  the  nther,  be- 
caufe  of  tlie  fad  tniferies  which  make  men  lame  in  their  Chriiiian  courfe^that 
they  are  ready  to  lie  down  difcon folate  ,  becaufe  they  Remember  not  this  ; 
Do  rot  aiwayes  doubt,  but  once  at  hi\  get  through  the  Crovvde  to 
this  Love. 


Let  thofe  who  want  this  love,  mourn  for  it ,  though  the  Lord  gives 
you,  and  doth  for  you  never  fo  much  in  regard  of  other  things,  Suppofe  he ' 
doth  not  fmite  thy  body  with  ficknefs,  thy  name  with  difgrace ,  thy  eftate 
with  lofles;  yet  if  he  doth  not  love  thee,  this  is  woe  enough.  It  was  the 
mifery  of  IJrae/,  Jer,i^.  1.  with  5.  A^y  minde  is  not  to  this  people^  cafl 
them  om  j  and  as  the  Lord  there  faid ,  To  I  fay  ;  If  the  Lord  deal  thus,  who 
fhall  pity  thee,  or  bemoane  thee,  or  ask  how  thou  doft?  Joel  i.  'i^g^  10. 
They  lament  when  the  Fig-tree  was  wafted;  much  more  now  the  Lords  love 
is  not  towards  thee.  hcim.  i .  i<5.  The  Church  there  laments,  that  the  Com- 
forter which  fhould  ref refh  was  farre  o£ 
Queft.  Howfhall  I  k^wthat} 

Anfw,  If  he  never  did  affe6l  thy  heart  with  lofs,  and  want  of  his  love , 
andabufegof  it,  but  hath  let  you  goon  in  peace  all  your  life,  you   were 
borne  out  of  his  love ,  caft  out  to  the  loathing  of  thy  perfon  ,  and  have  li- 
ved fo  ,  though  he  hath  been  pitiful  to  thee;    now  if  you  were   never  trou- 
bled with  lofs  of  this,  and  wrongs  done  againft  this,  you  are  as   yet  out  of 
love.    Look  as  it  is  with  a  Father ,  if  he  hath  a  Childe  froward,  and  cannot 
reftrainehim,  he  lets  him  alone,  he  loves  him  not ,  elfe  he  would   cha- 
ftife  and  cofre6t  him ,  and  make  him  {feake  at  his  frownes  ;   fo  here ,   as  ic 
is  Heb,  12.  ^,  If  no  ciarre^iofi ,  yon  are  )^ awards  ;     So  here  you  have  gone 
on ,  aft4  never  have  been  y^p  troubled  in  minde  with  the  frowns  6i  Chriil , 
sever  laqiemed  your  wrongs  done  to  Chrift  ;  are  you  loved  I    I  kn©w  the 
Lord  may;  let  you  go  Prodigals  for  a  time  ,  te  he  will  bring  you  back,  if  be 
loves  you,    I  never  knew  any  whom  the  Lord  brought  home,  but  this 'broke 
their  hearts.     Othat  the  Lord  was  fo  patient,  awd  I  all  my  life   abufed 
him  I  nay,  he  would  oft  have  gathered  me  l  he  did  oft  ftrive ,   and   I   was 
like  a  Bpillock^HnaccHJlomed  to  the  yokf  ^  Jer.  51.  18.     and  he  might    have 
cut  me  off,  or  given  me  up  to  my  fiubborn  heart.     Many  are  troubled  for 
wantof  memory .  ignorance,  and  want  of  power  to  pray ,  or  Tome  fin-,  and 
then  God  is  mercjiful  to  them  ,   and   this  eafes  them    againe;  but  this  is 
nothing,  till  you  come  to  this,  visi-.  fearesof  the  eternal  lofs  of  this  love-, 
and  this  lies  heavy.    If  this  be  thy  condition ,  that  for   the  prefent  thou  art 
not  loved  of  the  Lord,  tell  me  but  one  thing  which  thou  haft  to  comfort 
thee;   thou  haft  friends,  peace,  healthy  but  they  are  allwithout  love ;   if 
without  love,  then  thou  baft  themwitji  acurfe,  and  wrath  of  God.    Sup- 
pofe thou  wert  dying,  and  the  Lord  fhould  fay  to  thee ,  when  thou  cryeft ,  I 
know  thee  not;  would  it  not  be  fad  1    Lie  upon  thy  Pillow,  and  deep   qui- 
etly if  thou  canft ;  for  ought  I  know,  there  was  never  drop  of  blood  ftied  for 
thee,  never  thought  of  peace  in  Chrifts  Breafts   to  thee  ;     a  vile   wretch 
that  never  lamented  the   lofs  of  his  love  ,     nor  contempt  of  it   to  this 
day! 

Obj.  Bm  I  care  not  fo  long  as   I  have  been  wellwlthouplt  ,  fo  I  hope   I 
fhall  do  fit  II ,  /will  not  believe  I  am  out  §f  his  love. 

Anfrp.  Yea,  th's  is  the  mifery  of  men,  as  it  was  of  thefe  Virgins;  but 
time  lliall  come,  when  you  fliall  fee  him  fit  upon  his  Throne  ,  brighter 
than  a  Thoufand   Suns,    in  the  glory  of  his  Father,  a  fire  burning  round  a- 

bout 


opened  and  Jpflied. 


I7r^ 


7 


bout  him,  and  the  Kings  of  the  earth  trembling  at  his  pr.;lence,  and  his 
Saints  in  his  bolbme  like  unto  him  ,  then  you  llnall  widi  you  had  his  love , 
afid  /ame»tj  Ktv.  i.  ^r^d  rva'ile^  becaufe  of  i:im.  Oh  fecure  world  ,  will 
you  lit  (iill  in  youx  finnes ,  and  lie  in  your  unbelief ,  till  the  lire  bur nes  a- 
bout  you,  and  there  be  no  efcape  1  Oh  that  the  Lord  woiild  pity  you,  many 
of  you  that  hive  yet  lived  with  dry  eyes,  and  merry  hearts,  and  yet  have  no 
love  from  JefusChrifi 

Learn  hence  not  to  defp'fe  or  refufe  the  love  of  Chriftwhen  it  is  of- 
fered to  you,  and  propounded  to  you  in  the  Gofpel ;  we  can  be  content  to 
wane  the  love  of  fome  men ,  becaufe  we  can  live  well  enough  without  th^m, 
and  their  love;  their  love  loft  hurts  not  us;  butif  thelols  of  their  love 
maybe  the  lofs  of  our  goods  and  lives ,  then  (  if  it  may  be  had  )  men  will 
feek  for,  and  long  for  it,  though  it  fhou  Id  not  be  offered  ;  but  if  offered,  it 
is  gladly  accepted :  So  if  you  could  live  without  the  love  of  Chrill  ,  you 
m.ight  content  your  felves;  but  the  lofs  of  it  is  more  bitter  than  ten  thou- 
fand  deaths;  and  therefore  refufe  it  not  when  it  is  offered  ;  but  as -they, 
Ad:s  2.  39,  41.  when  they  faw  how  they  had  imbrued  their  hands  in  the 
blood  of  Chrili,  and  yet  faw  grace  offered, it  is  faid,  They  H'^dly  received  the 
Word  of  tl>e  Lord, 

The  Law  is  a  word  of  condemnation;  but  that  is  not  the  kit  word  the 
Lord  hathfpoken,  thenllTiouldfpead  time  invaine  now;  the  Gofpel  , 
even  the  whole  Gofpel  is  a  word  of  love  and  Reconciliation ;  2  Cor. ^.xg^2o. 
wherein  the  Lord  doth  h^feech  men  to  hs  reconciled',  i.e.  to  accept  of  Gods 
love  offered  therein. 

The  Lord  knows  full  well  that  mens  hearts  are  fo  full  of  enmity  ,  that 
they  will  never  feek  for  Reconciliation  fir  ft ,  though  they  have  good  caufe, 
becaufe  they  have  offered  the  wrong  ;  and  therefore  he  ftands  not  upon 
termes,  but  offers  love  firft,  without  which  he  knows  they  are  for  ever  un- 
done! Oh  therefore  receive  it,  accept  of  it  when  it  IS  offered  to  you;  and 
loie  thy  life,  rather  than  lofe  his  love. 

For  the  further  opening  of  thisPoirtt ,  Tfhall  ilievtthree  things. 

1.  That  Chrift  doth  offer  his  love  in  the  Gofpel ^  and  how. 

2.  Upon  what  termes. 

3.  Motives  to  accept  it,  andanfw^r  Obje6tions  againft  accepting 
ofit. 

Firft,  That  the  Lord  doth  offer,  and  how  he  doth  offer  his  love  in  the  Go- 
fpel ;  and  this  I  iliall  cleare ,  becaufe  nothing  can  draw  the  foul  to  accept  of 
love  but  this.  For  the  better  underftandin^  of  whch,  you  muft  conceive 
that  the  love  of  Chrift  in  the  Gofpel,  is  dwerfly  manifeited  unto  men;  ei- 
ther to  men  after  they  be  in  Chrift ,  and  are  broguhthome  by  it,  and  this  is 
a  love  of  delight  in  them.  l?[alm?  45.  lo,  ii.  Or  it  is  a  love  of  p,ood 
wilito  mennotbrought  homej  as  it  is  in  Husbands,  before  their  affeftians 
befet  upon  any,  they  make  love,  as  it  is  zThejf,  2.  lo.  They  received 
not  the  love  of  the  truth  ,  becaufe  the  trmh  made  love  to  them.  Luke  2.  14. 
G^od  mil  toiK'ards  men-^  and  this  love,  I  fay  is  offered  ;  this  love  the  Lord 
makes  unto  you  ;  ftand  amazed  at  it ,  that  after  all  yourfiniies,  wrongs  done 
him,  nothing  but  love  is  oifered  ,  even  his  deareft  love  ;  for  though  there  is 
patience^  power  to  help,  wifdome  to  guide ;  though  there  is  terrour  in 
him,  yet,  Take  my  bve^  faith  he ,  J-thn  3.  17.  And  hence,  Heb.  2.  ?. 
it  \%c.iS\^d.Great  fdviitlon.^  or  hvex  'tis  offered  i  elfe  how  could  men  be  faid 
to  rejid  it,  or  negle6l  it ,  which  he  warnes  them. of  ?  A  man  may  as  we  1 
,  _.  que- 


Vfe  3. 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgim^ 

iqueft'on  whether  there  be  a  GofpeJ,  as  whether  lovt  be  offered  there;  fori 
j  as  the  Law  is  nothing  but  the  manifeftatioa  of  fin .,  the  hand-writing  of  death  : 
i  and  wrath  agairft  al!  men,  writ  with  the  Finger  of  God  ;  the  Gofpel  is! 
j  the  manifeftation  of  grace  ,  the  hand-writing' of  grace  and  peace  to  all  men,  \ 
I  written  with  the  blood  of  God;  and  hence  the  Gofpei  is  that  which  brings! 
\jjfd  and  vmmortality  to  lights  iTim.  I.  lo.  Not  that  there  is  life  abfo-| 
lately  for  all,  but  there  'tis  for  all  that  fhall  by  faith  accept  of  it.  More  par- ; 
ticularly  ^  \ 

Firlt,   It  is  offered  Univerfally  to  all  wherever  it  comes,   and  therefore: 
perfonally  to  every  man;  the  words  are   plaine,  UViark^  i6.  15.    Treachl 
the  Gcfpel  to  every  creature '^    and    not    only  to  them  that  do  belong    f  o  j 
Chritt,  and  fliall  believe;  for  though  it  be  offered  with    the  power  of   it  1 
effectually  tothefe,  yet  offered  it  isalfo   unto  thofe  that  never  iliall   have  i 
God,  nor  portion  in  the  Son  of  God;  and  hence  ,  Luke   14.    The  Lord! 
of  the  Feaft  invited  thofe  that  never  came  in  ;  and  Chri(t  himfelf,    i  Johni 
II.     He  cams  te  his  oren  ^  and  they  received  himnot\  he  would  have  gathered  ^ 
them  tinder  his  wings  ,  and  they  would  not ;    not  only  to  them  that  be  hum- 
bled  (though  none  will  care  for  Gofpel  but  fuch  j  but  to  them,  that  be  un- 
humbled,  Revel.  5.  18,20.    doth  this  Gofpel  come.    There  be  many  ob- 
ject. Yes,  the  Lord  offers  love  to  them  that  are  his,  but  not  to  me?  yes, 
to  thee;  there  is  not  a  man  here,  that  can  exempt  himfelf.    And  I  would 
make  no  doubt  to  go  to  every  man  particularly,  and  fay,  The  Lord  intreats 
thee  to  be  Reconciled ;  nay,  if  there    be   one    man   worfe  than  another, 
though  his  hands  have  been  imbrued  in  the  blood  of  the  Prophets,  and  his 
foul  ftained  with  the  crying  guilt  of  the  mof^  hydeous  finnes   that  ever  the 
earth  bore  ,  or  Sunfaw  ,  yet  the  Lord  makes  love  to    him  ;   the  price,  is 
paid  for  him,  if  he  will  accept  of  it,  and  that  the  Lord  would  have  himfo 
ro  do ;  neither  doth  this  Univerfal  offer  inferre  an  Univerfal  Redemption  -; 
for  the  Gofpel  in  the  offer  of  it,  doth  notfpeak  abfolutely  that  Chrifi  hath 
dyed  for  all ,  and  therefore  for  thee ,  as  the  Arminlans  maintain  ;    but  it  j 
fpeaks  conditionally ,    'Tis  for  thee,  if  ever  the  Lord  gives  thee  a    heart 
to  receive  that  grace  there ;   therefore  confider  of  it ,  there  is  not  one  here  | 
prefent,  but  the  Lord  would  have  you  receive  his  love  ;    and  confider  this  | 
one  reafon ,  Thou  fhalt  be    condemned   for  refufingitj  Hence 'tis  Gods  | 
command,  and  Chrifts   defire  you   lliould   receive  ic  ,    Jofn  '^.  19.    Ifj 
not  thy  duty   to  receive   it  ,     'cis  not  thy  fin   to  refufe  ic ;    but  'tis  fuch 
a  fin,  that  all  men  that  perifh  under  the  found  of  the  GofpeI,are  principally 
condemned  for. 

Secondly,    'Tis  offered  really ;  I  put  in  this,  becaufemen  cannot  fee  the 
reality  of  this ;    becaufe   not  Chrifi:,  but  Minifiers   (   they   think)    only 
make  it ,  and  fo  the  offer  is  only  external  and  Miniflerial ;  the  Lord  him- 
felf they  think  is  not  of  that  mind.  ! 
Anfw.i .  what  any  Minifter  according  to  the  Gofpel  doth,rhat  Chrift  would  | 
do  if  he  was  here  prefent  ;    hence   2  Cor.    5.  20.     JVe  befeech  joh  in    his  \ 
f.ead ;  as  Embalfadours  fpeak  what   the   King  himfelf  would    do,  and  no 
more ,  and  himfelf  would   fpeak  what   they   <^o  if  he  was  prefent ;    and  \ 
hence  Chrifi  did  rot  only  preach  the  Gofpel  to  his  Ele^t ,  that  fhould   re-  | 
ceive  him,  but  to  them  who  did   reje^l  him  alfo ,   which  made   his  bleffed 
heart  and  eyes  alfo  break  forth    into  teares  ,     Oh  that  thou  hadfl   knorpn  , 
&c. 

1,  'Tis  Chrifi:  in  them  which  do:h  fpeak  ,  Beb.  12. 2;^.  Him  that  ffeakj 
from  heaven;  and  h°ncG  Sphcf.  2.  17.  He  came  and  f reached  fe ace ^  vvhen 
he  was  gone  up  to  Heaven;  and  hence  receiving  of  thefe  Minifiers  and  Em- 
balfadours of  Chrift ,  is  receiving  of  Chrifi ;  defpifin^  of  them  ,  is  defoifin^ 

of 


opened  and  J f plied. 


175 


of  Chrift  ;  and  look,  as  the  bowels  of  God  the  rachers  love  are  opened  it 
jChrift,  To  the  bowels  of  Chrifts  love  are  opened  inthofe  whom  he  fends, 
i  Never  didft  thou  fee  any  Minifler  pity  thy  condition,  and  ofter  peace  to  thee, 
jbutbecaiife  Chrit^putic  in  his  heart;  and  as  in  rejeilin.g  the  Gofpcl  ,  you 
\ihali  not  fad  their  fpirits  fo  much  as  Chrifo  Spirit  in  thern-,  fo  in  accepting, 
\e  contra. 

j       3.  Your  life  and  falvation,  and  certainty  of  mercy  from  Chrift ,  hangs 

upon  your  receiving  their  Word ;  for  menwilfay,  If  Chrift  were   here,  1 

durit  believe  his  Word  ;  I  cell  you,  the  Lord  hangs  thy  life  upon  believing 

their  Word  fpoken  according  co    him,   John  17.  20.    I  praj  for  them  that 

f/'^ill  hdl-je'in  m:;  thro:igh  their  i^ord;    Why  not  through  my  word?    ^fifn). 

^  rhefe  may  (land  well  together ;  my  word  as  the  foundations  their  word  as 

jbuildirig  u-'onic.;  their  word  in  the  external  adminiilration  and  view  of  man, 

Ibur  my  vvo;u  indeed  ;  my  word  in  their  mouths,    and  fo  their  word  a^?   in- 

jftrumenLs  under  that  principal  agent;    fothat  if  an  Angel,  at  nrtz  fhoiild 

iriie  fiomthe  dead,-  ITnould  not  look  for  more  certainty  of  life  by  believing 

jthefe,  than  them.    Chrill  will  fpeakno  more,  till  he  ihakes  dovvn  heaven 

[and  earth  with  his  voice  ;  but  their  word  he  honours,  and  fasth  ,  BeUeyeic; 

jtbdr  word  is  not,  ChriR  hath  loved  thee  •,  but Believe,thac  thou  mayfibe  be- 

I  loved  of  Ch.ift.  .    -      _     , 

4.  TheLordis  fo  real  here,  thac  he  runillieth  men  more  for  this,  than  if 
he  was  prefenr.  Chrift  lived  among  the  Jewe.-,  and  preached,they  crucified 
him,  and  rejected  him  in  his  perlbn  ;  yet  this  caft  them  not  off,  tilt  Ln^e 
15.  45.  they  put  away  the  offers  of  grace  by  the  Servants  of  Chrift  from 
them  >  and  now  the  Apoftles  are  to  fhake  off  the  dult  of  their  feet  againft 
fuch  asthofe. 

Thirdly,  It  is  offered  with  vehement  defires  ro  accept  of  it,  2  Cor,  6,1. 
Tfal.  Si.  II.  We  bcfefch  yon  receive  not  Gods  grace  In  valne ',  for  you 
may  fay  There  is  fome  offer,  but  the  Lord  de(ire?  it  not  in  good  earneft;  ne- 
ver did  mandefireto  gee  the  aflfe6t:ion  of  another  mof^  beautiful,  as  the 
Lord  doth  thee  that  hail  none-,  we  ufeto  judge  of  the  affedion  of  another 
to  a  thing,  by  what  he  is  willing  to  part  with  for  it-.  As  he  that  fold  all  for 
thepearle,  and  bought  it  ^  So  the  Lord  is  content  to  part  with  sll  he  hath 
to  thee;  thedeareli  thing  he  hath,  is  his  precious  blood  ,  and  all  fruit<:  and 
benefits  of  it ;  his  Spirit  to  comfort,  himfelf  codwell  w'th  thee,  hi^  Fa- 
chtrto  Jove  thee,  his  Kingdome  to  receive  thee,  his  fweeteft  promifes  10 
dfiureand  fkbliiluhee ;  all  things,  except  his  glory;  it  is  ocfit  that  you 
lliould  receive  that ,  but  for  him  to  receive  it.  from  theej  and  giving  it  tj 
him,  is  better  than  having  of  it  to  thy  felf.  To  thee  I  fay,  that  art  like 
an  incarnate  Devil  ,  Dead  ,  and  Damned  ,  and  undone  for  ever  , 
unlefs  thou  accept  of  this  Grace,  is  all  this  Mercy  of  the  Gofpel. 
tendered. 

:-'F.;i;rLhly,  It  is-otfered  freely ,  Ifa,  55.  i,  2.    For  this   makes   many 
j  fi:and  and  wonder.  Why  lliould  th:;  Lord  make  love  to  me   fo  vile ,  fo  un- 
'  worthy,  good  for  nothing  bu:  to  iin  1  dry  bones  !  or  what   need  hath   the 
Lordof  m.e?  wh.it  can  I  do  for  him?  what  can  I  add  to  him  ?  why  goeth 
he  not  i'utoLhe  Pa^^cesof  Princes  to  call  in  them  /  but  that  he  iliould  deale 
thusvA'ith  me  that  have  tinned  worfe  than  H^anl  before  converfion  !   not  ig- 
norantly;    I  have  known  the  grace  of  Chrift  ,  yet   rejeded.ic  ;   and  have 
gonepn  defperately,  have  been  mad  in    following  my  lovers  ,  forfaking  the 
L  rd  ;     True,  1  know  no  caufe,  but  only  his  free  love,  becaufe  he  hath  com- 
paliion  on  thee ,  and  becaufe 'tis  for  bis  grace  fake;  hence  he  defires  it  vehe- 
mently^ for  that  is  worthy  to  be   honoured,  received,   embraced  of  thee. 
Methmks  it  is  in  this  cafe  ,  as  'tis  with  poor  Marines ,  vvhofe  fhip  is  wrackc, 
many 


176 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgimy 


1  many  drowned,  and  they  caft  upon  the  fhore  ,  one  comes  cothem,  sndoi"-; 
I  fers  them  houfe,  and  meat,  and  home,  they  tell  him  We  are  poor  men,  h.^ve| 
nothing  to  pay-,  true,  I  know  that,  but  1  have  compafTion  upon  you  ,  bel 
caufe  1  fee  you  are  diHreffed  men ;  fo  'tis  here  with  the  Lord  Jefus  ,  I  kno>A'  ■; 
thou  haft  nothing  to  requite  me,  but  I  havecompaffion  upon  thee,  ucczpi'. 
my  grace,  take  it,  live  upon  it,  beciufe  thou  arc  a  ciiftrefled  foul  ^  C:o.r 
hathiliewn  wondrous  mercy  in  giving  life,  now  I  offer  more,  oneworu/i' 
think;  now  furely  men  fhould  be  glad  to  accept  of  this  grace.  ■ 

Queft-.  ZJfo/i  whtittermes  is  this  offer  of  love  made} 

Anfw,  There  is  nothing  required  ,  but  only  and  meerly  receiving  of   ir;^ 
John  I.  12.  Under  the  Law  it  was,  Do  all  this-,    but  theGofpel  faith   ncij 
fo ,  but  Receive  me  wfo  have  done  ally  and  fujfcred  aifo^  with  thy    whole  j 
heart;  as  it  was  in  the  Land  of  promife,  nothing  required  ,  but  going  up>! 
andpoflefs  it  ;  here  it's  no  m.ore.     Prov.  4.  8.     She  (?all  Inng  thee  to  hc-\ 
noHrwhen  thou  dojlr  embrace  her.     The  offer  of  love,  is    like   the  offer    of! 
a  rich  portion,  nothing  required  but  receiving  it  thankfully ,  and  ib  living  i 
upon  it;  fo  Vfal.  i(5.  5, ^j  7.'  /  thank^  the  Lord  that  gave  me comifel^  &c. 
Or  as  it  is  in  the  offer  of  a  Prince  to   a  Traitour ,  he  offers   life  to  him  ; 
Upon  what  cermes  ?  I  couldcrufhthee  asa  fly  between  my  fingers,   but  I 
defire  nothing ,  only  accept  my  favour ,    come  and   embrace   me  ,    and 
then  live  under  my  Government  in  my  Kingdome ,  becaufe  that  I  love  thy 
company ,  and  becaufe  here  is  my  honour,  and  thy  fafety ;   fo  doth  the  Lord 
in  the  Gofpel ,  the  Lord  profelTeth  he  had  rather  a  foul  lliould    return,  and 
live  upon  his  love,  and  under  the  Government  of  his  love ,  than  dye;  Coms. 
under  my   vn'ings  ,    faith  Chrifi:  ,     CMattheyp   23.  yo%  may   all.     \    would 
have  you  fafe,  and  near  unto  me,  that  you  may  feel  the  warmth  and   lice   of 
my  love;  this  is  all  the  Lord  looks  for  j  and  who  would  not  accepi:   of   love 
upon  thefe  termes  I 

Thirdly,  Motives  to  accept  of  it.  Whyfhouldl  name  any  more  than 
what  the  Text  mentions  ?  no  woer  like  this  to  lofe  it !  and  though  ic  may  be 
now  you  may  efteem  it  nothing  while  'tis  faire  weather ,  and  whiles  it  is  a  day' 
of  patience ,  yet  when  the  depths  of  anger  are  broken  up,  then  you  fiiall  fee, 
and  fay.  No  people  like  unto  thofethat  have  it,  when  you  fiialifee  Chriit 
on  his  Throne  with  ravifbing  beauty,  and  fee  him  tread  the  VVine-prefs  of 
wrath  alone,  and  his  garments  dipt  in  the  blood  of  his  enemies  ;  then 
you  {hall  fay.  The  want  of  this  love  is  bitter  ;  and  hence  Lf  ic  be  offered,  rake 
it  now  gladly,  thankfully,  joyfully. 

0\y],  Bm  I  am  bm  oneywiU  the  Lord  receive  me  >  ' 

Anf,  I  have  been  ftirred  up  to  preach  the  Gofpel  for  the  fake  of  that  One^ 
and  Jer.  3. 14.  /  mil  take  one  of  a  Tribe,  Though  all  ^\a  be  reje6led,the 
Lord  minds  thee.  j 

2.  Obje^l:.     2ut  Chrifl    is  in  Heaven  ,     how  can  I  receive  him ,  and  | 
his  love  ?  I 

Anfw.  A  mighty  Prince  is  abfent  from  a  Traytour ,  he  fends  his-Heraufd  j 
with  a  Letter  of  love,  he  gives  it  him  to  read;  how  can  he  now  receive  the 
love  of  the  Prince  when  abfent  ?  ^n[w.  He  fees  his  love  in  his  Letter ,  j 
knows  itcame  fr6m  him  ,  and  fo  at  adiffance  clofeth  with  him  by  this  j 
meanes  ;  So  here,  he  that  was  dead,  but  now  is  alive,  writes,  fends  to  1 
thee ,  Oh  receive  his  love  here  in  his  Word ;  this  is  receiving  him  by  fn'rh ,  1 
Aas2.  ^7,  :?8.  j 

3.  ObjCi^.  But  I  am  not  eleBedy  nor  redeemed;  if  I  knerp  that^Idurfi  rc-\ 
ceive  the  Lord  and  his  love, 

zAnfw.   what  have  you  to  do  with  Gods   fecret  Decree  of  Ele^ion  ?l 
'tis  your  duty  to  look  to  theGofpel,  which  is  the  Will  of  Cods  command; ' 

there 


opened  and  Applied. 


'71 


ch^reis  a  VVili  of  Gods  D-^xree ,  and  a  man  may  fulfill  this  Will  axid  fin; 
as  'jtrubj^m  in  n^voitmg-  according  to  rhs  Propheiic  of  the  Prophet  ;  and 
cofubmic  ro  this,  is  not  moral  obedience,  though  moved  thereto  by  a  Di- 
vine inliin^t ,  as  in  Cynu  ;  but  there  is  a  WjH  of  Gods  Command  ,  and 
this  )ou  are  to  look  to ;  obedience  to  this,  never  vvancs  its  recompence; 
You  fay  you  are  not  Redeemed.  Ari^w.  True  ;  but  it  may  be  thou  art  Re- 
deemed; and  therefore  do  not  crucifie  Chrifl:  a  fecond  time  ;  receive  this 
love,  and 'ascertain 'tis  for  thee.  '    '-■ 

^.Qh]JUit  I  am  y.o:  humbled  j'ri.^cier.tly'} 

An  w.  r  know  no  man  can  receive  Chrifl,  till  the  Lord  hath  humbled 
and  broken  him  downj  but  know,  there  is  no  more  hurhiliation  required, 
than  that  which  brings  rheejto  receive  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrirt.  Many  have 
a  fpiric  of  cleaviftg -E03  and  receiving  of  Chrifl: ,  as  hath  been  opened,  but 
are  keptoflF,  becaufe  they  feare  they  are  not  humbled;  but  methinks  the  ve- 
ry orferof  Ghriflto  one  condemned  and  loll  for  ever  ,  who  muft  elfe  lie 
to  ail  eternity  m.ourning  f  methinks  this)  fhould  break  thy  heart,  if  it 
be  not  a  Stone,  and  a  Rock,  as  itdid-Prf«/j;  indeed  you  mutt  be  more  and 
more  humbled  all  your  life  ;.  but  this  is  a  confequent  required  of  thofe  who 
are  in  Chrifl. 

5.    Obje^.      But  I  eannat   believe  y     whj  prejfeyoa  me  to  it  } 
A'-frv.  I.  The  Lord  doth  nocprefs  you  to  believe ,  becaufe  you   iTiould 
believe  from  your  fe Ives ;  butthat  feeling  your  own  inability,  you  might  fuf- 
fer  him  to  make  you  believe.  •       ■ 

2.  The  Lord  by  words  of  Exhortation  doth  work  Faith;  there  goes  a 
power  with  it;  as  AUs  2.  Repent -y  they  gladly  received  the  Word  r  and 
whofe  heart  may  it  not  draw  and  compell,  efpetially  if  there  be  any  fpark 
of  Cod  in  any  foule  }  and  therefore  pray  give  the  Lord  leave  to  [peak, 
whofe  Word  can  quicken  the  dead  ,  though  the  dead  can  neither  fiir  nor 
heare. 

3.  There  be  many  of  you  that  fay  You  cannot  believe ;  but  this  Go- 
fpel  drawes  out  a  power  ;  The  way  of  the  Lord  ^  is  ftrength  to  the  ttpright  ^ 
Prov.  10.  2p.  Will  you?  can  you  defpife  or  refufe  his  grace  ?  No,it  fhould 
confl:rain.  -::.''i 

6.  Ob;e£l.  Bm  I  have  received  him  ,  and,  I  feel  no  vertfie^fi^on^ 
him.  - 

Anf^v.  I.  I  know  many  do  receive  him,  and  feel  not  the  vertue  of 
Chrift  ^  but  becaufe  Saints  maybe  kept  poor  in  Spirit,  poflfelTe  all  things 
in  Chrift  ,  and  yet  receive  little  from  Chrift  ,  I  fliall  only  ask  two 
Queftions.  ^ 

1.  How doft  thou  efteemof,  anddeftre  that blelTing of  Chrift?  Doft  e- 
fteemof  nothing  fo  precious ,  defire  nothing  more,  and  folfoweft  the  Lord 
on  with  prayer  for  it  f  it  is  in.Chrift  for  thee  5  what  thou  wanteft,  thou  ftialt 
have  it,  John  4.  10.  ThiL  :?.  9,  10.  No  falfe  heart  but  undervalues 
thefe  things;  and  the  Lord  will  fulfill  all  thy  defires ;  in  heaven  thou  fhalt 
have  al I  thy  fins  fubdued  and  trodden  to  death.- 

2.  How  is  thy  heart  for  thy  general  frame,  affe(5ted  with  the  abfence  of 
the  good  thou feeleft  not  from   the  Lord  f  doft   mourn  bitterly  for  this? 

I  look  as  the  Difciples  that  mourned  for  Chrifts  bodily  abfence ,  the  Lord 
tells  them.  They  ihould  rejoyce ;  fo  here;  a  carnal  heart  is  indifferent,though 
he  lofe  Chrifts  vertue.  And  therefore  accept  the  Lords  love,you  poor  mour- 
ning fouls  j  the  moftflony  heart  I  fpeakto;  but  much  more  unto  the  wea- 
ry, and  them  that  have  beenfeeking  after  the  Lord  ,  behold  falvationis 
come  to  thy  heart  this  day,  only  let  it  in;  do  not  rejeft  it,  becaufe  thy 
ftnnes  are  great ,  thy  unworthinefs  great ;  the  Lord  knows  them ,  yet  heof- 

Zzz  -fers; 


178 


The  F arable  oftheTenfirginfy 


Ohferv.  4. 


fers-,  iome  of  you  have  had fome hopes  or- aflTurance   Chriii  is  your?,    yet 
he  may  be  thine  ;  Suppofe  he  was  never  thine  yet ,  now  ftrecch  out  thy  Cas.- 
king  hand,  receive  him  who  is  this  day  crucined  before  thy  eyes,  his  head 
hanging  down,  his  blood gufhing  out ,  beCeeching thee  to   accept  of  rhiS; 
which  is  fhed  for  thee.     I  remember  a  godiy  man  receiving  Apples  fram  4 
poor  Woman,  he  took  them  thankfully ,  but  faid  withal.  This  came  from 
the  Spirit  of  God;  fo  doth  this  offer  much  more  ,  and  therefore  rake    it  t 
But  I  know  this  love  will  be  defpifed  by  fome  of  you  ;  fome   not    knowing! 
your  woe ,  fome  not  feeling  ic ,   being  without  Chri{r  ,*  fome  under  terrours,  ] 
but  fhutup  under  unbelief.    If  Ididthiak  the  Lord  had  no  purpofe   to  doj 
tiieegood  ,  and  I  knew  thee,  I  would  read  thy  doom  ;  but  the  Lord  mayp'-i 
ty  ;  and  therefore  I'le  §0  and  mourn  ,  and  pray  that  the  Lord  would  not  lay  j 
yopr  fins  to  your  cJharge  ;  your  bafe   lufts  are  better   than  Chriii  to  yoy;'] 
O  therefore  mourne  for  this  j    you  chat  know  him  not,  prize  him  not;! 
but  carry  this  >^^^  13.41.  about  with  thee,  viz..  hear  jo'4defj>ifirs^   .^.nd  won~\ 
'der,  &c.  -  \ 

That  many  men  may  ,  and  do  af^rehend'Chr'ifi  by  ^  feeming  Fal'ih^rphoml 
yet  Chr'ifl  Jefm  apprehends  not  by  his  dearest  love.  | 

For  here  vyere  Virgins  many  of  them,  whocryed,  Lcrdy  Lord  ^  onlyj 
looking  for falvation from  him,  hanging  upon  grace  ,   clafping  about  his! 
feet  C  as  it  were  )  and  who  in  their    life-time   went  out  to  meet  the  Bride-  \ 
grom,  expe6Ving  love  from  him ;  and  yet  Ch rift  here  pfofeflfeth,  1  know  not 
you,  I  love  you  not.  ,    i  ■.  ;  I 

:;,  I  fay^this  is  by  a  feemirig  faith  j  for  no  man  apprehends  Chrift  by  a 
lively  Faith,,  but  ip  apprehended  of  Chrift,  Jfl/j/;  i<  rs.  But  if  ic  jjeby  a  ■ 
teming  Faith  4  i  ^i  which-feemestobeFaithin  the  judge-menc  and  optni-; 
op.  (£  others,  andalfo  whichfeem.es  only  to  be  fo  to  their  own  apprchen-- 
lion ,  as  it  did  unto  tbefe  Virgins,  the  Lord  doth  not  apprehend  fudl': 
|by.his.xjleareflJoye> 'i^ndthat  bifay,  with  his  deareft  love-  with  corrrmonj 
Iqvehemay,  bat  vyithdeareajid  eternal  love,  never. 

!  The  F^ithof  fomeipen,  is  like  the  caftrngof  fome  Anchor  at  Sea ;  it 
fometimes  falls  upon  a  Rock,  or  light  fand,  it  toucheth  the  ground ,  but ' 
tb^  Rock  holds  not  it  5  and  hence  tbe  Ship  is  ever  driven  beforp  the'winde,! 
or  carried  away  with  the  ebbings  and  flowings  of  the  water  ;    So  it  is  here ; 
and  hence  men  are  tolTed  to  and  fro  with  luftsand  temptations,  and  driven  be- 
fore ftrongwindes.    Or  as  it  was  of  Saul  to  Samttsl^  he  apprehended  Sa- 
mnel ,  but  Samud  departed  from  him ,  faw  him  no  more  undii  the  day   of 
his  death  ;    So  here,  the  Kingdome  and  Love  of  Chrift  is  rent  from  you.^ 
John  2,  24.  fiit.     But  he  cofitmltted  not  him[elf  to  them.     Luke  15.  26,27. 
Have  not  we  eat  and  drmk^w  thy  prefence  ?    and  yet  Chrift  will  fay  ,    / 
kffOTvjpfi-  not;  ^nd  this  is  the  cafe  of  many,    fob  8.  17,  14.    H^hen  an  Hy- 
pocrite dyes  ^  his 'hope  pm^fr/> ;  if  the  Lord  had  apprehended  him  with  his; 
deareft  love ,  ic  could  not  be  fo. 

For  Explication  of  this  Point ,  three  things  are  to  be  opened. 

I.  How  one  rnay  be  faid  to  apprehend  Chrift  Jefus  by  a  fceminsi 

Faith. 
1 2.  How  Chrift  is  faid  not  to  apprehend  fucb. 
3.  Why  he  doth  not. 

Qj^efi.  Firft,  How  may  one  be  faid  to  apprehend  Chrift  by  a  feeming  faith  5^ 
zAnfrv.  Five  wayes  ufually. 

I.  When  men  axe  forced  co  fly  to  Chrift  mcerly  out  of  extremity  and 

prefliiccs 


opened  afifd  Applied. 


jprelTures  of  mitery,  the  liroaks ,  aijd  dry  blowes  of  Divine  Vengeance 
I  light  upon  tbetn  jand  novv  they  cry, Lord,  pity  us ;  it  may  be,  in  time  of  peace, 
vv-hile  confcience  and  Divine  Vengeance  were  aflcep ,  they  regarded  not 
Faith,  nor  Prayer,  nor Chrirt  ,  nor  any  thing  elle ,  notwithdanding  all 
the  heart-breaking  cryes,  and  loud  calls  of  God,  but  were  merry  and  light, 
and  licentious ,  '&c.  but  in  extre:nicy  then  they  will  cry ,  and  ^rize  mercy 
above  a  thoufand  worlds,  Prov,  i.  28.  One  would  think  their  mouths 
il^.ould  be  flopped  then  ;  fome  chink  thole  words  are  an  aliufion  to  the  Ark 
in  Noahs  time,  Ho[ea  8.  1,2,  5.  when  the  Eagle  ^ all  come  againJlGods 
feop'e^  Vh\.  78.  55.  th-y  fh..ill  cry  ,  Ol^yGod ,  wekfjow  thee  y  No  faith  the 
Lord,  The  eriemy  (hall  iupprehe^d  them  ^  1  will  not;  this  is  not  faith  ,  but 
only  felf-love ;  when  as  men  are^  naught  before  ,  and  their  hearts  fitting 
loolefrom  God  continually ,  having  no  daily  embracements  of  him  ,  and 
would  be  worfe  after  Gods  affliding  hand  ,  if  he  (hould  help  them  ;  but  fo  it 
is,  that  they  cry  out  to  God  for  help,  meerly  becaufe  of  torment,  &c. 
This  is  like  that  cry  of  our  hdla»s  to  the  Devil,  who  worfhip,  and  cleave  to 
him,  becaufe  he  plagues  them.  True  ,  in  times  of  extremity  ,  the  faith  of 
theSaims  may  be  awakened  which  was  afleep  before;  and  wnen  God  hedgeth 
their  way  wirhThornes,  they  may  then  returne  to  their  firfl:  Husband,  be- 
caufe ic  was  better ;  but  when  extremity  begets  it ,  it  begins  and  ends  with 
it ,  lives  and  dyes  with  it ;  here  fuch  may  feare  that  then  Chrirt  apprehends 
them  not.  Pfalme  66.  3.  Becafffe  ef  thy  fo^vcr ,  thy  e^emief  jhall  fiatter^ 
md  [uhmit.  A  proudRebellious  Wretch  in  times  of  peace,  fwells  bigger 
than  God,  and  is  above  God  ;  the  Lord  Jefus  hath  his  times  wherein  he 
grapples  with  them  when  no  Minifters  can  ,  and  flings  them  down  with  his 
Sword  at  their  heart,  and  his  hand  at  their  Throat,  and  terrours  in  their 
confciences;  and  now  they  yield;  Chrifl  may  hence  take  tbefe  ks  common 
Subje«$ts ;  but  never  as  fpecial  favourites  to  (Und  before  him  ;  and  this  is 
the  cafe  of  thoufands,  who  fly  to  Chrirt  meerly  for  extremities.  Thus  the 
cafe  ftood  with  old  Jm^;  he  fliould  have  dyed  oefore ;  iKings  2,  %o.  but 
at  laft  henegleSs  his  charge,  he  runnes  to  the  Altar  only  out  of  felf-  ove  , 
and  there  he  will  dye ;  one  would  think  a  man  that  had  been  fo  ufcful,  flying 
to  the  Altar  in  his  old  age,  might  be  pitied ;  No,  the  Altar  which  fecures  o- 
I  the rs,» fecures  not  him  -,  juftice  may  be.  fliewn  to  him  that  will  abufe  favour 
[  long ;  fo  'tis  here. 

\      2.  When  men  fly  to  Chrift  in  times  of  peace,  that  fo  they  may  preferve 
their  fms  with  greater  peace  of  confcience;  fothat  lip  makes  them  flie  to 
iChrift,  as  well  asmifery;  not  that  they  may  deliroy  and   abolifli  fin,  but 
I  that  they  may  be  preferved  in  their  fins  with  peace.    For  this  is  the  frame 
1  of  all  men  living ;  fin  before  it  is  commited    (  not  all  fin ,  but  what  is  fuitf- 
i  able  ro  mens  conflitutions,  corruptions,  places,  temptations  )  is  veryfweet ; 
i  and  if  confcience  be  awake ,  it's  after  the  commiifion  bitcer  ^   fweet  in   the 
\  mouth ,  bitter  in  the  belly  ;  or  elfe  they  know  it  will  be  bitrer  anorher  day; 
I  'Trov,  2x.  7^1.  Jiings  like  a  Cockatri.e',  and  what  profit  in  i'lhericinglyes  ? 
;  Nrw  becaufe  men  have  not  other  good  to  live  upon,  or  deli-htin,  for  God 
i  they  have  not  ;    hence  many  an  heart  fecretly  faith  this,  If  I  can  have  my 
!  fin  ,  and  peace,  and  confcience  qui^t  for  theprefent,  and  God  merciful  to 
I  pardon  it  dfcerward  ,  then  all  is  well;  hereupon  hearing  th  fe  that  pur  their 
\  truftin  Chrififliiallbe  pardoned  for  prefent,  andfaved  afterward,  hence  he 
i  dorh  relie  (  as  he  fiith)  only  on  the  meryof  God  in  Chr'ft;  and  now  this 
hardens  and  biindes  him,  and  makes  him  fecure,  and  his  Faich  is  Sermon- 
proof,  nothing  fiirres  him  ,  &c.    and  were  it  not  for  their  fa'' h,  they  lliouIJ 
defpaire ,  but  this  .keeps  them  up;  and   now  they  think,  if  they  have  any 
trouble  of  minde,  the  Devil  troubles  them  ;   and  fo  make  Chriii  and  Faith 


••«MMMM<M 


Z22    2 


:.-P^Q- 


75 


The  V  arable  oftk  Ten  Virgim , 

proreftors  of' fin.,  not  purifiers  fromfm   (which  is  moft  dreadful)  turning; 
oiaceto  wantonneis,  asihey  cidfacrifice-,  fo  thefe  would  fin  under  the  fna- ' 
SowbtChrifty  becaufe  the  lliadovvis  goodandfweer,  UHicah  3.  n.  they  i 
had  Subtle  flye  ends  in  good  duties ,  for  therein  may  lie  a  mans  finj  yet  they  i 
lean  upon  the  Lord,  &c.  .  C^iatiheiv  3.  7,8.  The  Scribes^  came  in  peace  j 
to  Johns  Miniftry ,  which  was  to  awaken  men   to  believe   in  the  Meffiah ,  1 
Oh  ('encrdtioft  0-  Viftrs-y    who  hath   forewar'/ied  yon   to  flee  from  mrath   to\ 
.  csmfl  hence  faith  he,  Bring  forth  fuits  -  as  if  he  fhould   fay ,  You  would  J 
have  thebleflingof  the  warir.e  Sun  (till,  but  you  care  not  to  have  your  vipe- 1 
rons  nature  changed  ,  you  will  bring  forth  the  old  bitter  fruits  ,'  &c.    when  ''■ 
Mony-changers  came  into  the  Temple,  you  have  made  it  a  Denof  Thieves;  i 
Thieves  when  bunted, -fly  to  their  Den,  or  Cave,  and  there  they  arereciire  :' 
againftall  fearchers ,  and  hue-and-cryes  ;  fo  here,  but  Chrift  Whipped  them  ; 
out ;  fd  when  men  arepurfued  with  cryes  and  feares  of  confcience ,  aiway  to  \ 
ChnlUhey  go,  as  to  their  Den-  not  as  Saints,  to  pray  and  lament  out  the! 
life  of  their  fin  there,  but  to  preferve  their  fin ;  this  is  vile;   will  the  Lord  \ 
receive  fuch  ?  '  _  '  i 

I  amperfvvaded,  m.any  a  mans  heart  is  kept  from  breaking  and  mourning, 
becaufe  of  this;  he  faith  (  it  may  be)  that  he  is  aviiefinner^  butltruftinj 
Chrift,  Uc,  If  they  do  go  to  Chrift  to  deftroy  their  fin,  this  makes  them  | 
moreiecie  in  their  fin;  for  (  fay  they  j  I  cannot  help  it;  and  the  thing  I  j 
would  not  do,  that  do  I,  and  Chrift  muft  do  all  ^  _  whereas  faith  makes  the 
foul  mourn  after  the  Lord  the  more ,  as  ?^»/ did  ;  yet  do  you  think  j 
they   that   believed   faid  ,     Let  m  [iKm  ,  that  Grace  may    ahmid^  No, 

No:-  ■  ■  -.  •    ■ 

3.   By  feeing  feme  glory,  and  tafting  fome  fvveet   iii  the  Gofpel, '  and  i 
Chrift  manifefied   and  arifing therein  •,  hence  fome  njen   may  apprehend! 
Chrift  neither  out  of  feareof  mifery,  nor  only  to  preferve   feme  firi;  butj 
God  let§  in  light  and  heat  of  the  blelTed  beames  of  the  glorious  Gofpel   of  | 
the  Son  of  God  ,  and  therefore  there  is  mercy'  Rich,  Free,  Sweet,  for  dam- ' 
ned,  great  vile  finners  ;     Good  Lord  (faith  the  foul)  what  a  fweet  Mini- 
ftry, Word,  God,  and  Gofpel  is  this  /  and  there  refts;  this  was  the  frame 
of  the  ftony  ground,    which  heard  the  Word  ^  and  receii/ed  it  with  joy^  md\ 
for  a  time  helievcd^  Ijik^  8.  13.     And  this    h  the   cafe  of  thoufaifds  that  | 
are  much  affe6led  with  the  promife  and  mercy  of  Chrift,   and  hang  upon! 
free-grace  for  a  time;  but  as  'tis  with  fweet  fmells  in  a  Room,  they  con- j 
tinue  not  long^  or  as  flower?,  they  grow  old  and  withered,  and  then  fall;! 
in  time  of  temptation,  luft,  and  world,  and  floth  is  more  fvveet  than  Chrift 
and  all  his  Gofpel  is ;  'tis  in  this  cafe  witK  the  foule,  as  it  was  with  CHarj^ 
who  applyed  the  Spikenard  only  to  the  feet  of  Chrift ,  but  all  the  Room  was 
filled  with  thefweetnefsof  it ;  fo  in  the  Gofpel,   the  fvveet  odour  of  it  is 
fCcTttpred  to  all ;  ued  the  Apoftle  Fanl  faith  ,  We  are  a  fweet  favonr  of  God\ 
to  them  that  perifh;  but  Chrift  only  applycs  it  unto  the  heart  of  a  wounded,! 
poor,  humbled  fin ner  •,  and  though  fmells  and  odours  refrefti,  yet  men  can- j 
not  iivebythefmelJ ;  fo  'tis  here;  fuch  is  the  rich  grace  of  Chrift,   thatthei 
worft  fhall  know  and  fay.  He  is  good  ;     As   the   King  pafTeth  by  ,    many' 
come  to  fee  hins  •,  but  doth  he  take  all  up  to  the  Chariot  with  him?-   No, 
,  but  they  go  home  to  their  feveral  houfes  againe ,  and  then  they  commune, 
andfpeak  of  what  they  faw ;  fo  Chrift  accepts  only  of,  and  apprehends  none 
but  thofe  that  have  forfaken  all  at  his  call,  andfo  live  upon  his  favour;  fo 
here,  as  Tfal.  45.     all  his  Garments  fmell  of  myrrh,  yet  only  the  Queen 
which  heares,  confiders,  and  forgets  her  Fathers  houfe,  ftands  at  his  righc 
hand, 

4.  When  the  foul  is  perfwaded  to  clofe  with  the  Lord  Jefiis  Chrift  by  the 
. ,/  -     power 


opened  and  Applied. 


lyo 


power  of  imriledure  Revelation,  v\uhoiic-  the  medlv.m  of  cHe  Word;  the 

Word  they  graiK  hath  irsule,  and  'tis  goodto  attend  coir,'  as  to  a  light  in] 

ladark  place ,  but  ftay  till  the  day-lhrre  arile;  the  Word  is  ob-fcure  ,^and' 

I  may  deceive  ,  but  this  cannot  ;    and   they  think    Chrifl  never   apprenbncls 

I  them,  till  this  doth  ;  andthis  feme  feel ,  andrel-tupon,  as  upon  a  light  and.^ 

comfort  inficknels ,  and  leave  others  to  the  Word  ;  fome  feel   and  hold  no 

other  evidence  but  this ;  feme  hold  it,  but  never  felt  it ,  but  live  in  admiring 

of  it ,  and  'tis  a  prety  new  thing,  &c. 

1  confefs  the  Spine  mull  reveale  the  meaning  of  the  Word  ,  b^efdre  ever 
ic  can  draw  any  to  believe  ,  andic  muft  mightily,  immediately  apply  the 
Word  i  but  for  Ghrift  to  reveale  himfelf  without  a  Word  ,  and  a  Word  o^ 
promiie  in  the  Golpel  truly  underltood,  isadeluhon,  efpecially  if  the  evi- 
dence of  the  VVord  be  herein  defpifed.  Kom.  1 5.  4.  '^aul  had  Revelations^ 
fo  may  a  godly  man  have  more  than  common  manifeftations  of  fivdiir  at 
lome times ;  bur  PW  fpeaks  not  of  thefe,  Hcb.  6,  17.  \h^t  we  might 
have  (irong  cpr>[olat:ron  ^  &c,  AH  theHeiresof  thipromifes,  as  Meiresthat 
have  Legalies  left  them ,  they  go  to  the  Will  of  the  deceafed  Father,  and 
that  comforts  that  they  hold  to;  thatisfure,  fnchaone  ftiairhaveit ,  if  his 
nam.e  be  there ;  but  if  one  iliall  fay ,  Such  a  one  hath  promifed  m.e  fuch  lands, 
is  it  iatheW^ill  ?  No;  but  fince  he  dyed,  as  I  was  taking  a  Pipe ,  became 
to  me ;  oh  be  not  deceived  !  but  fay  fome ,  I  hold  to  the  Will ;  let  us  fee , 
where  is  it?  I  love  fuch  and  fuch,faith  the  Lord;  true";  but  whom  ?  /Vis 
Children  believing ,  broken,  poor,  humbled.  Nowif  youfay,  No,  I  re- 
gard no  fuch  Will  i  then  you  regard  not  the  Lord  ;  fo  'tis  here ,  Ephef.  -  2. 
20.  Built  tif on  the  foHndatim  of  th  ^pefilesi  i.  e,  upon  the  Word,  and 
Chrift  init,  &c.  Hence,  if  you  bqild  without  the  Word,  you  build  vyith^ 
out  a  Foundation,  and  you  will  fall;  and  do  you  hold  to  that  comfort  that 
the  Word  never  gave  you  ?  Ghrirt  is  not  the  obje^  of  Faith  ,  but  as  revea- 
led; John  6.  45.  He  that  hath  feen  ,  &c, '  Chrift  isndc  revealed ,  b^^ 
in  his  Werd  of  the  Gofpel  preached ;  all  your  conceptions  withoiit  it ,  ate 
idolatrous  andmonftrous;  you  neither  fee  nor  apprehend  Chrift,  nor  dhrifl 
jypu.  .  ■  -'■  ■^'-  ■  '  .  _ 

i  5.  By  clofing  with  Chrift  upon  falfe  (ignes  of  grace  ;  there  is  a  company 
fof  people,  if  they  have  but  fome  pangs,  and  fome  Reformations  now  arid 
I  then,  they  are  prefently  Chrifts,  they  hope-,  andif  they  be  like  untoall  other 
!  good  people,  and  do  as  they  do  ,  now  all  is  well.  Thus  thefe  fool  ifli  Vir- 
'gins  did  deceive  and  delude  themfelves;  they  were  Virgins,  they  were  like 
:  others ,  and  they  thought  well  of  them  ,  and  hence  they  fell  to  have  hopes, 
j  out  of  fome  (leighcy  work  of  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  Jefus  ;  but  they  are  in 
I  tj^e  interim,  ftrarigers  to  the  life  of  God,  and  Chrift,  and  Grace  ;  thefe  ftiould 
1  have  looked  to  have  oyle  in  their  Vefl'els  before  now. 

\      Secondly,  What  is  it  for  Chrift  not  to  apprehend  fuch  ,  and  to    withdraw 
from  fuch  ? 

Jfifiv,  Youmay  know  this  by  the  Affirmative.     What  is  it  for  Chrift  Je- 
fus to  apprehend  f  Conftder  a  foul  drawn  home  to  the  Lord  Chrift  to  bdieve  j 
1  there  are  two  things  he  doth  apprehend  his  people  by.     As, 
i        Firrt,  By  an  eternal  Covenant  of  grace  which  the  Lord  makes  and  enters 
I  into  with  a  poor  fmner ,  whereby  he  biiides  himfelf  for  ever  to  be  his,  a  God 
unto  him;  we  cannot  make  the  Lord  apprehend  us.    (as  in  2  Sa??f.  <^.  1,  2, 
;.  j     But  by  his  Covenant ,  he  bindes  himfelf  unto  the  fouls  of  h's  people, 
lift.  55.  Zy  :i.  which  is  a  mighty  ftrong  Covenant,  as  ftrong  as  Godspur- 
ipofeis;  for 'tis  nothing  but  Gods  purpofe  revealed.    Now  this  theLord  re- 
i  veals ufual'y  tvvowAyes. 
1        I.  In  the  Word,   without   the  confcience  knowing  it  ,   fo  as    that 


m 


The  Parable  of  the  Tenfirgins^ 


EfAJon  X, 


JLeaf'  2. 


Vfe  I. 


And 


■«««i!«**<te««S«^((ii^.,4fc-^*3 


^  man  hath  not  afllirance  of  Gods  Good-vviJI  co  him. 
2.  To  Confcience ;  and  this  two  vvayes. 

1.  By  prayer,  the  foul  being  inftanc  with  God  to  revea'e  bis  good-will, 
the  Lord  doth  it.  8z,ekiel  ^<5.  :7.  /  will  yet  be  eyqmred  of  for  rh^\  &c. 
Z.acb.  13.  9-  Hence  the' Lord  asks  the  poor  heart  ,  Wili  nothing  content 
thee  but  the  Lord  ?  Ivvii  fulfill  thy  defi  res  then,  the  Lordhith  heard  thy 
crye.s;  all  thy  finnes  fliall  be  pardoned ,  all  thofe  corruptions  fubdued  , 
&c. 

2.  By  the  Miniftry  of  the  Word ,  when  the  foul  hath  been  froward  in  feek- 
ing  the  Lord,  butnowmournes  under  it,  that  it  cannot  finde  the  Lord;  the 
Lord  profei&th.  Tie  create  the  fruit  of  the  lips,peace.  ^PjW.  25.  14.  He 
will  [hew  them  his  Covenant  ^  &c.  $othat  the  foul  is  for  a  time ,  fiabliflisd 
and  fupported  by  thefe  and  the  like  bleiTed  words  of  Grace  from  the 
Lord. 

Secondly ,  By  an  eternal  Spirit  of  life  ,  which  (  as  from  Chrift  the  Head  j 
comes  into  every  member ,  and  is  in  them ,  and  Ihali  be  in  them  ,   never  I 
forfaking  rhem,  though  it  be  grieved  a  thoufand  times  in  a  day  by  them  ;  this  | 
Spirit  fets  on  the  Covenant  ,    and  gives  the  firft  fruits  of  glory,  &e, 
Jfaiah  59.   «/f.     This  is  my   Cmenant  ,    my   Sprit  jhatl  never    dej^art , 
&c. 

Thus  Chrift  apprehends  his ;  herein  differing  from  u4dam ,  he  was  next  to 
God ,  and  was  apprehended  by  God.  But  i.  It  was  by  a  Covenant  of  works. 
2.  As  a  firft  caufe upholding!  and  preferving,  and  governing  the  fecond; 
but  this  Spirit  which  fhould  never  forfake,  this  he  had  noij  now  when  by 
Faith  we  are  turned  unto  Chrift,  Chrift  apprehends  us  with  both  thefe  armes. 
Now  e  centra  ,    you  may  fee  what  is  ic   not  to   be  apprehended  by 

Chrift. 

Becaufe  they  were  nisver  given  unto  Chrift  in  Vocation  by  the  Fathers 
drawing ,  John  6.  6j.  And  Chrift  takes  hold  on  none  but  them ;  they  are 
apprehended  lor  the  Giver?  fake,though  they  be  worthlefs  in  ihemfelves  5  AH 
lawful  Marriage,  is  by  the  Parents  confent ;  fo  here. 

Becaufe  he  knows  the  vilenefs  of  fuch  mens  hearts ,  lying  in  their  fin,  the 
falfenefs,  deceits  of  them,  Joh»z,Hlt.  As  we  ufe  to  fay.  Such  a  one  /  No,  I 
know  him  well  enough.  '  • 

Qf  fad  Reproof  to  thofe  who  never  trouble  themfelves  with  any  thoughts 
whether  Chrift  hath  apprehended  them ;  if  they  have  once  apprehended  Je- 
fus  Chrift ,  they  never  queftion  whether  their  Faith  fo  apprehend  Chrift,  as 
that  Chrift  apprehends  it.    Ohconfiderl  thefe  Virgins  they  did  thus  after  a 
fort  apprehend  Chrift  all  their  life,  but  now  they  know  Chrift  never  loved 
them  ,  becaufe  they  never  favingly  apprehended  him.     I  remember  Ifi.  4. 
I.  Seven  women  jhall  take  hold  of  one  man  ,  and  ^ all  fay  ,  We  rv'ill  he  called 
hy  thy  Name^  to  take  arvay  oHr  reproach  ,    but  we  will  eat  our  orvn  bread  ; 
So  many  take  hold  upon  Chrift ,  Lord ,  \^t  us  be  call'd  by  thy  Name ,  ro 
take  away  our  reproach  ;  when  as  they  care  for  no  parr,  nor  portion  in  Chrift, 
but  they  will  eat  their  own  bread ,  live  upon  their  owi  lufts.    Ic  was  Chrifts 
fpeech  unto  divers  thatfaw  him,  and  followed  him  ,  John  6,  as  to  h  s  Dif- 
ciples  alfo  ,  Except  yon  eat  my  p(h  ,  yatt  have  no  life  In  yon.     What  doth 
a  man  aim  at  in  eating  f  not  only  that  he  may  have  Bread  in  his  hand ,  but 
he  examines  ,    What vertue hath  it?    Hi*  end  is,  that  it  may  grow   ore 
with  him,  and  be  turned  into  the  fame  flefh  with  him  ,1-  and  fo,  that  there  may 
be  a  mofl  near  union  that  can  be  5  fo  fhould  all  Chriftians  ftudy  that,  and  aim  , 
at  that,  that  the  Lord  may  be  nearly  united  to  them,  and  grow  one  with  them;  | 
a.sracious  heart  pr.;iyes  and  mournes  for  want  of  this.  I 

oh, 


k4. 


x%l 


oh  there  be  many  thacprofefe,  Whatfhouid  I  croubL'  my  fejf  with  this 
and  that  grace?  when  Ihave  done  all ,  I  can  but  -look  up  to  Chrirt  !  True  ; 
butwillyou  notyet  try  whether  ^odi  fo  look  to  Chritt,  as  that  he  looks  co- 
wards you?  Jflvi  lo.  ID.  /  %(9»»  mitii  ^  and  am  known  of  mim '^  there  is 
a  world  of  falfe  faith  in  the  world,  fer.  7.  8.  When  they  cryed  the  Tem- 
ple of  the  Lord,  laich  be,  Bo  you  fweare  ,  /f^ ,  &c}  So  I  may  fay^  ^re 
I  youflothful  inicarriage,  difoontenrin  families,  live  in  fecrer adultery , and 
your  eyesanditboughtsarefuiCI'of  it  ?  doyou  break  your^romifes,  and  Co- 
venant with  God  and  men  ,  and  forget  the  Lord  in  a  Land  of  Peace  -,  care 
for  little  but  that  your  Plough  may  fpeed,  andyouT  names  may  rife?  '  and  do 
yowcry,  Chri(i:,^Chrift?  %6  to  Shihh^  goioi^tTaUHndte-^Bohemta^z.n^{tQ. 
what  God  hath  done ;  Oh  'but  I  am  better  /  oh  but  go  to  thefe  foolifh  Vir- 
et  their  dead  ghotts  afifright  t}hee ,  if  the  Lords  Word  cannot  make  thee 


sin< 


fearch  here. 

A  man  drowning,  all  his  care  will  be  for  ahand  to  take  hiiii  j  fo  would 
you  if  all  were  right;  but  you  will  not  fo.  ' 

Of  € xamln^it'to-a  ,  Whether  ever  the  Lord  Jefus  hath  apjprehende^'  you 
with  his  deateft  love  ,  as  well  is  you  have  apprehended  him  ?  2  Cor.  13.5. 
In  ail  Covenants  among  men.  Whereby  they  are  to  binde  themfelves  on^to 
another ,  men  wiil  make  it  fureon  both  lides  ;  dThriil  will  makeyoii  fure  to 
him;  do  you  fee  chat  he  be  aifo  made  fure,  and  faft  bound  and  iinitbd  un- 
to yOu. 

Methinks  the  confideration  of  the  example  of  the  Virgins ,  might  a#a^ 
kenevefy  one  utito  it ;  for  if  this  was  the  frajtie  only  of  fome  rude  ,  pro- 
phane  Rout  of  carnal  Proceftants  ^  profeflidg  Chrift  with  their  lips,  but  de- 
nying him  in  their  lives ,  it  might  be  excufable  for  us ;  but  when  Virgins , 
and  fo  many,  and  that  in  theffc  times  of  Chrifts  coming,  tbfaile  here,  this 
may  ftrike  a  holy  awfoinefs  even  in  the  bbft  ;  and  with  much  fearfe  and  trem- 
blin^y  to  fearch  themfelves ,  as  it  did  the  Difcipies  of  Ghrift,  when  they  heatd 
not  many,  but  one  only  fliould  betray  him  5  for  there  is  this  union  on  both 

parts,  J<?/3«  10. 1:4. 

2  ButthoLK^h  there  is  caufe  t6  fearch,'  I  confefs  'tis  very  hardto  fihde 
out  this  biefied  Love-knot ,  the  union  between  Chrift  and  the  foul  being  fo 
myiiical,  andfecret,  and  fpiritual  a  work ,  efpecially  in  this  life;  wherein 
the  Lord  Jefus  arif^ch  in  the  fouls  of  his  people,  not  in  his  petedlfulnefs, 
but  only  as  the  day-ftarre  ,  at  which  time  there  is  much  darknefs  before  the 
ri(iro  Sun  ;  and  hence  the  Apoftle,  Gal.^..  p.  Toti  have  known  God^or  rather  'dr& 
'  l^myvnef  him^O'c. 

5.  But  yet  it  may  be  knovvn  ^  the  many  examples  I  m.ight  alledge,  might 
prove  it;  and  the  promife  of  Chrift  to  his  Difcipies  doth  evince  it ,  ^ohn 
14.  20.  They  were  weak  for  a  time ,  and  Chrift  forfook  them  ,  and  left 
them  very  forrowful  for  a  time,  but  faith  he,  i  will  come  to  ymagain',  yea, 
and  they  might  be  never  awhit  the  wifer  for  that;  Nay,  (  faith  he  )  ^t\ 
that  day  you  Qo<?.ll  kj^oiv  I  am  in  yott  ^  and  yott  in  me  ',  A-s  a  childe  cannot 
tell  how  his  foul  comes  into  it ,  "nor  it  may  be,  when ,  but  afterwards  it  fees 
'.  and  feels  that  life :  So  that  he  were  as  bad  as  a  B^aft,  that  fhoulddeny  an  im- 
mortal foul  ;  and  'tis  an  Article  of  our  Faith ;  fo  here,  &c. 

4,     And  truly  when  it  is  known,  'tis  exceeding  ufeful ,    if  a  man  vvas 

never  apprehended  by  Chrift,  that  now  before  he  be  caft  out  of  fight  ^  and 

reach  of  Chnft  ,  he  may  (if  pofl'ible)  get  the  Lord  to  apprehend  him  ;  and 

■  if  lie  hath  been  apprehended ,  he  may   be  fupported  in  fad   combaces ,  and 

comforted  againft  altfeares  of  Apoftacy  from  the  Lord  ,  but  may  know   he 

,  ftands  asfaft^as  Mount  Sion  that  never  can  be  removed;  fpr  times  of  fpi- 


Ilfe 


nmmBfUttik  itmwrfi<luwmmaK0^t^*m/llln 


ritual 

ift.rmr— -^rr"" 


The  f  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins 


what  fitp- 
Chrilt   cm- 


^rkual  aiTaultsare  to  cleftroy  faith.     Tfa/.  22.- 8.     He  trnfieei  in  (J&^y  let' 

him  deliver  him  ^  and  therefpre.you  had  need  make  fure  of  this ;  time  may 
come,  that  to  fence  rnd feeling,,  hope  and   heart  may  faile 
ports   now  ?     yetr  Chrifi   doth    not  ,  -.  Chiift  will   not  , 

nor.                        ,             '              _              ''■,,'■           ^  .,    ,  ,  , 
Qiieft.  Uow.^^^J  thps  apj/rej^eyAing  love  on'ChriHsfart ke^fzoivn}'  '^^-  'J,' 

Anfrv.  In  theie  five  Decrees.. of  it   ,    it;  manifelis  it  felf /,  for  it  is 

unknown  in  it  felf  j     but  in  the  manifertatioh  of  it  j    there  'Js  feeh 

of   us.   .  \  ..       ^.  :i^  ■       '  '      \ 

I .  -  Degree ,  When  the  love  of,  Chrift  apprehends  the  foul  effectually  > ,  it 
overcomes  the  foul  by  fence  of  love  ,  and  thereby  draws  the  foul  froai  the 
(irong  holds  andbondageof  finne  to  Chrift  ; '  wherever  there  is  exceeding 
deare  love  of  the  one  unto  the.  other ,  it  is:  winniiig,  it's,  of  an  overcoming 
nature;  and  though  Chrift  doth  threaten ,  orterrifie  his  people  fometimes., 
yet  the  end  is  love  ;  theloveof  Chrift  is  of  a  winning  ,  "overcoming  ver- 
tue;  and  he  overcomes  by  love-,  and  where  he  fets  his  heart  on  any,  he 
will  fooner  or  later  overcome  by  love  (  if  he  can  J  the  hearts  of  his,  to  for- 
fakeallother  LoverS)  and  cleave  unto  him.  fer.  31.  5.  I  have  hvedthee 
with,  an  evsrUfiing  love\  What  follows  ?  hence  ,  I  have  drawn  thee; 
How?  ^J  loving-kjndnef?.  Cant.,  i.  4.  Draw  me  ^  and  I  will  foUorv  thee-^ 
this  is  the  prayer  of  all  thofe  whom  the  Lord  efpouferh  to  himfelf  ^  and  'tis 
as  if  they  ("hould  fay ,  I  have  neither  ftrength,  nor  heart ,  to  come  Eor  fol- 
low ;  my  iniquities  clog  me,  and  my  feares  difcourage  me,  &:c.  but  yet  Lord 
draw  me.  .  , 

Let  a  man  believe  in  Chrift,  and  accept  the  offer  of  Chrift  when  he  can  5 
but  he  can  never  do  it ,  until!  his  heart  averfe  to  Chrift ,  and  unbelieving,be 
drawn  to  the  Lord  Jefus ;  and  that  not  violently  only  by  terrour ,  but  by 
ftronger  cords ,  even  the  cords  of  Love,  which  perfwades  mightily  the  foul 
of  unwilling  to  become  willing;  the  Lord  revealing  the  glorious  grace  and 
righteoufnefs  of  Jefus  Chrift,  arid  all  the  benefits  of  bim,,aiid  therefore  he' 
offers  this  to  it ,  and  requires  nothing  but  faith  to  receive  k ;  this  which  ftirs 
not  the  heart  of  another ,  overcomes  the  hearts  of  the  Lords  own ,  even  with 
an  holy  admiration  at  this  grace  /  What ,  Lord ,  ami  I  fo  vile  I  am ,  and 
filthy,  and  hellifh;  after  fo  long  abufing  God  and  Grace ,  now  to  reveale,  of- 
fer on  fuch  terme.,  Chrift  and  Grace  to  me  !  Oh  Lord,  I  am  fwallowed  up 
with  this  kindnefs !  how  canft  ihou  think  fuch  thoughts  of  love  !  yet  I  fee  it. 
Rem.  I.  17.  T'ke  G  off  el  is  the  fower  of  God  to  fdlvatlon  ;  for  therein  is 
righteoufnefs  revealed  from  faith  to  faith.  And  mark,  'tis  fuch  adrawin"  of 
love,  as  pulls  the  foul  from  all  the  ftrong  holds  of  fin  ne,  to  Chrift;  for  that 
which  the  Prophet  CO  mplaines  of  people  in  his  time,  is  true  of  ours  ,  Jer.  S. 
5.  Thty  took^fafi  hold  of  deceit  ^  and  ref^fedto  return',  they  hold  it  as  their 
life ,  and  it  holds  them  as  faft  as  fpiritual  bonds  of  death  ;  either  the  plea- 
fure  of  finne  holds  them  ,  or  the  power  of  unbelief  in  refufing  grace  ,  at- 
tended with  finkings,  and  fadnefs  of  heart,  or  obje^ling  againft  grace  through 
pride  of  heart ,  when  the  Lord  comes  to  apprehend  it  •  hereupon  the  Lord 
Jefus  Chrift,  »«(?  &  eodem  Mu  &  icia,  in  drawing  the  foul  to  himfelt, 
draws  it  from  the  captivity  of  finne ;  thus,  ^y^ils  26.  1 8.  from  darkne[?to 
light.  jThef.i.g.  and  the  foul  faith  as  they  ,  Jer.  5.  2:^,24,  &c.  The 
Lord  Jefus  doth  not  fo  draw  it  to  himfelf  ,  as  that  at  the  fam,e  time  it 
abides  in  finne  J  norfo  from  finne,  as  that  it  abides  without  Chrift  ;  but  uno^ 
&c. 
For  I  obferve  a  double  errour  in  mens  drawing  to  Chrift. 
Firft,  Either  they  come  only  from  mifery  (I  fay.  Only  j  andfo  are  ra- 
ther driven ,  than  drawn  to  Chrift ;  they  rather  come  themfelves  on  the  less  i 
■       > ,   ,  _  _  oci 


opened  and  Affiled. 


i8<; 


of  their  felf-love ,  than  on  th^i  feet  of  Faith.  Now  when  Chriit  doth  effv^- 
<ftual!ydraw,  he  doth  it  by  love  ^  Oh  this  me  ts,  this  tinvvs ,  this  breaks, 
this  overcomes ;  and  now  as  we  fay  inWarre,  It  is  better  to  Reconcile  an 
Enemy  ,  th-in  to  Conquer  him  by  force  ;  becaufe  th:  one  overcomes  his 
power  only,  but  the  other  overcomes  his  will;  foChrili  could  cru^li  C  and 
he  doth  bruile  his  peoples  fouls  with  miferies,  they  would  neve-reife  be  fmr- 
ably  affe*i^ed  with  rhebruifesof  his  foui)  but  this  m.akesw.iy  for  love  3  he 
overcomes  the  vvill  by  love. 

Secondly,  Or  elfe  if  love  doth  meet ,  affetft,    and    draw  them  ,    yet  it 
doth  not  overcome  them,  or  dra^v  them  from  the  bold  of  fmne,  but  as  Ivy 
clafps  about  the  Tree  with  a  root  of  its  cwn.    I  have  known  feme  chat  have 
been  melted  ,  affe£led  with  the  patience  and  goodnefsof  God  towards  them; 
that  have  been  almpft  perfwaded  ,  and  yet  have  turned  almod:  Devils  after- 
ward ;  ihe  Reafon  hath  been ,  becaufe  they  were  never  quite  taken  off  rheir 
ovvn  bottpmes.     Now  a  foul  whom  Chrili  draws ,  the  Lord  in  drawing  him 
itohimfelf,  pulls  him  from  his  iinne,  fo  that  he  js  weary  of  it  ;    the  fight 
'of  Chrfts  grace,  oh  this  draws  indeed!  that  now  not  only  it  dare  nor,  will 
not,  bat  cannot  live  in  (inne.     Rom.  6.  2.     Titm   2.  ii,    12.    Gr^.cs  ^p- 
peares  to  'all;  bm  It  teacheth  vu  f  faith  the  Apoftle   )  lo  deny   ungodllr.e-^e-^ 
uugodlinefs  will  be  fuing  and  feeking  for  love  ,  but  they  diny  itj    the  foul^ 
thus  come^  nomnto  Chrid,  without  feeling  of  linne  in  it,  but  thit  the  Lord 
would  take  away  all  iniquity  from  it.    Jfr.  7,,.   22.     And   becaufe  it   feares 
there  maybe  fomefecret  evil  i  its  care  therefore  is  ,  that  the  Lord   would 
filrike  the  root  of  all  ,  and  make  it  more  bitter   than  death  ,  to  its   grave,' 
The  grcatelt  evil  of  all,  is  finne ;  'tis,  greater  than  Death  ,  Grave,Hell ;  hence 
Chrilis  greateft  love  is  in  Redeeming  tirft  from  (inne ;  And  as  if  there  ha-d 
never  bees  (inne,  grave,  nor  death  ftiou  Id  never  hold;  fo  when  he  breaks 
the  power  of  iinne,  no  power  of  Satan,  World,  Death  ,    lliall  hold  thee 
from  Chrift  ;  and 'tis  never  overcome  by  love  till  now.     Let  a  man  be  in 
never  fuchfeares_  and  troubles  of  minde,  and  finkings  of  heart,  and  foon 
after  he  pretends  to  great  joyes ,  and  afTurance ,  but  (in  is  not  overcome  •, 
though  it  be  fnibbed  and  hid ,  yet  it  will  overcome  you    at  lart,  and  would 
pull  thee  down  from  heaven  ,  if  ever  thou  wert  there  ;    As  if  one  that  makes 
fuit  to  another,  and  {he  is  forced  to  give  confent,  but  fhe  hath  her  heart  iUll 
to  another  Lover  ,    he  will  never  have  her ;     Nor  that  the  Saints  are  really 
free  from  all  fins ,  and  weakneflfes ,  biitiihey  are  free  from  peace   with    (in  , 
though  not  free  from  War  with  fin  till  death  j  as  when  two  Lovers  are  fain  out, 
it's  enoiigh  if  the  League  be  broken. 

2.  Degne.  The  apprehending  love  of  Chrift;  it  fatiaces,  fjlb,and  feeds 
the  foul  with  the  fweetnefs  of  its  felf ,  now  the  foul  being  come  co  Chrift  , 
and  feeing  the  heighth  and  depth  of  the  love  and  pity  ot  Chrift.  T/^/.  6^. 
2,  g,  4.  Biejfed  is  ths  man  whom  thou  choofe§i  ,  he  (hdll  be  [ ttii^ed  ;  .  the 
ftony  ground  received  the  Word  with  joy ,  was  affeded  with  the  grace  of 
Chrift ;  as  one  that  ftands  by  where  fmells  are  (  but  fmells  do  not  feed  )  (or 
they  may  tafte,  but  taftes  do  not  feed  nor  fatisfie  )  So  'tis  here.  You  know 
we  feed  on  our  meat,  that  we  may  be  ftrengchened  there' y ,  and  it  may  be 
turned  to  nouril"hment ,  and  good  blood,  andflefti,  and  be  made  onevvth 
us  5  fo  Chrift  gives  hi.mfe If  tobefpiritually  eaten  by  Faith,  out  of  anearneff 
defire,  that  he  may  have  a  neare,  a  very  near  union  to  him,  and  he  to  us. 
Now  the  maineend  of  eating ,  is  fatisfying  ;  and  if  a  man  be  faciated  with  it, 
though  be  think  it  will  never  prove  nourifhmenr,  yet  it  doth;  So,  where  life 
is,  &c.  Jo/;.  6.56.  He  dwells  iftme^  0ineil  Inhim, 

If  a  man  taftes  not  a  greater  good  in  Chrift,  than  in  his  iufts  ,  he  will 
fall  to  them  againe  from  Chrift ;  but  if  he  feeds  on  Chrift,  and  is  fatiate  with 

Aaaa  him. 


i85 


The  Far  able  of  the  Tenfirgim^ 


\  him  3  never  can  he  hunger  againe  ;  orherwife  thefoui  will  fay »  Ic  was  better 
with  me  once ,  than  now  ic  is ;  Solomon -^  chough  he  cafled  all  good  of  the  crea- 
tures after  he  knew  God,and  Cod  had  appeared  twice  to  him,yet  he  felt  them 
fall  iliort  of  vvhat  he  once  found ,  and  at  laft  he  remeinbred  his  reft.  "When. 
(v^/'?-^-ji^  gave  his  children  gifts,  he  did  not  lay  hold'  on  them  vvich  fpecial 
love ,  but  to  him  to  whom  he  gave  his  Inhericance  5  So  the  Lord  may  take 
hold  on  a  man  ,  arrd  give  him  many  abilities  ,  but  when  he  gives  himfelf  as 
an  Inheritance  and  portion  ,  this  is  fpecial  iove  ^  and  when  is  that  known  ? 
(^vU.)  when  the  foul  is  fully  fariated  with  ic ,  Tfalme  16.  2,  5,4.  And 
hence  the  Prodigal  he  did  not  know  he  fhould  be  received;  but  when  he 
came,  (J/Vla!^  me  a  fervantj  if  mt  a  Son  (faith  he)  and  his  Father  hun^ 
abom  hi-i  necl^^  &c.  So  here.  Exodm6.^.  Godhath  two  wayes  tofatisfie 
his  people. 

1.  By  fulfilling  his  promifes. 

2.  By  manifeiiing  himfelf,  and  that  to  their  fatisfying,  as  fuflicienc  to  do 
all  what  he  hath  promifed. 

Oh  Conliderof  this,  you  that  havefeen  mercy,  but  ic  hath  not  fatiated 
you ,  nor  doth  yet  I  but  you  have  other  bread  to  feed  on ;  the  Lord  never  took 
hold  on  you. 

:^.  Degree.    This  apprehending  love  of  Chrift  ,  having  thus  fatiated   the 

foule,  it  conftraines  the  foule  to  live  and  a6l  for  Chrift.   Now,  what   fliall  I 

do  for  the  Lord,  and  the  poor  foule  begins  to  lament  dayes  paftof  folly; 

andfecretly  defiresof  the  Lord  ,  it  might  rather  not  live  ,  than  not  live  to 

him ;  and  though  happily  it  often  ferves  (in  and  fe  Jf ,  yet  the  foul  accounts  that 

life  death,  andfo  laments  it  before  the  Lord,  %Cor.  5.  15,16.    That  they 

that  live-,   might  live  to  him.     John  6.  57.  He  that  lelieveth  in  me ,   ^all 

live  by  me-^  i.  e.  both  by  me,  and  for  me;  andChrift  apprehends  the  foul 

faftnow;  for  Chrift  muft rather  lofehis  life,  than lofe this  foul.    Look  as 

'tis  with  a  Graft,  put  the  fcience  clofe  by  the  ftock,  tyeitfaft,  if  there  it 

withers,  and  rather  iofethlife  than  gets  it,  we  fay  ,    Surely  it's  not  put  in 

right;  for  if  it  were,  the  living  Stock  would  convey  fap  and  nourilliment  to 

it.    $0  'tis  here  ;  fome  herbs  are  very  precious ,  but  for  ornament ,  rather 

than  ufe  ;  fo  ChrilHs  deare ,  butwhat  ufe  do  you  make  of  Chri/f  ?    what 

life  do  you  fetch  from  Chrift  ?  the  leaft  joync  in  a  mans  finger  united  to  the 

foul,  hath  life  of  ic ;  but  Signets  though  near  to  the  finger,  yet   they  have 

no  life  ,  and  hence  no  union  ,  and  hence  no  members  ;    fo  the  Saints  have 

life,  though  weak;  but  unregenerate men  (as Signets)  may  be  near  life, 

and  near  the  true  Members  of  Chrift  that  be  quickened  ,    but  receive   no 

,Life. 

I  Gluttons  will  feed,  thatthey  maygo  to  deeping;  others,  that  they  may 
fail  a  working  ;  So,  many  take  Chrift ,  and  gee  fome  peace -,  and  then  turn 
Grace  into  wantonnefs,  andfofleep  in  their  lloth ;  but  a  gracious  heart,  all 
his  prayers  and  feeding,  is,  that  he  might  have  ftrength  ,  and  heart ,  to  live 
and  work  for  Chrift  ;  Hath  the  Lord  pitied ,  pardoned?  how  Lord  fhall  I 
now  live  in  my  Calling  ?  now  his  friends  are  by  him  pityed ;  now  he  is  fruit- 
ful, and  mourhs,  vyhen  others  be  not  fo. 

4.  Degree.  This  apprehending  love  of  Chrift  having  thus  conftrained  the 
foul,  it  ever  follows  it,  and  dwells  in  It  ^  J  oh.  14.  17.  For  after  Chrift 
hath  apprehended  the  foul ,  fo  as  that  the  foul  thinks  it  fliall  never  be  as  ic 
hath  been  before;  yet  oh  the  lamentable  decayes  andlofles  that  it  feels!  ic 
lofeth  favour  and  life  too  afterward ,  and  lives againft  Ch'-ift  fomerimesfa 
thing  never  to  be  lamented  enough  )  but  mark,  if  Chrift  hath  apprehended, 
he  will  notforfakethe  foul,  though  it  hathforfaken  him;  and  hence  the 
Lord  by  his  conftanc  afliftance  of  the  Spirit,  recovers  it  again  ,  brings  it 
..  .  ;  V  •;  ^    .  -   -back 


opened  and  Affiled. 


187 


bick  again,  andtharafcer  queitionings  fomedoies ,  if  ever  chert;  was  grace 
indeed  in  it ;  yea ,  'f  not,  yet  oh  that  it  Hiould  thusforfake  the  Lord]  nay^rhe 
Lord  ibinctsme  preventing  before  it  was  feeking. 

Judai  falls,  the  Lord  never  looks  after  him;  TeterhWs,  Chrift  looks 
after  him,  and  recovers  him ;  all  the  Difciples  denied  Chrilf ,  and  fled  after 
promife  never  to  do  lo ;  yet,  faich  he,  OHar'^i^.  28,  i5,  7.  I'/e  ^a  be- 
fore )0H  to  Galilee  ',  my  Sf.rit  is  in  you  ^  afsd  jhall  he  in  you  ^  tiongh  you 
grieve  ity  ^.nd  [ad  it.  ^yidam  falls,  and  one  fin  cut  him  from  Gods  hold 
of  him;  hence  he  dallieih  quite  to  pieces  ;  but  nowChrift  upholding  ono- 
ther  termes  ,  nence,  though  his  people  forfake  him ,  yet  he  holds  them  (Uil 
tail  and  fure,  and  keeps  them  from  breaking  utterly  to  pieces;  nay,  if  they 
be  as  water  fpilt  on  the  ground ,  he  will  gather  them  upagaine-  h^  deals  not 
fo  with  others  ,  John  6.  ^6.  Many  forfake  him  ,  being  never  given  indeed 
to  him ,  he  lets  them  go ;  but  Chrift  fpeaks  to  his  Difciples,  Will  yo^  go  ?  So 
if  a  man  hath  a  ftranger  in  his  Houfe ,  he  will  itz  him  go  ,  and  enquire  not  j 
j  after  him  ;  he  came  to  me  for  a  time ;  but  if  he  hath  a  Son ,  and  he  is  gone, 
'  he  will  finde  him  out;  and  there  he  wonders  at  a  Fathers  love,  to  fee  his 
Spirit ;  So.  here  5  and  hence  come  the  Saints  to  wonder  at  the  Lord  fo  much, 
what  u  net  the  Lord  yet  gone} 

I  fpeak  this  partly  to  cerrifie  thofe  that  go,  and  never  return  again ,  and 
to  anfwet  Obje6lions  of  Saints ;  the  Lord  hath  hid  himfelf  from*  me ,  and  I 
haveforfaken  him ;  yet  mark ,  he  will  bring  thee  back  again  to  himfelf  Um.en- 
tingj&c. 

5.  Degree  j  This  apprehending  !ove  of  Cbwft  ,  it  now  witneffeth  love  to 
the  foul  mo(f  clearly  and  fully ;  the  Queftionis,  Doth  Chrift  apprehend  any 
but  thofe  to  whom  he  witnefleth  love?  No,  for  he  doth  witnefs  to  all  in 
feme  meafure ;  but  here  comes  the  cleare  rfianifeftation  of  it  j  When  I 
was  dead  he  quickned  me ,  andfince  that  \  have  loft  the  Lord ,  and  he  me, 
yet  he  hath  found  me  out ;  and  hence  now  the  foul  concludes  ,  the  Lord 
loves  it.  Gal,  2.  20.  who  loved  me,  and  gavt  himfelf  for  mf,  Pfalme 
23.  Vlt.  The  Lord  rjHoreth  my  Soale  ,  fnrely  mercy  fhaU  fpllojp 
me.  ,,. 

Now  try  if  the  Lord  never  dealt  thus  with  thee. 

As  this  may  ferve  to  difcourage  ,  or  terrifie  thofe  that  never  dvd ,  fo  i,t 
may  encourage  thofe  to  preferve  their  faith  who  fo  apprehend  Chrift,  as  that 
they  are  apprehended  of  him;     If  a  Woman  was  never  Married   to  fuch   a 
man,  for  her  .to  call  him,  or  fpeak  of  him,  or  think  of  him  to  be  her  Huf- 
bind,  'tis  prefumption;  but  when  he  hath  given   himfelf  to  her,  then  let 
her  own  her  priviledge ,  and  maintaine  her  claime  againli  all  Law,  and  wran- 
glers, and  preferve  her  intereft  ;     So  thofe  that  never  were  given  to  Chrift, 
let  them  know  their  faith  is  but  fmoke  and  vanity  ;  but  let  Job  fay ,  Though 
he  kill  me  ,  yet  Vie  trnfi  him,    David  Pfal.  42.  3.  had  that   temptation , 
where  is  no  .9  thy  God}  that  his  teares  were  his  meat  ^  and  drinks,  and  was 
.  muchfliaken,  and  caft  down  by  it  j  but  what.  Doth  he  lie  ftill  ?    No,  he 
jftirs  up  himfelf,  aud  chides  himfelf.  Why  art  thou  cafl  down?  Ver,  5.  lU 
'  He  is  my  God,     1  Tim.  6,   12.  Fight  a  good  fight  of  faith^  and  lay  hold  of  e- 
ternal  lifewherenntothoii  art  called. 

Tisvery  unfafeforany  Chriftian  to  lay  by  Faith?  andcaftotf  theexercife 
of  it,  becaufe  'tis  Ch  rifts  apprehending  of  us  which  doth  preferve  us;  True, 
but  'tis  by  faith ,  which  may  not  be  at  all  times  feen  ,  as  neither  the  other 
can;  and  therefore  take  heed  you  make  not  this  ufe  of  Dotlrinc  here,  be- 
cairfemany  may  apprehend  Chrift ,  whom  Chrift  never  apprehended ;  there- 
fore what  have  I  to  do  to  clofe  with   Chrift  ?    To  be  kept  from  putting  out 

Aaaa  a  faith i 


i88 


The  Parable  of  the  TenVtrgim^ 


Hfe 


faith  either  in  your  judgement:    and  pra6i:ice5or  prad^ice  only?  I  would  but  on- 
ly ask  of  fuchthefeQueftions.  ,| 
FirR,  If  we  were  only  to  look  to  Chrifts  apprehending    us  without  the' 
other,  why  doth  the  Apoftleput  fuch  a  weight  upon  Faith ,  as   that  all  the; 
benefits  of  Chriliare  communicated  by  ii?  Heh.  3.14.  We  partake  of  Chrifi^\- 
if  wc  hold  the  beginning  of  oar  confld€nce  jiedfafi ;   and  Heb,  to',  38.  The  in-H-\ 
/Ivesbj  it,  not  £iomiz.                                                                              '     \ 
.  Secondly  ,  If  fo  ,  why  doth  Satan  (0  much  ftrike  at  faith  ?    when  TeuA 
feH,  what  did  he  ftrike  at  ?  what  did  he  winnow  him  for  ?    To  fliake  outi 
his  faith;  and  hence  Chrift  prayes  ?/;<«f  it  falle  mt\   When  Satan  comes  to! 
Ghriil ,  the  firrt  thing  which  made  way  for  aj  I  his  temptations,  was.  If  thon\ 
bee fi  the  Son  ^  &c.    Our  blefledfellowfhip  with  Chrilt  ,  he  fees  confifts  of 
two  things ;  Faith  on  our  parr,  and  the  Spirit  on  Chrifts  i  and  Satan  ftrikes  at! 
the  weakeft  firft.                                                   ' 

Thirdly,  If  fo.  Why  doth  the  Lord  Jefusfo  carefully  feektopreferve  itq 
both  mediately  by  allmeanes  and  Miniftries,  Word,  Sacraments,  which i 
are  to  feed  Faith  ;  and  hence  Taul,  1  7he^.  3. 2.  To  eflablijh  yovt  in  faith.  \ 
And  ver.  5.  hQ  htncc  rejoyced  j  and  ver.  10.  fVe  would  he  yours  toperfe^Y 
yoHr  Faith.  And  alfo  immediately  ;  T^r(?r  fallSjChrift  prayes  his  faith' failux 
not.  ^  his  grace  (hould  not  ;  And  i  P«f^  i.  2,  3.  Trefsrved  by  faith  ti?\ 
Salvation,  \ 

Object,  Bm  1  cannot  believe}  -■-..-  I 

^nfjv.  Before  faith  you  cannot ;  and  after  you  do  believe ,  thcAtlscfl 
faith,  and  lively  working  of  faith,  maybe  marny  times  in  difertions  of  the  | 
foul  from  God ,  or  God from  the  foul,  hindered  j  and  when  he  hath  thofe  j 
I  lively^  workings  of  it ,  ^  it's  from  the  power  of  Ghrift,  that  it  is  a6^ ,  as  welt  i 
aspreferved;  but  yet  if  Chrift  hath  onee  given  power  to  believe ,  ht  maiii-| 
taines  it  conftantly ,  and  increafeth  it ;  and  therefore  you  have  no  caufe  to 
plead,  I  cannot;  fo  that  you  cannot  fin,  and  live  init  ,  efpecially  iti  un-l 
belief ,  and  lie  there  5  you  cannot  draw  back  to  perdition  V  but  believe  to 
the  falvation  of  your  fouls;  the  jnfl  lives  by  faith  "^  we  lay  we  muft  live; 
Faith  will  be  (Urring  ,  when  no  other  grace  can  be  fo  ;   it  Vi(ftuals  the  whole 
Camp,  Relieves  the  befieged ;  and  it's  moftftrong,  when  man  ismofiweak. 
'Tis  true  indeed,  there  maybe  many  a;^s  of  prefumption    for  one  zSt  of 
faith;  take  heed  of  that ;  That  faith  is  not  prefumption ,  which  the  more  it 
works ,  the  more  humble  4c  makes  the  foul  to  be  ,  and  vile  in  his  own  eyes ; 
becaufe  as  Faith  ever  fetcheth  c£  Chrifts  folnefs  to  the  foule  ,    fo  ir  ever 
is  attended  with  fence  of  emptinefs  in  the  foule  naturally  ^  .'and  then  it's.. 
right.  '    ' 

Oh  refift  not  the  Lord  Jefus,  when  he  comes  to  apprehend  you   by  his 

Almighty  Arme !    In  a  fhipwrack ,  if  a  man  fees  many  drowning,and  perifti'  j 

ing,  never  a  hand  to  take  hold  of  them ,  when  one  is  reached  out  to  tiiin , 

will  he  refift  it  ?  Oh  no  /    I  kno#v  indeed  when  the  time  of  love  comes,there  | 

is  no  power  of  overcoming  and  fruftrating  the  grace  of  God,  but  yet  there 

is  a  power  of  refifting ,  which  the  Lord  complaines  of  in  them  >  <iABs  7,  j 

and  which  he  makes  his  people  to  complaine  with  bitternefs  of  in  his  bo-  i 

fome  when  his  time  comes.    Ifaiah  50.  2.  The  Lord  cryes  out  of  hispeo-j 

pie  when  they  had  fold  thenlfelves  into  the  hand  of  their  enemies,  and  were  i 

apt  to  lay  the  fault  on  the  Lord,  as  men  do.  Now  the  Lord  gives  not  me  a 

heart  to  believe  ;  Saith  he ,    wherefore  when  I  came ,  -was  there  none  to  an^ 

fmy}     Obje^.  You  ciin  never  pardon  fuch  finners ,  help  againft  fuch  finnes, 

mercy  cannot  reach  us  ?     Is  my  hatid   (hortned  ?    No  fiicb  matter.     Tdo 

not  prefs  you  now  to  apprehend  Chrift,  butrefifl  not  the  Lord  when  he  hath 

-    -his 


'~-rriiru-~ ' 


opened  and  Jpplied. 


189 


his  hand  upon  thy  heart  or  confcience  to  apprehend  thee.     Is  the  Lord  at 
'  work    with    none   of  you  ?    arc  forfaken   of  Chrift  altogether  ?    There 
are   many   wayes    of    Refifting  Chrift   thus  •,     I'lt    only    name   thefe 
two. 

Firft,  When  the  foul  will  not  fufFer  the  Lord  Jefus  cobmiie  ,  or  crofs  its 
will,  that  10 he  may  prevaile  over  the refiftan<:y  of  it.  A  ftrong  arme ,  a 
ftrongmanwhen  hisarmeisbruifed,  or  broken,  or  wounded  ,  takes  away 
the  36):  of  refinance ;  as  taking  away  the  very  life  from  it,  take?  away  the 
I  very  power  of  refiflance;  fo  Cfarifl  would  unite  himfelf  to  the  foul  ;  there 
j  can  Ik  no  coniknt  union  ,  where  there  is  confknt  refiftance.  Chrift  comes 
j  retake  away  that;  hencebruifes  and  wounds  the  foul ;  outwardly  fometime 
I  in  name,  eftate ;  inwardly  in  confcience ,  in  heart.  Now  here  is  mens  fol- 
j  ly.  That  theyvvillnot  be  humbled,  when  they  heare  of  their  eftate  in  the 
^  Word ;  they  will  not  believe  'tis  fo ,  though  they  ftand  all  the  while  con- 
I  vinced  therein ,  as  if  they  had  been  named  ;  nay,  they  will  not  think  of  ii^ 
I  if  it  begins  to  trouble  them ,  or  if  they  do  begin,  they  chink  it  is  the  tem- 
^ptationof  the  Devil;  and  if  their  eftates  or  names  begin  to  dye,  they  will 
I  not  be  poor  nordefpifqd;  they  had  rather  dye,  or  live  in  vexing  and  fret- 
I  cing,  rather  than  yield;  they  will  have  Gods  Will  bowed  to  theirs  ,  not 
j  theirs  to  the  Lord,  nor  yield  them  felves  Captives  ^ohis  mercy,  let  him  do 
j  with  them  what  he  will ,  vyho  owes  them  nothing.  Thus  k  was  with  E- 
Iphraim-,  Capemaftm  h^zrd ,  zdmiv^d ,  embraced  Chrif} ,  but  yet  repented 
Boti  that  was  to  live  in  the  fmoke  and  fire  ;  Wo  to  you  ,  faith  he ,  for  it. 
Ijer.  6.  7,  S.  S^  wfirHUed  ;  He  faith  not,  Inftru6t thy  fejf,  but  ie  in^- 
\firidisdy  be  convinced,  be  humbled  for  thy  fin  ,  kfi  my  fofil  depart  i  I  am 
I  with  thee  yet  to  pardon  it,  yet  to  take  it  away. 

Secondly,  When  they  will  not  be  gathered  to  Chrift,  nor  come  to  him, 

nor  receive  bis  love  when  it  comes  to  them,  but  put  icfarrefrom  them  as 

much  as  in  them  lies.    The  Difciples  told  Thomas  Chrift  was  rifen,  but  he 

would  not  believe  unlefs  he  fawhim;  nay,  unlefs  he  felt  j   nay,  unlefs  he 

fekhis  very  wound? ;  Chrift  pities ,  and  heares  with  the  weaknefs  of  Faith  ; 

^M«t  (  faith  he)  ^^  f^o  m&re  faMe^-,  hut  faithful  ;    and  hence  faith    he  , 

\  Ble^d  are  thejr  which  have  not  [eeny  and  jet  hlieved ;    this,  Chrift  com- 

1  plaines  of  in  the  Jewes  ,    H^  would  have  gathered  them  ,    and  they  would 

\nct  I 

I     Nowhererefiftanceis  made  two  wayes. 

I  I.  By  the  will;  when  the  foul  fees  the  offer  of  love  faire  and  fiill,  but  will 
j  not  be  drawn  to  clofewithk,  becaufeit  knoW5  whether  co  go ,  and  live,  and 
,;!&  yet  well  enough  without  it,  John  6,  6^.  fVhether  jhall  I  go  ?  It  hath 
[fomeother  Lovers  to  give  it  content;  butlofs  of  Chrifls  love,  is  not  for 
lithcprefknt  as  bitter  as  death  to  him  ;  becaufe  having  of  it,  is  not  life  to 
jiiim,  becaufefomething  elfeJshis  life;  this  is  enmity  of  heart ;  and  indeed 
j  the  loot  is  worfe  ( if  worfe  maybe  )  you  can  finde  fome  pillow  to  eafe  you , 
i  when  you  refufe  Chrifts  love  to  help  you. 

[  2.  Bytheminde;  the  foul  knows  not  whether  to  go,  and  yet  the  rninde 
j  doth  not,  nor  will  meditaEewith  fixed  meditations  on  the  grace  of  Chrift, 
whereby  itmigiicbedrawnto  Chrift;  but  pores  upon  its  finnes^  and  unbe- 
,  lief,  andfeares,  andobie<Sts  ftrongly^  and  continually  aga'mft  the  Lord. 
\  Jjdiah  40.  ry,  28.  B^fi  not  fem^  &c.  /Beloved  )  Tis  with  the  minde , 
1;  as  it  is  with  bunding -glaiies,:  hold;  them  to  the  Sun ,  and  you  gather  and  _u- 
j  nice  the^ames  i  that  they  burii ;  So  the  foiile  by  mufing  on  Chrifts 
,;  Love.  ,■--■.:,. 

Obje^.  Many  fay  ^  I  c  annot  believe  though  I  [ee  a  command  for  it  landG  od 
'"r.ot  heJpme,  ; 


190 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins  y 


Vfe   5. 


Jlletmes  1. 


Anfwer.  The  faulc  is  not  here  ,  but  in  this  ,  You  will  not  ufe 
this  means  in  mulling  on  the  gracious  freenefs ,  riches  and  need  of  his  love, 
^jd.  6  T,.  6,7.  but  on  the  earth. 

1.  Objeit.  Ton  Will  [ay y  1  cannot  hnt  rejij}. 

Anfvoer  ^  Yet  I  pray  give  us  leave  to  exhort  you  to  believe  ;  ^}\t  Teter 
leave  10  perfwade  j  ABs  '^.  19.  %jfe»t  and  h?  convened ;  the  Lord  re- 
quires that  only ;  it  may  be  the  Lord  may  go  away  from  thy  foul ,  and  take 
his  leave  of  thee  for  ever;  and  ifyou  did  know,  you  would  not  cruciiie,  nor 
re(i{t  the  Lord  of  glory  ;  ifyou  would  confider,  you  would  know. 

2.  Obje^l:.  /  finde  my  heart  much  ajfefled  and  drawn  ,  i>fit  then 
lam  afraid  of frsfiiming  y     hoiv  (hall  I  know  when  I  may  clofe  tPith  the  Lord? 

Anfw.  I .  When  the  Merchant  hath  fold  all,  let  him  take  the  Pearl ,  and 
enrich  himfelf  with  it ;  the  Devil  may  grudge  thee  it,  but  the  Lord  doth  not , 
will  not, 

2.  when  the  Lord  comes  to  draw  indeed,  you  cannot  but  accept;  your 
need  will  be  fo  great,  the  offer  fo  faire ,  lovefo  abundant,  and  like  the  ho- 
ney comb  dropping into  thyheart  before  thou  fuckeft  it;  and  Chrilt  fo  dear, 
that  thou  canft  not  tread  upon  h:m  whom  God  hath  fmitten  for  thee.  Ma- 
ry Joh.  20.  15,  16,  17.  fiands  weeping;  atlaft  Chriftappeares  ,  . Woman y 
why  weefefi  thou  ?  whom  feekefi  thoti  }  Jhe  kl^ew  him  not }  hence  her  heart 
ftirres  notj  but  at  laft  he  calls  her  by  her  name,  and  then  fhe  knew  him , 
and  faw  him  prefent ;  Rabbsni ,  faith  fhe ;  and  now  had  fhe  beft  appre- 
hend ?  Yea ,  (he  cannot  but  embrace  him  ;  Oh  tonch  me  not  as  yet  j^dkh 
he,  &c. 

Of  Exhortation  ,  To  labour  that  the  Lord  Jefusmay  apprehend  you  :  I 
know  it's  nothing  but  his  mercy  can  move  him  to  it ,  even  to  take  away 
that  refinance  of  your  hearts  •  but  yet  heare  his  voice,  as  well  as  know  his 
power,  and  harden  not  your  hearts  whiles  it  is  called  to  day,  in  ufeof  means 
for  this  end,  P//«/.  61 .7. 

1.  Confider  your  need  of  this.  If  a.  42.  1.  Beheld  my  fervant  tvhoml 
ufhold'.  Did  Chrift  need?  Yes,  Chrift  himfejf  mult  be  fupported  by  the 
power  of  the  Lord;  Pfal,  40.  11,12.  Let  thy  mercy  and  truth  continually 
ireferve  me\  and  this  was  not  only  when  finnesfwal lowed  him  up,  but  when 
he  had  been  preferved,  Tfalme  17.  5,^.  Ho/d  up  my  goings  j  You  are 
gone  in  a  moment ,  if  the  Lord  lets  his  hold  go  ;  you  are  kept  in  ftrong 
holds,  in  Iron  bolts,  in  invifible,  everlafting  chaines,  in  the  Dungeon  where  no 
water  is,  unlefsthearmeof  Chrift  help. 

2.  Confider  the  benefit  of  it.  ^^/ 2.  24,  25.  Ic  was  impofiibleChrift 
{houldbe  held  imder  paines  of  death,  becaufe  of  his  Princely  Spirit  exalting 

I  him  ;  fo  here,  Chrift  is  and  will  be  with  you,  and  when  once  he   hath  ap-^ 
I  prehended  you ,  none  can  pull  you  out  of  his  hands,  no  not  the  Fathers  hand 

that  was  angry ;  and  he  will  never  caft  away  his  (  Jch.10.2g.  )  when  they  come 

to  him. 

3.  Confider  how  few  finde  this.  J  fa.  53.  i.To  whom  is  the  arme  of  thf 
Lord  revealed  ,  and  neho  hath  believed  our  report  f  both  joyned  together  , 
the  arme  is  Chrift,  and  the  power  ofChrift  by  his  Spirit  in  the  hearts  of  his 
Ele£l ;  but  for  want  of  this ,  it  is  that  one  lives  loofely  ,  and  another  falls 
foulely  ,  and  never  rifeth;  another  falls  fecretly,  and  is  never  known,  and 
dyes  inadreame,  &c.  and  that  there  is  fuch  miferable  fcrambling  for 
promifes  ;    and  that  men  arefo  worlhipping  whom,  they  know  nor. 

4.  Confider  the  mifery  of  the  want  of  this. 
But  further, 

Be  careful  togetfatisf2(5lionbybIood,  before  Application  by  the  Spirit;' 

M 


opened  and  Jpplied. 


191 


it"  ever  you  look  for  the  latter,  be  careful  to  get  the  former;  God  is  full  of 
I  Spirit;  why  fends  he  it  not  f  fnine  is  not  fatisfied  tor,  firrt  get  that  done  there- 
fore. Jolm  6.  55.  S'xcept  je  e/it  mj  p^h ^  ^.nddrlnl^  my  blood ^  &e. 
Cod  could  not  fend  the  Spirit  nor  Wofd  but  for  this  to  thee  v  a  man  feeles 
the  {length  of  finne ,  and  prayes,  Lord,  fubdue  it  j  oh  bat  look  to  pay  thy 
Ranfotne.  If  a  man  be  in  chamesfor  debt,  and  gets  out  without  fatisfa6ti- 
on  for  the  debt  or  wrong  ,  he  will  be  taken  againe  ;  but  if  it  be  fatisfied  for, 
though  he  betakenby  the  Jayiour ,  and  ill-intreated ,  yet  he  Ilia II  be  ^0.1  free 
againe-,  and  therefore  do  a.-;  thofe  ,  Lcvit,  ^,  5,  4,  You  are  freely 
to  go  to  Sacrifice  ;  and  it's  faid  ,  it  (hall  bi-  accepted  to  make  Atone- 
niciit. 

If  the  Lord  with-hold  his  Spirit ,  m.ourn  for  the  want  of  it ;  as  V[d,  ai.  3. 
(J]dj  tears  are  my  meat. 

If  the  Lord  gives  any  thing ,  be  thankful  for  any  little ;  fee  it ,  and  make 
much  of  it ,  for  it  is  from  Chrif},  the  leaft  thought  or  knowledge  of  thy  mi- 
fetV  ;  John  14.  17.  The  world  cannot  receive  it  ^  becaufe  it  k^^ows  him  not; 
/./.  fo  as  to  prize  it,  love  it,  blefs,  and  wonder  at  the  Lord  for  it.  Thy  Spir 
Yit  is  go.d^-  Lord  let  it  lead  me-,  ^Z\l\\  David, 

Quefi.  If  hat  if  I  finde  not  thefe  things  in  my  foul  ? 
'  A^fve.  Moiirn  theri. 

object.  tVhatiflcannot? 

Anfv.  Then  mufe  on  thy  mifery. 
-^Objeil,  But  J  cannot? 
"  Anfw^  Then  hear  what  the  Lord  will  fpeak. 

Que(^.  what  if  he  helps  not} 

y^/f/V.  Thou  arc  unworthy,  thou  art  his  clay ,  he  may  and  will  do  what 
he  win. 

Of  thankfulnef^  to  the  Saints  who  Are  apprehended  of  th?  l-ord-  feft^s  ; 
you  know  him ,  and  he  knows  you ;  you  come  to  him ,  and  he  takes  ypu  ,- 
ypu-give  upyourfelves  tohim,  and  he  gives  himfelf  to  you  ;  youma^e  him 
your  God  and  Head ,  and  he  makes  you  his  people  and  Members ,  &c.     ,  . 

Oh  be  thankful  for  this;  'tis  a  choice  and  peculiar  mercy ,  denied  to  mar 
ny,  and  given  unto  you.  ^falntej:^.  2^,24,25,-26.  Thou  art  cominmlly 
with  me  when  falling  pom  thee;  What  is  the  uCq  th^t  David  makes  f  7%ou 
wtlt  guide  ;  and  hence  ,  _  M-'hom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee  ?  I  might 
be  broken  ,  and  like  water  fpilc  on  the  ground  every  moment,  but  thou  keep- 
eflme, 

Obje£^.  B^it  I  finde  the  Lord  methmks  f&met.ime  utterly  gone  fom  me  ;  md  I 
fear  he  will  fade. 

jinfw.  Truej  and  hence  Jf?-(?W<?^  asks,  Jer.1%.1'^.*  wUttrhoHbe  unteme  a^ 
a  lyar ,  and  as  waters  that  fails  ?  fnall  thy  truth  and  mercy  be  jfent.  ?  Npj  once 
apprehended,  he  will  not  lofe  thee. 

Quef-l-,  How frjalll know  that} 

Anfwer.  Something  I  have  fpoken ,  and  three  things  mofi  I.  fhall  add 
now. 

Fi:  ft.  You  may  know  it  by  time  prefent^  There  are  two  things  which  feldome 
fail  in  deepefl  difertions.  • ! 

I.  The  foul  forfakes  not  the  Lord  by.unutterable  groanes ,:  when  the^JLord 
feems  toforfakeit,  P/^/.  22.  2,  3.  and  it  prefleth  hard  after  the  Lord, 
?f alms  61,%.  and  doth  not  as  the  Philiftines,  2  ^S^w?.  5.2  i.forfake  their  gods,,. 
when  they  forfake  them. 

2.  If  thisfailes,  it  grows  poor  in  fpirit,  and  vile,  andloaths  ic  Jfelf,  is 
worthy  the  Lord  iliould  never  regard   it,  Ifaia.h  57.  t%,    andfo  magnifies 

srace 


JHeanes 
JHe^ines 


2. 


fe  6. 


192 


The  V  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins  ^ 


Ohferv, 


jrace  molx ,  when  the  Lord  makes  icleallj  and  when'  the  Lord  makes  k  no- 
thing, it  makes  Godall  thinf,stoit. 

Secondly,  If  nei-her  of  thefe  will  ferve  ,  yet  you  may  remember  dayes  of 
old;  zs  David,  ^Jal.  77.  lo.  Pfal.  71.  6,9,  il.  Some  faid ,  God  had 
forjaken  him ,   but  yet  now  he  remembers  Ancient  mercies. 

Third'y  ,  Then  Bay  av\hile  longer  in  waiting  for  the  Lord  ;  what  the  Lord 
doth  now,  you  know  not,  but  you  llnallknow  afterward;  Jfa.6^./^.  that  which 
eye  ha'h  not  jeen^  hath  Gcd-^refared, 

1.  You  thac  are  young  men  ,  hath  the  Lordpluck'c  you  out  of  your  Sod'jm 
iin  ,  whenyou  lingredin  ic  ,  when  you  refilled  the  Lord  in  the  heat  of  your 
youth?  &c.  .  .  .   ■ 

2.  You  old  men-,  how  many  temptations,  corruptions,  bick-flidings, 
pollutions?  beating  out  fasic  were)  the  breath  of  the  Spirit  ?  yet  from 
thebelly  to  gray  haires  the  Lord  hath  carried  thee,  kept  thee;  Oh  thy  foot 
had  fain,  if  the  Lord  had  "not  kept ! 

:?.  You  that  have  been  once  iinful  ,  vik  creatures,  yet  hath  the  Lord  lo- 
ved you  for  all  this  !  what  if  the  Lord  take  away  comto-rcs  from  you,  and 
affii6t  f  yet  hath  he  not  taken  loving-kindnels,  nor  mercy  from  you  , 
but  done  good  to  you  by  your  forrowes  ,  when  others  go  by  Droves 
before  his  Door  ,  and  takes  none,  &c.  Ovxhaccaufehaveyoutomag- 
nifie  mercy  1 

That  the  Lordjcfm  athiicomhgto  dea'hor  judgement ,  wiU  make  a  fer- 
p6i  [c-parmtio/t  between  the  ffi[e  afidfoolijh  ZJirgins. 

For  tlie  Virgins  were  all  one  together  till  Chrift  comes  ^  and  now  the 
one  fort  is  received  to  Chrid,  the  other  feparared  from  Chritt ;  nay,  not  fo 
m.och  as  known  of  Chri{}.  There  are  not ,  have  not  been  any  Churches  in 
this  life,  but  there  will  be  wife  andfoolifh,  Tares  and  Wheat  grow  up  to- 
gether ;  not  Virgins  and  Harlots ,  not  openly  prophane  (  it  may  be  )  or 
wicked  and  godly  ;  No,  butvyhen  all  are  Virgins  in  outward  profeffion,  and 
Converfation ,  yet  then  fomewill  be  wife,  andfome  fooliihin  the  fii;htof 
Chrirt  ,  ( though  not  in  the  fight  of  man)  and  between  thefe  the  Lord  Jefus 
win  mak«  a  feparation  at  his  coming.  UMmh,  25.  31.  J^e  (halt  fet  Sheep 
and  Goats  at:  his  right  and  left  hand.  Mat.  :?.  12.  He  jhall  tiorcwly  -pHrge 
his  jioore  ^  and  fefdrate  chaffe  and  wheat,  2  Thef.  1.9.  fumfhed  wirh  etir- 
nal  de(irud:ion  from  the  prefence  of  the  Lcrd.  The  Son  of  the  bond-woman, 
muft  not  be  jHeir  together  with  the  Son  of  the  free-woman,  and  therefore  carf 
him  out;  they  muft  part  companies. 

Qyit^,  I,  whether  fhall they  he  fepar^ited?  * 

Anfw,  1.  At  particular  judgemenr; what  became  of  thcfoul  of  Lax.arm  ? 
Ic  was  carried  by  the  Angels  to  Abrahams  bofome;  /.  e.  to  the  Third  Hei- 
vens  where  Abraham  was,  and  to  fellowfhip  with  him,  dearly  loved  of  him; 
What  then  becomes  of  the  fouls  of  others  1  they  being  fenrenced  by  God ,  | 
are  dragg'd  down  to  hell  by  evil  Angels,  and  are  relerved;  Where.?  they  are 
referved  in  the  Elements.  | 

2.  At  general  judgement;  the  Ele6l  fball  be  called  to  come  and  inhert' 
tbsir  Kingdome;  and  hence  others  fhallbecalt  wichthe  Devil  and  his  An-j 
gels,  to  eternal  fire,  which  is  there  where  the  Third  Heaven  is  nor-,  and 
here  (hall  they  be  parted  ,  and  never  joyned  together  more  ,  which  \s\ 
fearful.  ■  ' 

Quefi.  2.  why  will  there  befuch  a  feparation  .<*  1 

Anffp.  I.  Reafon.  Becaufe    at  Ckifts  coming  they  fhall  be  immediately 

judged,  and  examined  by  Chrift;    he  {ball  then  make  ftri(ft  and  immediate 

trial  of  them  ;     Why  do  thefe  foo'Iifh  Virgins  creep  in  now.?  is  not  Chrift 

-  ^prefenri 


Openpdand  JfplieJ. 


93 


prelent  v\ith  his  peop.ls ,    rullig  and  judang  Jinong  his  people  >    Ves  ,   but 

Chrift  jiid-,eth  now  mediately  by  meanes  o^his  fervancs  ;   and  hence  he  noc 

giving ,  and  they  not  having  perieil  knowledge  of  the  fecrets  of  mens  hearcs, 

nor  having  perfe6l  hatred  of  the  evil  and  hypocrifie  of  mens  hearts  ^   hence 

they  are  noc  feparaced  now ,  nor  cannot  be  (though  the  Servants  of  God 

fliouidbe  very  watchful^  fo  long  as  they  cannot  fee  nor  convince  men   of 

i  all  their  Hypoctiiie ;  fome  li^ht  and  life  he  gives  them  to  fee  beyond  their 

j  own  natural  abilities,  buticis  r.otperie6ted  ;  and  hence  his  work  is  (  as  the 

I  ir.ftmments  are  )  imperfeil  ;_    but  now  when  ChrUt  himfelf  comes  immedi- 

i  ately  to  judge ,  and  they  fail  into  his  hands ,  he  can  perfeftly  fee  all  their  fe- 

I  crec  evils  i  he  hath  his  eyes  like  a  flaming  tire,  and  them  fe  Ives  ihall  know, 

;  and  all  Churches  lliall  knovvj  nay,  all  the  world  fhall  know  that  he  is   a 

I  Go.i  fearchtng  the  hearcs  and,  reines  ,  i  Sam.  i§.  7.  and  he  perfeilly   hates 

I  Hypocrifie  ^  he  regards  not  any  mans  perfon  ,  or  parts ,  or  profefiTion  ,    or 

i  kindnefles,  or  relations,  f  which  m.ove  us  many  times  to  accept  whom   he 

;  refufeth  againft  fome  light )  but  as  'tis  ,  Ifa.  61,  8.     He  hates  robbery  in 

I  btirnt  o^erings ,  and  loves  juige77>em ;  and  hence  ,  the  m.ore   prefent  Chrift 

!  is  with  his  people,  the  more  able  are  they  to  difcerne,  as  Peter  ,  the  fecrets 

j  of  AnaniM  in  the  Primitive  times ,  or  the  Lord  difcernes  for  them,  and  by 

fome  unexpeded  way  or  other  little  thought  of  to  themfelves,  difcovers 

them  by  their  own  mouths,  or  bafe  ailions;  by  their  fruits  you  fhall  know 

them  i     (Jliatrhew  22.12.  when  the  King  came,  he  wzs  Jpcechlefi,  whom 

the  Guefe  could  not  difcerne;  So  here,  men  have  many  things  to  fay   for 

themfelves ,  who  when  they  come  before  Chrift,  will  be  ifruck  dumb.  A  wife 

Prince  when  he  judgeth  by  inferiour  Officers ,  they  may  difcern  of  fome  cafes  j 

but  if  a  King   (as  Solomon)  was  prefent,  fecrets  which  they  fee  not,   would  be 

found  put  i  fohere. 

Reaf.    2.  Becaufe  this  is  part  of  theCurfe  upon  Hypocrites,  To   be  c^R 
out  of  the  fellowfhip  of  the  Eled ;  fecret  finnes   do  not  only  feparate   us 
from  Chrift,  but  from  all  our  fellowfhip  with  the  Saints,  which  next  to  fe- 
paration  from  Chrift ,  is  the  greatett  evil  in  the  world  ;     It  comforts   the 
hearts  of  Hypocrites,  they  are  loved  of  good  people,  and  liked  of  good  peo- 
ple ;  and  though  privy  to  a  world  of  filth,  which  a  gracious  heart  is  afhamed 
of,  and  loaths  himfelf  for ,  and  thinks  himfelf  not  worthy  of  a  look  of  love 
from  any  of  the  leaft ;  yet  Hypocrites  quiet  themfelves ,  if  they  can  cover  it 
I  from  the  eyes  of  Gods  people  ,  UHatth,  24.  40.     but  now   they   iLall  no 
t  longer  rejoyce  under  the  lliadow  of  thefe  Vines ;  No,  the  Lord  will  fepa- 
Irate  them  to  evil,  Dent. 2^,21.  which  is  partly  begun  now,and  perfs6i:ed  after* 
j  ward  ;  A/*?/^.8.i  i,  12.  they  fhall  fee  Abraham  and  Ilaac  in  Gods  Kingdomejanti 
(  mourn  when  themfelves  are  caft  out. 

j  %ea[.  -2,.  For  the  joy  and  comfort  of  the  Saints;  for  it's  a  wonderful  joy 
jto  the  heart  to  enjoy  fellowfliip  of  Saints  alone  ;  when  in  a  Sacrament  we 
1  fee  prophanepeople  approach  to  it ,  it  troubles  us,grieves  us ;  when  we  come 
t  to  a  place  wnerewemay  beperfwaded  of  the  upr-ghtnefs  of  ail  ,  it's  very 
'  fweet ;  but  now  there  is  fom'efeare ,  and  hence  left  joy  ;  but  when  we  ftiall 
i  fee  the  Saints  together,  and  fay,  Thefe  are  they  who  are  eternally  beloved 
I  of  Chrift,  dearetohim,  and  to  be  with  them,  and  be  alone  ,  this  is  very 
j  fweet ;  thofe  that  love  together  only  ,  rejoyce  to  be  alone  together  ;  fo 
1  Saints,  fo  Chrift  himfelf,- 1  The(.^.ult.  Kev,  22.  14*  BleJ[cd  are  they  that 
\  keep  his  c^mwAnds^  and  may  go  to  the  (,tfy  ,  for  without  are  dogs  ,  ^.nd.ihofe  who 
\  make  ljesy<^c, 

I       %ea[on  4.   "  In   regard  of  the    Glory  of  Chr'ft  ,    and    Honour    of 
Chrift. 

Firft,  Hereby  Chrifts  infinite  wifdomefearching  the  fecrets  of  all  hearts, 
'  Bbbb  ftiall 


194 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Vtrgins  ^ 


(f      lo 


Vfe   2. 


\  fhall  be  feen  ,  and  that  before  all  the  World,  i  Cor.  14.  25.  'tis  faid  when 
tthe  fecrets  of  mens  hearts  are  difcovered,  they  (hall  fall  down  and  fay,  Ve- 
rily (j<7^  ^  if^  7«^.  Rev. 2.  23.  ey4U  Churches  flcall  kjioyv  ^  '&c.  Why? 
are  Churches  fo  ignorant  of  that  ?  Yes ,  they  believe  it  in  the  genera]  • 
but  they  friall  feeitin  the  example,  as  well  as  in  the  rule,  more  fully  after- 
ward. We  think  he  fearcheth  all  hearts,  but  are  there  no  hypocrites  to  be 
found  in  fuch  and fuch  Churches  ?  Yes,  he  (l-»ews  fome  even  in  fuch  ; 
and  the  more  fecrec  and  fubtle  any  thing  hath  been  ,  the  more  open^ 
Jy  will  the  Lord  Reveale  it  ,  becaufe  this  makes  the  more  foj: 
Him. 

2.  Hereby  Chrift  fhews  his  exceeding  great  love  to  his  people,  in  part- 
in^  them  and  others;  John  17.23.  I  in  them^  that  the  world  may  know^&c. 
Gen.  6.  S.  Noah  found,  favour  i  Wherein  was  that  (hewn  ?  Verfe  7.  Vie  de- 
flroyfran  andheafl -^  but  iVo^/?  found  favour  5  andwr.  13.  Adake  an  Arkjf 
&c. 

3.  Hereby  he  ibeweth  his  acceptance  of  the  uprightnefs  of  the  hearts 
and  w  ayes  of  hisfervants,  which  it  may  be  are  poor  and  mean  in  their  own- 
eyes,  but  precious  in  the  (ighc  of  the  Lord,  above  all  ths  pompous  furniture 
andpithlefs  profeffionof  Hypocrites,  MaL  ^.  i($,  18.  htinczMat.i^.  Come 
take  the  KlngdomeforyoH^  &c.  What  is  glorious  in  the  worlds ,  is  vile  in  the 
Lords  eyes. 

Let  none  be  then  offended  at  the  Apoflacy  of  men  (^  eminent  in  profeffi- 
on)  from  thewayesof  God^  in  thepureft  and  mo  ft  reformed  Churches; 
What  are  thefe  people  (fay  fome  fcorners )  better  than  others  ?  fome  of 
thefe  make  a  greater  {hew  than  others,  and  yet  they  fall  ;  What  are  thefe 
Churches  better  than  others,  where  there  is  no  fuch  examination,  nor  trial? 
and  thefe  be  your  Church-members ,  and  your  holy  people ,  and  your  Cove- 
nanters ,  and  thus  men  ftun^ble.  Oh  ccnfider,  in  the  pureft  Churches  there 
be  many  foolifh  whom  Chrift  will  feparate  one  from  another  •  and  thereford- 
if  Chrift  doth  give  ataftc  of  this  beforehand  ,  and  thofe  that  are  vile  before 
him,  he  makes  them  vile  before  others,  that  all  Ifrae  I  may  fee  and  feare, 
do  not  wonder  at  it.  Ifa.  32.  ^,  6.  The  Churle  (hall  be  no  more  called  libe- 
ral^ f9r  he  will  ffeak^.,  andthlnk, ,  and  work  fo.  Luke  i  2.  2.  Nmhmgfccret^ 
but  it  jhallbe  revealed  (  many  fecret  evils  are  hid)  but  itfhallbebutin  pare 
'lere.  Chrift  faw  his  Difciples  apt  to  be  offended  at  the  fall  of  fudas.  Did 
not  he  know  him?  then  he  was  not  the  Son  of  God;  or  if  he  did,  why  did 
he  fuffer  him  ?  Saithbe,  Jehn  15.  18.  He  that  ears  bread  ,  j^jall  lift  np 
his  heel  againft  me  j  that  the  Scripture  may  be  fulfilled  ;  and  'tis  the  portion 
of  the  Churches  and  people  of  God,  to  be  troubled  with  fuch  as  thefe,  chat 
the  Scriptures  may  be  fulfilled  ;  therefore  be  not  offended}  it  ever  hathb;en 
fo  in  the  Primitive  times ,  as  well  as  in  Chrifls  Family;  Paul  foretells  of 
Wolves  devouring  the  Flock  ,  arifingout  of  themfelves;  and  2  Pet,  2.  1,2. 
as  there  were,  fo  there  Iball  be  falfe  Prophets;  and  Taul  ( though  difcerning) 
reckons  his  danger  in  regard  of  falfe  Brethren ;  and  it  is  a  heavy  judgement 
of  God,  that  that  which  fhould  make  a  man  adore  the  depth  of  Chrifts  Wif- 
dome  ,  Holinefs,  Prefence  in  his  Church,  and  fear  his  own  heart  and  Spiric^ 
fliould  offend  men  in  the  leaft  meafu  re;  forfurely  thefe  are  warning^:  to  all 
the  Churches,  and  all  men,  and  examples  before  outdoors,  as  thofe  are, 
iCor,  10.  A  man  that  is  prefcrlbing  Rules  of  Art  ,  he  gives  one  or  two^ 
examples,  he  could  give  twenty,  but  that  is  enough  to  make  the  wife  undtr- 
^«2»i,  Hof.  14. 9. 

Hence  fee  the  fearful  and  fad  condition  of  thofe  who  (liall  voluntarily  fe- 

;  -      •  -  -  -  -       -    •  parats 


opened  and  applied. 


,195 


parace  th^rnielve?  (  and  arciglad  of  ic)  f  0  a  ch::  Fciilowihip  of  zh^  faithful ; 
nay,  the  Churches  of  Chrift,  they  do  bac  execute  ths  divine  fencence  of 
Chriitupon  themfdv^es  in  this  life,  which  i"hall  be  pafl:  upon  thein  ac  .the 
great  day;  they  ilia  II  thenb^  parted,  and  call  out  of  the  fiiniiy  of  God,  the 
Church  of  the  hrii- born,  of  which  the  Churches  on  earth  in  ther  purity  area 
refemblance. 

Look  as  ic  is  in  finnins;  ,  a  man  departs*  fro.Ti  God  ,  and  executes  upon 
himfelf  thit  which  ilial  be  (  though  now  'tis  not  felcj  hisgreated  doo.ii  j 
fo  it  is  in  parting  fro.n  the  Saints  ;  they  do  but  execute  their  fentence  upon 
themfelves;  and  hence,  i  fohm.  ip.  Thej  vpcm  out  from  m  j  thjit  it  ml^ht 
bs  made  nun'fefl  they  voere  no:  till  «f  m  ;  it  ever  they  had  portion  \x\  the 
Saints,  they  would  never  have  parted;  not  but  that  one  may  feparate  from 
the  incurable  corruptions  of  a  true  Church ,  and  not  but  that  one  may  re- 
move from  one  Church  coanother ,  provided  jt  be  with  love  ,  and  utmoft 
care  for  tine  good  of  that  where  he  was;  andalfo,  noc  but  that  one  may  I 
be  forced  upon  foniw  fpeciai  caufe  to  dwell  i;i  Af^(heck^,  and  be  forced  to 
forfaki  Sacrihcing ,  tolliew  mercy  ;  buclfpeakof  fuch  forfaking  wherein 
men  voluntarily  feparate  themf-lves  from  all  the  Churches  of  God  at  leafl, 
though  noc  the  people  of  God,  out  of  a  bafe  efteem  of  their  fellowlliip ,  and 
ahiLhelkcm  of  fomething  elfe  v^hichthey  fhall  have  without  it;  they  re- 
gard not  Communion  of  Saints  ,  no  further  than  it  may  ferve  their 
turns  ;  and  when  it  will  noc  ferve  their  turne  ,  then  they  for- 
fake  it. 

This  feparation  it  commonly  arifethfrom  certain  preparations  to  ic,which 
are  the  loofenings  of  a  mans  heart  from  Gods  people;  Like  the  Apple,  be- 
fore it  falls,  it  be,^ins  to  grow  loofe  from  that  which  holds  id.  I  fhall  brief- 
ly (liew  how  this  is,  that  you  may  be  watchful ;  many  not  yec  fallen  ,  but 
their  hearts  fit  loofe  from  Churches,  and  fellowfliip  of  Saints ,  and  people 
of  God,  even  when  they  think  their  hearts  fie  ciofe  to  Chrift  ;  and  I  will 
noc  name  all  i  for  particular  men  have  their  particular  temptations  ;  but 
what  is  moft  common  ^  and  this  is  one  fecret  (in  ,  and  plague  of  men  in 
thefe  Churches ,  and  there  will  bz  tendings ;  Chrifts  work  is  to  gather ,  and 
Satansever  quite  contrary,  tofcatter;  and  it  is  a  Rub,  What  is  Chrirts  grea- 
tefi:  work,  the  contrary  is  Satans  chic^fjrt  *,  as  whenChrill  is  humbling,  he 
ishardning;  vvhen  drawing  to  believe,  he  to  unbelief;  when  Chrifts  work 
is  to  gather  and  unite,  his  s  to  fcacter,  loofen,  and  divide;  with  that  foot 
Chnli  treads  on  Satan  moll,  there  he  bites  moft. 

I.  The  Lord  withdraws  that  honour  and  love  from  a  man,  which  either 
he  looks  for,  orthinks  hedefervesfrom  the  hands  and  hearts  of  Gods  peo- 
ple; either  they  are  not  lovely,  or  not  loving  to  others;  when  they  have 
either  no  perfonal  worxhco  purchafe  love,  or  they  have  nothing  to  give 
of  love  in  exchange  for  love  ,  or  elfe  ( to  try  tbem  )  the  Lord  for  a  time 
leaves  his  people  to  a  blockiflinefs  of  fpirit^  their  love  waxeth  cold  ,  or 
they  think  they  are  noc  honoured  ,  or  have  not  enough  ;  and  fo  ( if  men  do 
not  make)  Satan  will  make  them  fcandals  to  themfelves  through  their  prid-e 
of  fpirit.  I  Sam.  15.:?^.  .S'^w/ de(ired„,  Homouf  we  before  the  fcop'e  ^  but 
Samuel  came  not  to  Sml;  hence  what  did5.Wdo  ?  you  never  read  that 
he  came  to,  or  m^deufe  of  5^^?^^/ again.  We  are  united  to  Chrift  by 
feith,  but  to  the  Saints  by  love,  and  mutual  love,  Sphef.'^.  16.  Take  a- 
wayth'S  mutual  love,  that'you  love  not  others,  orthey  love  not  you,  un- 
lefs  you  have  Chrifts  Spirit  which  was  in  Pml ,  and  all  the  faithful,  zCor, 
II.  1^.  ycu  will  fall  fecreily;  and  hence  Hebrews  10.  24,  25.  Trwokj 
Site  another  to  love  a-nd good,  works  ;  fay  to  one  another  ,  pray  Brother 
tell  me  of  my  faults,  and  your  fearesj  Tie  tell  you  my  heart  againe,  &c, 

Bbbb  2  Tru- 


1  Truly  h: re 


iq6   I  T^he  Parable  of  the  Tevfirgim^  | 

i.s  the  tempranon  of  Ibme ,  itnoc  cf  moit,  to  Apo.ftacy  frorni 
cnc  Lord  and  his  Servants  ;  and  this  istheguifeof  Hypocrites,  let  any  god- i 
ly  not  honour  them  ,  they  defoife  them  ;  lee  any  ungodly  honour  them,  if; 
they  be  notextreamly  vile,  they  love  them  and  their  fellowfhip ,  and  ate 
ready  to  think  them  as  honeft.  as  the  beft  ,  becaufe  they  make  themfelves 
their  own  gods  ,  thofe  that  honour  them  >  sre  their  good  Angels,  and 
e  comra.  '    -     ' 

2!    They  begin  to  feel  by  woful   experience,  rofpiritual  good,  or  pow- 
er of  the  Spiritand Prefence  of  the  holy  Ghoft  in   their  feliowlHp,   or  in 
thefe  Ordinances  in  it ;  they  have  them  ,  but  not  the  ufe  nor  comfort  of  I 
them,  and  this  fetsthem  going,  and  ripens,  and  rots  thern  for  a  falU  forj 
'as  wane  of  love  made  them  fit  loofe  from  theperfons,  fo  this  makes  them 
fie  loofe  from  the  Ordinance-;  and  a  man  thinks  new,  Whac  am  I  the  better 
for  the  puricy  of  Ordinances?  and  fo  hence,  when  he  fliould  loath  his  heart, 
heioaths  thetriuh,  and  waves  beleemsto  approve,  and  hence  falls.    For 
this  is  afianding  Rule,  Let  a  man  have  Ordinances,  and  not  know  how  to 
ufe  them  ,  or  not  indeed  make  fpirituai  ufe  of  them  ,  if  he  knows  it ,    but 
he  will  fit  loofe  from  them.     Mai.  3.14.    Zach,  11.  8.     C^iy  foalahhor- 
red  them ,   and  they  abhorred  me ;  not  their  own  hearts  ,    as  it   is  with  the 
foul  and  body,  they  are  not  knit  one  to  the  other  immediately  ,  but  by  fpi- 
rits  5  which  if  they  be  extin<5l ,  then  rhey  fall^  afunder.    Let  a    man  have 
meat,  and  it  not  feed  him,  deaths  thatcannoc  warme   him,  phyfick  that 
cannot  purge  him  ,  a  Vineyard  planted  that  never  hath  fruit  on  it,  be  will 
caftthem  <-ff ,  and  defpife  them  ;  and  this  is   the  fecond  ftep,   the  heavieft 
judgement  of  God  on  men  fornot  loving  the  truth,  but  taking  pleafurcin 
unrighteoufnefs ;  and  this  works  thus  efpecially ,  if  they  have  had  Ibme  trial 
of  the  peppleof  Godfomecime,  and  after  great  expedation?  of  receiving 
good  from  them,  meet  vvith  but  little ;  the  Word,  Sacraments,  Faftings, 
hencf  come  tobeftones,  not  bread;  the  heaven  of  promifes  is  Iron  ,    and 
there  is  no  raine  falls  on  them  j  and  hence  they ,     i .   Carelefly  rcfufe    at 
fometimes  tocometothe  fellowibip  of  the  Saints.    2.  Hence  if  they   do 
come,  they  come  late.     5.  If  timely,  yet  without  prayer,or  prizing  of  them; 
they  have  felt  no  good,  and  now  they  expe6llitde.    4.  If  confcience  force 
to  duties ,  yet  chey  think  them  too  tedious,  or  too  frequent.    Ez^ektel  11.21. 
they  are  lofing,  and  dying,  no  man  will  tell  you  fo  particularly,  but  the  Lord 
tells  thee  fo  now, 

3.  The  Lord  vifits  them  with  many  fad  and  outward   evils,  and  ftrange 
unexpe6ted  Trials,  which  they  thought  they  could  beare  ,  but  indeed  cannot, 
purs  them  upon  great  loffes ,  and  leaves  them  to  fad  wants ,  their  eftates  de- 
cay, they  run  into  debt,  and  provifions  are  fear  ce,  &c.    and  novVtheyfe^ 
cretly  repent  themfelves  of  thefeliowfhip  of  Gods  people ,  but  accout  their 
courfe  and  hazards  they  have  run,  either  madnefs  orrafhnefs.    Mofes  Heb.  I 
II.  25.     did  ckocfe  ojfliBiofi  a fj d  fyferw^^thztht  lotted  upon,     and  upon  1 
nothing  elfe  ;  hence  forfook  honour  and  preferments,  znd  p  leaf  ares ;   men 
not  doing  thus,  hence  choofe  the  world,  and  forfake  the  wayes  of  God; 
the  Ifraclites  brought  to  the  Wildernefs ,  th^y  would  go  back ;  why  ?   they 
quefti<5ned  whether  God  was  with  them;  why?  becaufe  they  wanted  water",  f 
bread,  and  variety  ofbleffings,  Nnmh.  16.  i?,  14.    And   this  fets  them  j 
ofif;  as  a  man  that  loves  his  friend  very  well,  but  when  he  puts  him    to   fo 
much  cort  ,  and  is  fo  coftly  by  his  company ,  kc  him  then  even  §0  y  fo  do  ma-  | 
ny  men,  the  Lord  and  his  Ordinances. 

4.  Hereupon  they  come  to  call  all  into  queftion  again,  which  were  with- 
out ^uelHon  before,  the  wayes  and  Ordinances  of  God  ;  What  warrant 
now  fay  they,  haveyou  for  Covenant,  fuch  conftitution  of  Churches ,  of 

--^...^^., >„^^„^>->^^v,^,.  „  -  --.'     :  '"    ;•'--     SaintSj 


opened  and  Jpplted. 


197 


Saints ,  ftriil  examining  of  members  ?  and  why  not  a  forme  of  Prayer  f 
and\^"hyno^  a  Ceremony  lawful  ?  and  now  they  wancbuca  cempration,  and 
then  they  falU  2  Thef?.  2.  lo.  Thej  receive  not  the  truth  in  love  ^  Why 
not  ?  becaufe  they  fee!  lofs  by  the  truth  ,  or  feel  not  the  fpiricua!  good  of. 
the  truth  ,  and  hence  are  given  up  to  believe  lyes  ;  the  firit  beginning  of 
which  is  co'queftion  the  Truth  ,  not  from  tendernbfs  of  confcience,  though 
that  be  pretended,  but  from  carnal  lultj  and  hence,  Ez^ekld  11.  24.  whote 
heart  goes  after  that  deteftable  thing  ,  and  this  they  arehardned  in;  if  any 
good  men  by  violence  of  temptation  fall  therein.  Thus  men  fall  fromfel- 
lowlHp,  and  fit  i-ofe;  you  will  fall,  if  you  look  not  to  it  (which  I  fay  is 
fearful)  And  as  Chriftfaid,  By  this  \h all  all  h^ncw  yoa  are  my  Dlf^iples^  if 
you.  love  \  fo  all  men  lliall  know  you  are  none  of  Chrifts ,  if  you  fall  here , 
if  you  lit  loofe  ,  &c.  I  have  been  fearching  and  difcovering  that 
which  's  working  in  fundry  ,  and  lies  as  leaven ,  ca(t  ic  out  of  your 
doores. 


^0.  may  fee  hence  one  juft  ground  of  that  diligent  and  narrow.fearch  and 
trial,  Churches  here  do  orfhouldmake  of  all  chofe  whom  they  receive    to 
befeiiow-meniberswich  them;  the  Lord  Jefuswill  make  a  very  ttrid  fearch' 
and  examination  of  wife  and  f^oiilli,  when  he  comes,  and  v\  ill  put  a  diffe- 
rence between  them  then  ;  may, not  men,  not  Churches  imitate    the  Lord 
Jdus  accord'ng  to  their  li^ht  now  ?    If  indeed  all  the  Congregation  of  the 
baptized  v.ereholy ,    then  as  Kor.b  faid  ,  They  take  too  much  u^on  them) 
if  Chrift  at  his  coming  ,  would  make  neither  examination,  nor  feparation  , 
notonly  of  people  baprized  at  large,  but  of  profefTours ,  and  glorious  pro- 
feflburs  of  his  Truth  andName;_if  Churches  were  not  fee  to  difcerne   be- 
tween Harlots  and  Virgins ,  foolidi  Virgins  and  wife ,  as  much  as    in  them 
lies,  thatfofome  of  the  glory  of  Chrifi  may  befeen  in  his  Churches  here, 
as  well  as  at  the  laft  day;  then  the  gate  might  be  opened  wide ,  and  flung  off 
the  hinges  toofoiall  comers ;  and  you  might  call  the  Churcties  of  Chriii, 
the  Inn  and  Tavern  of  Christ  to  receive  all  ftrangers.,  if  they  will  pay   ior 
what  they  call  for,  andbeare  fcbt  and  lot  inrhe  Town  ,  and  notthe  houfe 
i  and  Temple  of  Cbrift  only  to  entertaine  h's  Friends.     But  (Beloved  i   the 
I  Church  hath  the  keyes  of  the  Kingdome  of  Heaven;  and   what  they  binde 
land  loofe,  following  the  example  and  rule  of  Chrift  is  bound  and  looted  in 
'Heaven  ,  and  they  judge  in  the  room  of  Chrift.     i  Cor.  5.  4,  5.    2  Cor.   2. 
1 10.    whom  the  Church  cafts  out ,  and  bids  depar:  to  Satan  ,  Chrift  doth  j 
whom  the  Church  receives  to  it  felf,  Chrift  doth  ;    we  lliould   receive   m 
none  but  fuch  as  have  vifible    right  to  Chrift,  and  Communion  of  Saints. 
f  None  hive  right  to  Chrift  in  his  Ordinances  ,  bu:  fuch  as  fliall  have  Commu- 
:  nion  v,ith  Chrift  ac  his  coming  to  jud^e  the  World  ;   hence  if  we  cotild   be 
jfo  Eagle-eyed,  as  tod'feernthem  no  v  t*- at  are  Hypocrites,  .we,  lliouldex- 
iclude'them  now  ,    as  Chrift  will,-  becaufe  they  have  no  right-,    but  that 
■we  cannot  do  ,    the  Lord  will  therefore    do  it  for  his  Churches  ;     yet 
\  let  the  Churches  learn  from  this  ,    to  do   what  they  can  for   the  Lord 
:  now.  -■■:■'■  :       ■  •;  ^  _  -     _ 

There  is  a  foure-fpld  Glory  of  Chrift  ftiining  in  his  fepanating   fooliih 
.  and  wife  at  the  laftdayv  which  vvhen^  Churches  JjijitatenovY,  they  hold  out 
now.  - 

Firft,  Hereby  he  iliews  his  wifdoQi? ,  in  difcovcrbg  thei ,  fecrets  Jjf  dark- 
'  nefs ,  and  all  the  wily  knots  men  havetyed ,  tp  hajnper  themjelyes  in  their 
:  o\^  miferiesj  f^^hurchesfhew  forth  this  ,wifdome,  not  only  in  difcover- 
i  ingfuch  whomyoa'mayfepl.tob^  hairy,,  rough  ^j^ir;  withMittonsoti,  but 
\  fu^basiiave  J<«^tf^3'  voice,  and  are  very  wily  §i'wJiim!  the  fecrets  of  his  fpi- 
i         ,  ■ ...  ..  ■■■,'.  rit 


Ufe   3, 


.„Jui»-   -I-— •l-JJ.Mit/'gg 


98 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins  ^ 


God  is  in  you ; 


jritare  dicovered,  they  will  fay,  if  noc  proud  and  paiFiOnat 
hencethemfdomeof  Chrirt, /"ft;.  2.2.  j 

Secondiy  ,  Hereby  the  Lcrd  Jefus  fliews  h's   holineis,  who  vvithdravvesj 
hiiTifeif  from  nhofeihat  arefoohll-i  ,  though  outwaraiy  rr.oU  glorious;  forhe! 
will  be  farctihed ;  lo  the  Churches  fhado.v  cut  the  holinels  cf  Cbiift  herein  , 
who  are  bound  tob^  holy  as  he  is  holy. 

Thirdly  ,  Hereby  the  Lord  keeps  the  Communion  of  his  Saints  pure  ;  th"s 
is  a-  vvorderful  glory  in  Heaven  ,  that  only  the  Eleil  and  faiihful  of  Godfnall 
lie  down  together;  and  is  thelaftand  greateft  glory  that  everl>:all  be  feen 
in  this  world,  Revelnt'oyts  zi.  27.  One  manor  woman fecretj  vile^which 
the  Church  hath  not  ufed  all  means  to  difcover,  may  defile  a  whole  Churcb-, 
and  bring  ic  under  wrath, as  Ach^-^^  and  make  work  and  forrow  enoui^h  for  ma- 
ny a  day  and  year  after,  and  brir*  that  blemilh  ard  fc^ndal  as  will  not  cafly 
*  b^  worn  oft"  again ,  and  then  m.en  will  wifh  that  they  had  kept  their  commu- 
nion pure.  •" 

Fourthly,  Hereby  the  Lord  abundartly  vouchfafes  hi?  prefence  to  his 
people  in  Heaven,  when  the  Goats  are  feparated ;  now  come  and  take  you: 
fill  of  love ,  and  poffefs  your  Kingdomie ;  fo  the  Church  hereby  gaines 
more  of  the prefence of  Chrifl  Jefus  inpublickard  private  ;  when  ^udAs  is 
gone  out,  nowChrift  comforts  the  hearts  of  his  Difciplej;  when  the  Lord 
hathhis  S;oufea!one,  then  he  fports  himfelf  vith  her.  liniah  ^.  H.t, 
When  all  mferftlaiem  are  holy  ,  there  ftiallbea  Cloud  and  Pillar  of  fm.oak 
on  all  their  Habitations.  And  therefore  not  only  the  Churches  fhould  do 
thus,  but  a  godly  holy  heart  will  defire  ic ;  it's  the  end  of  his  coming 
that  he  may  be  fearched  ^  better  had  men  be  tried  and  examined  now,  than 
by  Chrift  another  day. 

Obje6^ion    1.     But  ree  mnfi  look^riot    to  what  may    be 
Tvhfit  ntHJl:  be  done  j  Churches  have  forver   to    cafi 
bm  what  forver  to  \eef  oM  them  that  be  Baptized 
good  } 
^    tAnfwer   1.     Cbrifl  doth   not  only   fhut   out  Harlots  ,    but  profef- 
iing  Virgins  ;    which  example  is  to  be  imitated  now  fo  farre  as  we   can; 
for  on  the  fame  ground  Chrift  excludes  ,    we  have  the  fame  if  we  know 
them. 

2.  The  Apoftle  is  pur<Slual  for  ic ,  ^Tlm.  ^.  5.  fpeakingof  thelsft  dayes, 
Having  a  jorme  of  godlike ^  ^  turn  away  from  fttch  \  He  faith  nor,  Let  them 
in,  and  turn  to  them  ;  and  if  they  prove  evil  members,  cue  them  off,  and 
turn  them  from  you;  buc  turn  away  from  them;  He  faith  not.  If  they  be 
propbane,  or  not  baptized,  and  cannot  fay,  I  was  humbled,  and  now  I  be- 
Heve ;  but  which  is  more ,  if  they  have  a  forme  ,  under  wnofe  garments  of 
profelTion  you  will  ever  fee  fome  of  thofe  fores,  Pfa/.2.-^. 

5.  F.ev.  a.  2.  Icwas  accounted  part  of  ihewifdome  and  power  of  grace 
of  the  jE/'/jf/J'/ff  Church  which  tried  them  which  faid  They  were-  Apjjiles^ 
und  had  found  them  Ljars  ;  they  could  not  creep  in  there ,  but  they  were 
found  our. 

4.  In  the  JemfaUm  come  down  from  Heaven  ;  it's  part  of  ths  glory  of 
it  to  caftout  the  unclean;  hulEev.  21.27.  'frothing  enters  tlerein  which i6 
unclean  I  and  are  not  they  to  be  imiitated  now  in  their  glory,  who  are  fee  out 
for  that  end  ? 

5.  To  omit  all  other  proofs ,  fee  Ez^ekjel  44. 8,  p.  The  Apoflle  gives 
a  fad  charge,  Hebr,  12.  1  j.  Look^  diligently  y  leji  a  root  of  biterne(?  g  ow 
up  '^  the  Apoftle  doth  not  fay ,  Tis  no  matter  what  roots  you  fee  in  Chrilh 
Garden;  only  when  they  fpring  up,  and  begin  to  feed  and  infecl  others, 
then  have  a  care  of  ihem  •,  but  look  there  be  not  a  root  there;  truly  fowe 

do; 


d  ne  ,     but  to 
oht  them   that   be  had  • 
and  have  a  name  to  be 


opened  and  A-pplied. 


199 


do;  for  they  cell  us  theybdieveand  repenc  ,  and  we  believa  them,  orher 
(iriit  inquiry  we  make  not  -  Oh  buc  faith  he  ,  Lool^  diHgey>tty  to  it ;  it's  ill 
CQunfel  to  the  Gardner  to  lay  ,  have  a  care  to  weed  your  t^arden  •,  but  'cis 
no  matter,  God  looks  not  that  you  iliould  be  careful  of  your  feed  ,  folono 
as  it  be  feed  ;.  nayjthe  Lord  ihdZ  iorbids  me  to  fufifer  weeds  tog^iw,  forbids  my 
careieflenefs  in  fowing  whar  feeds  I  pleale. 

Ic  is  the  judgement  of  l'.'»me  Divines,  That  the  firftfm  of  Jidam  and  his 
Wife ,  VAis  in  lutrering  the  Serpent  to  enter  into  the  Garden  uncali'd  for ;  the 
ruine  of  a  Church  m,ay  be  the  let  ting  in  of  fome  one  ill  member. 

objection  2.  Bm  they  that  are  irnocent  ,  and  [aj  th:\  believe^  are  in 
I  he  leu  si  dcg.ie  of  YrobAbiiity  converted  ',  and  the  h?j}  y  we  are  bttt  certain 
of  their  OKverjion  in  the  higheji-  degree  of  frobahdity  ',  and  there  fire  may  bdh 
forts  he  itiimit  ted,}  "" 

A'-'frnr^  No;  P-i^'i  may feare with  agodly  jealouhefomeof  the  Corinthi^ 
'tn  Church,  zCor.  12.20,21.  and  may  know  fome  to  hi  childifli,  and 
carnal,  and  weak ,  yet  children  ;  yec  he  calls  them  all  Saints  ,  and  dares 
not  mmce  hi'?  fpeeches  with  fuch  notions  of  probability;  and  Heh.  6.g.  We 
iire perfsaded  bette-  things  of  yo:i  ;  Amoral  certainty  a  man  may  have, 
and  fnould  have  of  all  Church -members ;  a  certamty  of  faith ,  conditional , 
though  not  abfolute  ^  as  if  it  be  thus  as  they  fay,  and  I  cannot,  ought  not  to  fay 
otherwise  of  them,  'tis  well  with  rhemi. 

Obj-dion  5.  Bat  the  Trimirive  Church  never  received  inanyvithfach 
Jirici  confejfioiis  ,  and  Urge  exAmin^ations }  three  thettfand  in  a  day  were  ad- 
mitted. 

Arjf(9er  ^  I  remember  a  godly  Divine  in  anfwering  an  Obje6^ion   of  late 
repentance  from  the  example  of  the  Thief ;  having  whipt  it  with  many  other^ 
Rods ,  at  laft  hlheth  it  with  this ,  it's  an  extraordinary  cafe ;  and  hence  not 
to  be  brought  in  for  an  ordinary  example ;  hence  he  fpeaks  thus.  When  there- 
fore the  time  comes  that  Chrill  fhall  come  and  be  crucified  again ,   and  ilwu 
one  of  the  Thieves  to  be  crucified  with  him ,  and  ic  fall  out  that  thou  be  the 
beftof  the  two,  then  (halt  thou  be  faved  by  Chrift  ;   that  defpifing   Chrift 
now ,  puts  off  thy  repentance  till  thei> ;  So  I  fa)r  here  ,  there  is   fomewhat 
imitable  and  ordinary  in  the  Apoftles  example ,  in  admitting  three  thoufand 
in  a  day,  butfomeching  unufual,  and  farre  different  from  our  condition 
now  ;  and  therefore  this  I  would  fay  when  the  time  comes  ,  that  the  Spirit 
is  poured  out  01  all  fldli  f  and  that  time  is  known  to  be  the  Spring-tide,  and 
large  m.eafure  of  the  Spirit ,  when  Miniilers  are  fo  honoured  as  to  convert 
many  thoufands  ar  a  Sermon ;  and  fo  Cod  and  reafon  call  for  quicknefs;  when 
Elders  of  Churches  are  as  fliarp-iighted  as  the  Apoftles ;  when  the  converfion 
of  menalfolli.dl  be  moft  eminent,  andthvic  in  fuch  places  where  'tis  death, 
or  half  hanging,  to  profefs  the  Lord  Jefus ,  as  that  they  Ihall  be  prickc  at  their 
hearts  ,  gladly  receive  the  Word  ,  liy  down  their  necks  on  the  block  ,  caft 
down  all  their  eftaces  at  the  Churches  feet ,  out  of  love  to  Gods  Ordinancesf 
when  men  Ilia II  rot  have  Chriftian  education ,   the  example  and  crowd  of 
ChrilUans  from  the  teeth  outwardly  to  prefs  them  to  the  door  of  the  Chiarch, 
as  thofe  times  had  not ;  then  for  my  part,  if  three  hundred  thoufand   were 
converted,  I  fiiould  receive  them  as  gladly  and  as  manifelily   as  they  receive 
Chrii^;  but  truly,  there  is  fuch  little  takings  now,  that   we  have  leifure  e- 
nough  to  look  upon  our  money ,  and  the  Hypocrilie  of  the   world  gives  us 
good  reafon  to  Ihy  and  fee;  yec  we  grant  5/w<?;?  believes  alfo  ;   and   if  be 
doth  ddceive  the  Apoftleseyesfor  a  time,  let  him  come  in,   and  tell  him 
of  his  gall  of  biccernefs  afterward  ;  and  if  he  be  not  obf^inate  ,  but  intreats 
Prayers,    Charity  hopes    the  beft  ,    and    lets  him   Oay    in  ,     tMat- 
thcw  5.7. 


L 


Ob- 


t200 


The  Parable  of  the  Ten  ftr^inr, 


Obj.  4.   Bp!-tyou  may  in  weeding  om the  Tar:t^  p'-^U^p  the  JVhe^-ity    and  l?eep  out  j 
the g^dly'm^Hch  fir'id^^earchings.  ,  . 

zy^nfrv.  i.  'Tis  true ;  and  the  wane  cf  tenderneft  and  love  ro  them  chit! 
be  Chrifts  Lambs  and  Babes,  having  much  ignorance,  and  carnalnefs  ,  oucj'- 
of  zealinfome,  not  guided  arighc ;  and  pride  in  others ,  defpifing  thole  that  ^ 
are  of  meaner  gifts  than  themfelves ;  or  becaufe  of  Tome  weaknefl'e  5  .^  which 
if  they  were  convinced  of ,  would  foon  lament  and  amend  ^  and  to  be  fo  ri- 
gorous toward  them,  will  not  befufferedby  Jefus  Chfi{f ,  if  conriiuied  in! 
6y  Churches;  Hence  Churches  muR  b^  VVatchful  againfl  this  :  And! 
then  I 

2.  If  they  follow  the  light,  are  weak  with  them  that  are  weak  ,  and' 
ftropg  with  them  that  be  ftrong,  andareall  things  to  all  men  ,  andgain  all| 
toChrift  ;  look  as  the  receiving  of  ill  members  fliall  not  be  laid  to  their! 
charge  to  hurt  them  ,  fo  nor  the  excluding  of  fome  that  are  good.  And  this  j 
Tie  add ,  The  Lord  may  fee  in  fome  good  people  that  are  .-bout to  joyn  them- 1 
felvesto  the  Church,  that  which  makes  rhemfitto  deftroy  a  Cburch;  noc! 
to  build  up  a  Church  ,  as  in  cafe  of  fome  fecret  fin  noc  fufficiently  repented 
of ,  and  fome  decay  of  the  firftlove  J,  Rev.i.  %,  and  the  Lord  by  this  means 
may  recover  them  by  Word  or  Rod  under  witnefs  of  the  Church  againlf  them  3 
and  hence  many  fay ,  If  I  had  then  come  in  ,  I  fhould  have  been  proud 
and  vile. 

obj.  5;.  Bttt  there  are  many  odd  confejfions  by  thofe  that  ^re  received .y  and  ex- 
travagant enlarged  difcourfes  of  the  jet  time  of  their  convcrfion^  and  their  Re- 
velations^ and  ill  ^duplication  of  Scripture  which  makes  fuch  l$nc  doinas  ^  ani 
are  rpearifome  and  uncomely, 

^nfw.  So  I  would  fay,  There  may  be  many  weakneffes  in  an  Ordinance, 
{hall  I  therefore  defpife  or  call  off  an  Ordinance  ?  I  could  then  caft  away  ail, 
and  my  own  life,  and  foul  too,  when  I  had  done  -  No,  lament  them,  andi 
heale  them.    I  confefs  it  is  not  fit  that  fo  holy  and  folemn  an  Affembly  as  a  I 
Church  is ,  fhould  be  held  long  with  Relations   of  this  odd  thing  and  to-  j 
ther,  nor  hear  of  Revelations   and   groundlefs  joyes,  nor  gather  together 
j  the  heap ,  and  heap  up  ail  the  particular  paflages   of  their   lives ,  wherein  j 
they  have  got  any  good;  nor  Scriptures  and  Sermons ,  butfuch  as  may  be  of  i 
fpecial  ufe  unto  the  people  of  God  ,  fuch  things  as  tend  to  fhew,  Thus  I  was  ] 
humbled,  then  thus  I  was  called,  then  thus  I  have  walked,  though  with  ma- j 
ny  weaknefles  fmce,  and  fuch  fpecial  providences  of  God  J  have  reen,tempta-  j 
tions  gone  through,  and  thus  the  Lord  hath  delivered  me,  blefled  be  his  Name,  ] 
&c. 

I  have  done;  let  all  Gods  people ,  Watchmen   on  Gods  walls,  flill   be' 
watchful  and  careful ;  there  be  temptations  enough  to  make  men  fill   andi 
pefler  Gods  Houfe  with  Swine ;  one  hath  his  friend  ,  and  his  affeilion  leads  j 
him;  another  he  is  a  man  of  eRate,  and  his  money  is  in  the  mouth  of  his  | 
Sack  ;  another  thinks  there  is  one  bad  enough ,  but  we  fhall  do  well  enough  1 
with  them  ;    Oh  take  heed  of  thefe  things  I  methinks  a  godly  man   fliouid  ! 
abhor  the  opinion  ,    at  leaft ,  if  it  was  but  for  this  reafon    ;    viz..    it  is  fo  i 
fuitable    Fiift>  To  a  proud  man;  Ihalllfioop  to  Churches  ,    and  g've  an  j 
account  of  my  heart  and  coiirfe  to  them  ?  I  am  as  good  as  they.    Secondly ,  j 
To  Apoftates  from  Churches*,  who  when  they  are  gone,  then  they  sivevvay 
to  thefe  conceits.  You  arc  too  ftrid  ,  and  are  loth  to  confefs  their  falls  afcer- 
ward.  Thirdly,And  Liberiines,who  cry  out,Why  fhutyou  your  Gates  fo  clofe, 
that  Swine  and  Sheep,  Sheep  and  Goats,  and  all  their  Herds  and  Hefdfmen 
come  not  in?  No,  the  Lord  will  feparate  one  day  ;   do  what  you  can  there- 
fore, you  that  are  in  Chrifts  ftead  now. 


BoaR 


opened  and  Applied. 


20I 


Boart  not  cf  Church-priviledgesonly ,  I  am  a  Church-member,and  now 
all  is  well  •  fay  nor,  We  have  Abram  to  our  father  ;  cry  not  the  Temple 
of  the  Lord  ,  and  all  theChriftiansin  the  Ctiurch  think  well  of  me;  for 
Chrift  Jefus  will  mske  a  fepara  ion  one  day  (  all  is  not  Fifli  that  comes  to 
the  Net )  and  then  better  never  have  known  what  Church  fellowQiip  means 
and  yet  be  ail  the  wh  le  a  liranger  to  Chrift^  thou  thinkeft  all  have  given 
their  approbation  of  thee  ;  fo  in  charity  they  may ;  but  yet  it  may  be  fome 
have  had  fecret  feares,  and  doleful  thoughts  of  thy  eftate ;  and  what  have 
they  done  ?  Even  as  we  do  with  chofe  we  cannot  catt  by  any  inferiour  Courts, 
we  put  them  over  to  be  tried  by  the  Highe{^  Court  of  the  Kingdome  ;  and 
that  is  very  dreadful,  if  their  cafe  be  bad ;  fo  here ,  one  thinks  it  a  fhameto 
live  out ,  and  hence  for  to  ferve  his  honour ,  fets  himfelf  up  there ;  another 
wants  Marriage,  and  that's  the  way  to  it;  another  thinks  of  his  gaine  in  a 
Town,  in  Fields,  orinlliop,  hence  defires  it ;  anothers  confcience  is  only 
troubled  for  want  of  a  Sacrameiir ,  hence  would  come  in,  and  there  they  fit 
fBli ;  oh  takehvjed  of  this.  ' 

Hence  fee  there  is  need  of  converfionin  fome  Church-members  ;  Did 
yoaeverfee  a  Church-member  converted?  faid  one,  as  if  then  the  bicter- 
Deis  of  death  was  paft ,  when  once  in  the  Church ;  fome  fKould  look  about 
them  herein  j  I'ieonly  give  this  Rule ,  Be  alway  convertifl| ,  and  be  alvvay 
converted,  turn  us  again  O  Lord ;  When  a  man  thinks,  I  was  humbled  and 
comforted ,  I'ie  not  lay  all  by ,  and  fo  live  on  old  Scraps ;  Oh  beware  of 
that  frame!  not  that  a  Chriftian  iliould  be  alwayes  pulling  up  foundations, 
and  ever  doubting ;  but  to  make  fure  ,  be  alway  converting  ,  more 
humble  ,  more  fenhble  of  {inne: ,  more  near  to  Chrift  Jefus  j  and  then 
you  that  are  fure,  may  be  more  fure ;  and  you  that  are  not  j  may  be  fure 
indeed. 

0£  thankfolnefs  to  all  Gods  people  called  to  Chrift ,  that  he  (hould  make 
a  feparation  between  you  and  others  ;  this  is  the  wonder  and  Diamonji  of  j 
Gods  Ring  of  love  compafGng  all  the  Saints,  in  feparating  them  from  others. 
Ma^L  \.  i,2>  3.  Was  not  Ejaii  'Jacobs  brother  ?  yet  I  loved  one  ,  and  hd" 
ted  the  ether,  Pral.  78.  67,  68.  He  chofe  not  the  Tribe  of  E^hraim  ,  bm 
Jtii&k  I  and  there  was  Sion ,  and  there  David  ;  fo  for  the  Lord  to  choofe 
thee,  and  leave  fomany  thoufands  in  the  World,  is  mercy;  but  to  choofe 
thee,  and  leave  many  of  the  Town  where  thou  liveft,  that's  more  -,  that 
badfomemeanesj  and  were  better  in  b'rth,  place,  and  parts,  than  thee; 
bat  to  choofe  thee  from  thy  friends,  two  grinding  in  a  Mill ,  and  lying  in  a 
bed ,  oae  taken,  tother  left,  is  more ;  but  of  profeflbrs ,  and  glorious  ones 
too,  whom  thou  doft  highly  efteem,  to  choofe  thee ,  and  leave  them;  to 
open  to  thee,  andfhutthe  door  againft  them ,  this  is  indeed  wonderful  I  if 
thou  art  one  of  thefe,  he  hath  made  thee  thankful  for  it;  Oh  this  the  mark 
and  Crown  of  glory ,  and  fruit  of  the  Lords  old  love,  for  his  opening  of 
;  ihy  eyes ,  and  changing  thy  heart,  and  giving  thee  reft  and  peace  on  his  Son. 


I 


VERSE    13.   Watch. 

THataUthe   Churches  of  God  ar 3  bound  to  be  very  watchftil^  hj  confder' 
ing  the  fturahU  of  thefe  foolijh  V'irgi/is. 
Queft.  I.  j^gamft  what  jhallthey  watch  > 
zAiif^.  1.  Againft  fecurity,  and  dead-heartednefs. 

Cccc  3.  Againft 


Vfe  ^. 


Vfe  s. 


Vp  6, 


Obfervdtton, 


^02 


The  V  arable  of  th  Ten  Virgins^ 


z;/,. 


3.  Againft  fleighcnefs  and  lliaJlownefs  of  the  work  of  grace  in  them. 

Qyeft.  2.  For  what  ^9uld  they  watch? 

Anlw,  For  the  blefled  appearing,  and  gbrious  coaling  of  ChriR  Jefus. 
at  his  firft  coming,  \Vet.i.  10,11,12.  theyfearched  after,  and  waited  for 
his  coming,  and  rejoyced  to  fee  that  day;  fo  ihould  we  norv  for  his  fecond. 

Of  exhortation  to  thefe  Churches  in  iV.  E.   Oh  be  watchful, 

Firft,  Againftfecurity.   Motives. 

I.  Becaufe'cisthe  laftfinas  you  have  heard, which  furprizeth  Saints;  a 
Chriftianat  firft  converfion ,  ftrives  and  gets  maftery  over  many  fins,  but 
fome  are  very  hard,  that  he  cannot  overcome  them  ;  and  beaauie  he  cannot , 
hence  like  the //r^fZ/Vf  J ,  heisready  to  think  the  worft  is  part,  and  I  cannot 
be  better;  and  hence  lies  fecure,  and  makes  truce  with  fin. 

1.  'Tis  a  very  dangerous  fin  ;  What  temptation  may  not  a  man  fail   into 
and  be  overcome  with  ,  when  he  is  fleepy  and  fecure  ?    A  ftrong  man  that  is 
afleep,  may  not  a  childe,  any  wetk  enemy  cut  his  Throat ,  or  pick  his  Pock- 
ets? it  may  be  when  awakened  he  ro,ay  recover  his  loffes ,  hut  it  is   fad  for 
the  prefent  with  him  ;  fo  here. 

3,  It  is  a  moft  bewitching  fin ;  becaufe  nothing  is  fo  fweet  as  fleep,  and  the 
fweeter,  the  ftronger,  and  the  worfe. 

4.  'TistheteAptation  of  this  place,  i.  Becaufe  when  Churches  grow 
fecure,  then  all  begin  to  flumberjelfe  one  might  awaken  all.  2.  Becaufe  here's 
peace;  we  have  our  eafe ,  and  our  pillows ,  and  feather-beds,  and  are  out  of 
the  noife  of  perfecution ;  and  hence  fleep ,  and  watch  nor ;  are  fecure  and 
dead-hearted,  and  pray  not ;  our  hearts  dye,  and  prayers  dye  by  this  means. 
:?.  Becaufe  of  many  fad  wearifome  Trials,  and  heavy  loads ;  'tis  hard  to  live 
for  fome,  and  their  bodies  are  weak,  and  cares ,  and  diftra6lions  many ,  and 
griefs  from  fervants  rudenefs ,  &c.  exceeding ;  and  debts  come  upon  men  - 
forrow  made  the  Difciples  eyes  heavy ,  Luke  %z,  45.  The  poor  loadenhorfe 
when  fpur-gaird,  and  the  Load  heavy,  and  Le^s  weary ,  he  will  lie  down  in 
the  high  way,  till  reft  and  provender  be  given  him. 

^.  Oh  therefore  blefled  are  ye  if  you  endure  temptation ,  and  watch  one 
hour  inthisplaceandtime.  I  tell  you  the  Lord  will  fet  thee  down  ,  ajid 
ferve  thee,  and  give  thee  what  thou  calleft  for. 

Secondly,  Againft  fleightnefs ,  and  an  hoverly  work ;  Motives. 

1 .  Many  looking  after  Chrift,deceive  themfelves  here;  here  is  their  vvound; 
they  have  fome  tafte  of  fins  bitternefs ,  and  fome  tafte  of  Chrift,  and  fome  af- 
fedions;  but  the  life  of  Chrift  they  want ;  not  that  all  muft  have  the  lame 
meafure ;  but  confider  of  what  hath  beeii  opened  to  you  ;  Oh  thefe  colours 
formes,  and  figures,  and  images,  and  pageants,  and  pidures,  and  names,  and' 
paints,  and  gildings,  are  the  undoing  of  many. 

2.  Confider  the  example  of  David ,  who  though  a  Prophet,  yet  defires,  O 
that  I  might  fee  the  Lord  in  his  hotife  \  Tanl  reached  after  more  and  more  •  as 
for  his  prize,  he  made  work  of  it. 

3.  Chrift  is  full,  and  hath  enough  Spirit ;  oh  therefore  feek  for  more!    if 
you  know  this  gift,  and  ask,  he  will  give  Rivers  of  waters ;   Youn^;  Chriftians, 
look  to  your  felves  as  you  wax  old ;  what  is  become  of  your  golcf?  why  dorh 
Copper  appear  now,  in  comparifon  of  what  it  hath  been  ( it  may  be  )  for-  / 
merly? 

Thirdly ,  For  Chrifts  coming ;  Motives. 

1.  This  is  the  beginning  of  gjory  ;  AdamXooVtd  only  for  his  happinefsin 
an  earthly  Paradife ,  but  you  are  heirs  of  an  heavenly.  Tit.  2. 1 3. 

2.  You  have  nothing  elfe  to  look  for;  ifonly  of  the  things  of  thi^'  world 
you  might  look  for  yourportion  here,  it  were  another  matter ;  bur  now  when 
______^  called 


I 


The  F  arable  of  the  Ten  Virgins  y^i^c.        |  203 


calledjjuftified,  fanftified,  fin  warring  againft  thee,  and  nothing  but  thy  body 
arid  breath  between  thee  and  Chrift ;  oh  look  after  it. 

3.  Sorrows  in  the  Country  cry  for  it-  we  think  within  few  years  the  Land 
will  be  out  of  heart ,  and  want  of  cloath^  ,  or  not  money  to  buy ,  or  pay 
debts,  and  this  and  totherevijvvill  enfue;  fo  for  particular  perfons,  What 
{hall  I  do  hereafter  ?  &c.  True,  but  glory  will  pay  for  all  at  Chrifts  coming. 

4.  All  Saints  ever  looked  for  this  long  ago  j  x.\\z  Corinthians  ^  iCor.  i.  7. 
and  the  Thejfahnlansy  1  Thef,  1 .  ult.  and  the  PfjilippianSy  Phil.  3.  20,21.  grace 
teacheth  men  fo  to  do  ,  Tit.  2. 1 3.  and  promife  of  mercy  is  made  to  fuch  on- 
ly, Hcb.g.pilt.  and  hence  Rev.zi.  the  Church  cryes  ont ,  Come  Lord^come 
quickly,  Oh  wait  for  this  time  when  be  lliall  Redeem,  camfort,  glorifie,free 
from  all  fnares  and  fins ;  if  no  hope  in  this  life,  of  all  men  moft  miferable ; 
fomeyoungones  think 'tis  too  foon  ;  old  men  that  are  near  doit;  many 
bave  bufinefle?,  and  cannot;  cannot  you  carry  it  to  the  fields,  andrejoycein 
expectations  of  this,  but  murt  be  alwayes  caft  down?  &c.  Q  teach  it  your 
Children  •  fpeak  of  it  one  Brother  to  another ;  fome  of  you  are  poor  and 
monrning,  oh  be  comforted ,  'tis  for  your  fake  Chrift  will  come,  and  reflreflij 
and  wipe  away  your  tears.  ■ 

*  'Thus  I  have  finifhed  this  Pairable ;  there  are  divers  and  many  Interpretati- 
ons hereof  given  by  fome ,  but  I  f^eak  what  I  believe ;  I  differ  in  nothing  but 
ever  gave  reafon. 

V--  Ajid  verily  if  you  regard  not,  the  Lord  fhall  bring  all  thefe  things  as  Wit- 
neflTes  againft  you  another  day;  I  believe  it  fhall  not  be  vvithout  fome  fruit ;  give 
him  the  glory  that  gives  it.     > 


'J:.:     L 


■'X  t.\ 


■^r 


i  ->  H- 


F  I  N  I  S. 


H'iH^' 


,^i. 


CCCC   2 


\ 


A  N 

PH.ABEriCALTAt 

Sii^wing  the  chief  Heads  cContained 

in   this    T  r  e  at  i  s  e. 


J  1I^«) 


A.  Chmcb  vifikl^^  the  place  of  preparing  to 

Abfencc    of  chriji   caufeth  jecurity  t,'     meetchrtfl:.  part  i.p/3. 

how'^  and  why.    .    part  2 :page  2^,2  ;^.-,, 'Charity  of.  mens  fmceritj  to  be maintatn- 

A6:s  of  holine^  muFt  be  fromChri/j:  d-  \^  '  tdwiihfealoufie,  parti.p.iip. 

lons.'^  andhorv^     part  ip4 1,3 2,33.  ChnHthe  mly  and  excellent  domr  ef 

A<5tions  ofhffldnef  mtifi  faring  from  m  j  i . :  grAce^i\^i\  .7;  part  2 .p.p  1 592, 

mrvard  pnn'ciple,  part  i .p.i  88,1 89.  [  Chrift  horvto  ie  apprehended.       part  3. 

Appearance  of  men  or  Angels  no ground\  p.  I'ji^i^i^i'j^, 

of  credit,  part  i .  p.  1 2  5 .  j  Chrift  in  reallitj^  and  for  hmfelfmufi  be 

Appreheniion  of  the  foul  by  ChriB  ex  a-  \      do  fed  with.  p  art  i  .p.  8 1 ,8  2 . 

mined.  part  i.  p,  188, 189.  Chrift  hisperfon  is  to  be  embraced ^  and 

Apprehen|ion   of  chrifi  his  feeondco-]      how,         parti.  p.83,84585v8^?87. 

ming  tht  Saints  duty  ♦,  and  how  gotten,  Chrift  may  he  apprehended  by  fuch  as  he 

part2.p.5035i552_^|      loveth  not -^  andwhy  fp,^zvt  i.p.iy^, 

A^oilcLcy  iff  feemingSaintsTs  to  be  ex-\  178, 

p&Bed,  part 2,  ^,66,  [CXuxi^Qofnaturs how  known, ^3x11,   p. 

Arminuni  Do5frine  icf  inherent  righte-  198. 

oufnefs  confuted,  part  i .  p.  134.  Coming  of  Chrift  how  manifold,  part  i . 

j  :'  B.  I  p,  9,  part2.p.37. 

I  BlelTed  efiate  how  known  j^zrx  i.  p.  137.   Coming  ofchrifl  to  judgement  what  it 

I  Bridegrodm  of  the  church  who  iij'.part  i.        means,  part  2 .  p.  31.  it  is  me fl  certain, 

\      ip,6j  .As  fuch^Chrifi  will  come,  part2.  j      part  2.  p.  3^,  37,  at    an  appointed 

\  p.  ii2.i      time.Y>,i  20.  whenjwhere^how^andwhyj 

!  Bridegrooms  f^;^/>^5   its  effects  to  the  \     p.105, 106,107,108.  i 

i       church.  P'lr^.  ^^i.^i.5  ^^3*  Coming  ofchrifl  is  to  be    believed} 

I  I  C,  —  y-    pgj.^  2.p.  109.  expecf7dTphe"::aints-^'' 

\  Calling    knd  eleBion  to  be  madefure*j\      and  why  fo,  ipcirti.  ^.SS.^Sp,9o.  fence) 

why,  paijt  I  .p.45 ,46.  How  done.p,^j^  \      of  it  awahmthfecurity .  par  t  2 .  p.  47, ! 

I  I  48349550,51.1      ^o,  of ordeth comfort.  p.S9y^o.  how  it 

\  Carelefsniers  <?/ TV^/VzV  for  Chriflmci;  y.   isreallizedtothe  foul.p:{y.2.p.2^^2p.\ 

I       dent  to  'converts,     part  I .  P.4434V;  j  Coming  of  Chrifijts  concomitants. ih.  ef- 1 

Church  Elation  an  high  honour,  part  i . !  ^  fe^s.  part  2.p.48,49.  it  is  terrible.ib,\ 

^^.$^6,  Common  not  to  be  too  foon^oreafily  taken, \ 


I: 


art 


An  Alphabericil  Table 


pam.^.S^^when^afidhoiVtohetakenA     hypocrites  lap  f^ot.  p.  78,79,81. 

p.86,87.^  Di(honom  attends  the  unholy,  part  2.  p. 
Comforts  denied  to  Faints-^  whatyandwhj  !  55 , 5  6, 

[0,  part  I .  p.70,7 1 ,72 .  }  Divorce  fiom  others j  necefary  to  Vngim 

Comaion   grace   no  ground  of  comfort, \      that  will  meet  Chrijl,.     parti.p.ii. 

1-^       rr       r^i    n      /  P^^r'^'^w^^'i  Divorce  tffc/w-  ?:  £?^/?-  part  i  06. 

Compailion  ofChrtfl;  to  the  wi  e  and  fool-  n-      r       <  ^  '  '  ^    ^  ^  •  P-^ 

•/I V-     •  ■  n     'it  tianswom  /Law.  parti    d7 

ijb  f^irgins. ^3X1 2.^.^2 y^7jt  fhould a- \  '        -^         ^  F-V^-^.p./. 

waken  thefeCure,  '     part  2.  p.44,  45. '  Door  of  grace  and  glory  [hat  on  the  wick- 

Communion  with  Chrifi'the  Saints  frt-  \      ^^.part  2  .p.  1 5  5  jv.by^and rp.hen.^p,  156, 

^iledge.ip^a  2,^.12 ^yi2^,  the f roper- r  '    158,159. 

ties  of  it,  p ;  125.    Dreaming  a  note  ofjecurkj  .part  2  .p ,  6 ,7^ 


Communication  of  good ,   no  ground  of 
_  fnensboafiing.  part  2.  p. 93, 94. 

Confidence  ofchrifis  coming  character i- 
■i'-^ed.    '  '  part  2.p.4r, 

Conflids  Mtend  Saints,    if  not  fecurc, 
<-     .      pait2.p^2i. 
Converfion  of  others  not  to  be  hafltly  con-- 


Enjoymenc  of  the  world  and  Chrifl  in  • 
confifh}U.  paiti.p.15. 

Entertainment    of  the  virgins  at  the 

■    Bridegroorm  Coming  different,  parti'. 

;.  p.  121, 122, of  the  wife  t^irgins^  ibid. 
'ofthefooli\h^what,  .p.  158. 


eluded,  part  2.  p.65.  Efpoufal  unto    Chrift  how  to  he  effected. 

Conic  lence  ^»/^^   no  fign  of  true  grace,     pai'ti.p.i45i55ii5ji  1631^731183!  19 
'  part  I.  p.  139.   Bxpe&cttionofchrifts  coming ^   and  its 


CoRtentin:\the  Lord  ftfus  Chriftthe.      effeBs, 


part  i.p.82,53. 


-y  Saints duty\  andwhentehe aBed.  part  ■  Examination  (?/  Church- members .^.jhe 
■  2  p.  1 2  8, 1 29,1305 1 3 1.  I     grounds  of  it  y  and  ohieBions  about  it 


Cry  at  Chrijfs  coming   what  it  ts-^  and 
■^h'         ,^  part  2.P.3  2,34. 

i  Comfort  in  defertion.       part  2  p.  1 9 1 

r-  ,    ■    D. 

1  Day  of  grace  not  to  hefleighted,     part  i , 

•  p.I20,I2I, 

I  J)ay  of  Chrijh  coming  to  judgement  cer- 
I  tain,  part  i .  p.  9 1 .  feen  by  the  heltever 
\     how,  p  89. 

j  l>€ath  to  be  defred  by  Saints,  part,  i .  p.  j 
j   -  X04.  m  what  cafes  not  to  be  d'e fired,  p. 
;      I  o  I  jt  may  take  the  goaly  in  an,  uncom-  j 
j    for^^^l^fi'A^^e  y_    hit  not  void  of  grace.  \ 


an 


ifwend. 


F. 


part  2.p.  197, 


Faith  to  be  judged,   part  i .  p.  79,  falfe 

known  by  four  notes,  p.80,8  1^82 . 

Faith  its  life  of  rejl  different   from  that 

of  floth,  part  2.p.2  2. 

Faith // J   fiilne^  not  attainahlehyhyfO' 

crites .  pait  i.  p. 205, 206, 207,208. 
Fall  ofprofeffors  not  to  be  admiredpir.  i  .p. 

1 2 o,it  is  incident  to  the  be ff 1^.2 333234, 
Fain  Saints  mufl  endeavour  to  recover. 

', part  i.p^239,240^, 

Va\fQ-hearted^tJjfirmifery.^an.  i  .p.  125. 
VaKe  hopes  fear  fid  at  Chrifi  his  coming. 

part^Vp.i^i. 


[     -  part2.p.i45. 

Dehy^/c^^^'^^^^^^^;'^/^.  part  2.P.157,  ^ 

'Dt&iQm&^^of  Virgins  wh at, '^z.iii.^  38.  i  Fearleflrenefs  a ndteoffecurity,Tpar..2.ip,^i. 
\  Deiires  pfthis  world  wherein  lawful,  part  j  FeUowfliip  with  Chrifl  in  Ordinances  how 
\      I, ^\i o ^ yi o ^,w her ein  fmfiM,    p,i 02.  \      had,  pvirt  i,  p.io7yi6|3 10^,, 

I  Defires  of  the.  godly  and  hyper  ite  dife-  \  Vhggingin  duty  wherein  it  is. ^I'fz  .p. zo' 
j      renced,    "      '    '  p2iXt  2, ■^.']^,  \f¥oVLy  and fecnrtiy  found  m VirffnChur- 

^^Y)Qihes  of  grace  confifi  With  want  of  it  ^{     .ches.  .',,_      •.     pan^2.;p,  ig, 

!      and defiroy  many ,  part  2.P.75, 76. "  in  Forgetfulners-<?/(?i?^  a  nMe  o/jicurity. 
\:.j _  !part.2.p.5,  Falnefs 


An  Alphabetical  Table. 


'Vu\nQk@f grace  what  it  is.  part  i.p.195. 

it  belongs  to  Saints ,^zil  i. p.  190,191. 

is  rvmtmg  to  hypocrites,  p.  1 9  2 ,  193. 
i     wherein  fatisfying,         par  t  2 .  p .  1 8  2 . 


Glory  o^  God  the  end  of  all  his  dealings. 

part  i.p,62.fometm/es  denied  by  Saints j 

andhow,  p. 63^64,  65. 

Glory  of  grace  how  given  to  God.  part  i . 

p.66. 
Going  forth  to  meet  the  Bridegroom  , 
what  itmeaneth.'       part  i.  p.  6j,6S. 
Gofpel  wherein  glorious. Tpart  i. p. 98,99. 
Gofpel- hypocrites  an  the  worfl.   part  i . 
p.  I2iji22ji2^. their  CharaBerr,  p. 
12^31275128,129. 
Grace  to  he  carefully  kept,  part  2 .  p.  74. 
I    true  andfalfe  differ  more  than  in  the  ef- 
1  ficient  caufe.^zn  i  .p.  1 3  5  .true  how  to  he 
t    ]udged.^.i^^.,t^y  it  is  created  in  us  by 
the  Spirit,  p.  174.  not  communicated  at 
i    mens  pleafure.f2Lm  .Tp.90.,91 .  that  ef 
I    the  wife  will  not  prop  the  foelifh.  par  1 1 . 
p.  89.  nlor  is  it  communicated  when  de  fi- 
red fir  em  them.  •         p.ib, 
Gr2iCtenj^jed.,mufi  net  be  denied,  part  i. 

P.144. 

Grace  common  and  connterfeit  willfailr, 

andhow  itdothfo,^3X.2.f. 62,6^,6^^6^ 

Grace  true  is  conjlant  and  eternal,pan  i . 

p.  228,229. 

Graces  created  denied  by  fome.'ps.xt  i.  p. 

1 76,  £77.  their  activity  denied,  p.  1 7 8 , 

179.  their  evidence  denied,  p.  i  So,  181. 

H. 

Hearing  the  way  to  get  the  Spirit.ipan  i. 

:     .  p.  1035^^04. 

Holinefs  n^i^'^j^  ^^  ^.  part  2.  p.  53.  how^ 

when^and  before  whom  the  Saints  honour, 

p.  54,5  5 .  it  looketh  not  for  honour  from 

T^ien,  ^-il* 

Honour  of  holinefs  how  gained. ■^2in  2. p. 

'^gfio.h&wfreferved,  p.^i. 

Honour  ^/ ^^6' unholy  vile,  part  2.  p.57. 

Humility /^^/<?r  chrifv  hisfecond  coming, 

part  I. p. 61. 
YlxmiXiztio  it sfulnefs  not  attainable  by  hy- 


focrites^n  i. p. 1 9 5, 19^,197,198. 1 99 

Hypocrites  are  in  pneft  Churches. ipzit  i , 
p.  1 1 5 .  how  it  Cometh  topajs.p.  1 1 6 , 1 17. 
the  J  have  feme  inward  tmches  of  thefp- 
rit,  yet  but  touches.  P.19I5I92, 

Hypocrilie  its  aBs^  and  its  cure.^2.rt  1  .p. 

L 

liluminationj  itsfulnefs  not  attainable  by 
hypocrites,     part  i. p.  200,  201,202'. 

Inward  principle  ofgrace.^  the  want  of  it\ 
examined.^2xt  i.p.182,183, 184.  and 
aggravated,  p.  185. 

Infendbility  an  hindrance  ofgraccY^avz  i , 

P-  171. 
Infenlibilitie  of  the  wantofgrace^  afade- 

(late,  part  2. p.  69,70. 

K. 

Kingdom  of  Heaven  what  it  meaneth', 

part  I.  p. 3, 4, 

Kin^thefameto  the  Church  vifibfej^and 

'  invifibk.  part  and  p.  ib. 

Knowledge  of  Chxift  nece([ary,^2Lvi  i  .p^. 
J ^, what  it  is,ip.'j/:^jj$,howgained.^.'j6 
77,  78.  common  what,  p.  201,  faving, 
what  it  is,  p.2p2j  2.03,204% 


L. 

Lamps,  the  taking  them^  what  itmeanei'B, 

part.i.p.  39. 
L^mipSjt heir  glory  what  it  is, and  wherein, 

part2.p,52.i 
Laws  of  heaven  in  the,  church  vjfthk^ 

parti,p.4. 

League  with  lufl  rvhat  it  is ,    and  how 

known.^2XX.  1  .^.iq , pith  Law  what. "^^.t^ 

Light,?^^  danger  of  declining  it,  part,  i . 

p.  148,1 49.  it  is  peculiar  to  Saints^  p. 

200.  jome  in  Lamps  of  foolijh  Virgins, 

P.201.J 
hooking  for  Chri [I  his  coming  ^  theVir- 1 
gins  dutj.^dxt  i  .V). 96, encouraged.  p;97.  | 
direcfed.p,9%.andcharacleriz>ed'p,^^^p$  \ 
"Longing  forChrifi  his  appearance  ^Virgins 
property. '^2X1  1.^.99.  why  Jo.     p,  100.  j 
Longing  for  Chrift  in  his  Ordinaries ,  a  \ 
duty-^  and  why  fo.     part  i .  p .  i  o  5 ,  i  o  6. 
Longing  forChrifls  fec&nd  coming  pcrfwa- 

ded. 


An  Alphabetical  Table. 


dcd.  ip^Tt  I. -p.i I ^.  directed,     p.  114. 

IhovQoidmO:  f redoes  and  fatisfjin^. 

I  ipavti.p.ijo^iji^  ofcrcdhorvj  arjdon 

\  what  terms,  p.  1 7  3 , 1 74,  ij'yjobc  accc- 

\  ped.^,  "^  7  <^?  ^  7  7  .n^^^^  of  it  'is  dread[ul.\i. 
1(58,  1 69.  it  is  extended  to  fuch  as  love 
hm,^2xt  I .  p .  2  3 , 2  4.zf  is  not  "jain.  p. 2  5 . 
howit  appeareth,  p.  5 2, 53,5455  5 . 

Love  ofchrifl  how  comprehended, ^^Yt  i . 
p.34,3  5536./^  makes  his  coming  certain. 
part  2.^.38.  opens  the  doer  to  the  wife 
Virgins,  f^'^'Sl- 

Love  to  Chrifi  perftvaded.part  i ./?.  2 1 ,2  2 
it  mujl  he  fixed  in  [uch  as  wait  his  co- 
ming.part  J.p.'yi  ,how  thtsts  to  be  done.p, 
5  6,Chrifls  bvetd  us  how  known,  part  2 . 
M  K1S4. 

Marriage  to  the  Law^what  it  meaneth^and 
horn  done.    -       '       '  part  i.  p.  iS^i^. 

Means  ijsejfeBiul^a  note  ofbjpocripcpart 
i,p.l^2^i^^,andwhyfo.     ^.154,155. 

Means  enjoyed,  no  advantage  unlef  im- 
praved,part  i  .p.  1 5  ^.  the  carele/  ufe  of 
means  charalftriz^ed.p,!  58,159,  1 60^ 
i6ief eHual  ufe  exhmed.p.i  6  ^.^16^(^16$ 

Meamre  of  knowledge  or  fellmfhip  with 

.  Chrifi  muft  not  fatisfle.part  1  .p, 1 10. con* 
tern  in  it  charalieriz^d,     p.  111,112. 

Mind  of  man  the  caufe  of  truth  or  hjpocri- 
fie. part  i.p.i/n^S.  why  fo,p,       lA^-j,  148, 

Miniftry  the  me^ns  of  grace,  part  2,p,g6* 
mufihe  ofGoJpel^not  Law.p.pSJefpijers 


groom  come.p,  1 8  5,  helps  how,      f,  1 87^ 

Pain  prevents  fecurity.  part  2,  ^.4. 

Papiii:  s  confuted,  part  i .  />.  1 3  4 . 

Peac^provoketh  fecuritf,         part  2. p,^. 
Peculiar  work  of  God  in  the  heart ^t he  only 
note  ofble^ednef^.  ^art  1  ,p,  135, 

Perfeverance/>^r^r^,  is  certain  to  the 
Saints^drhow  kncwn.pa,\  ^p. 2^0,2  ^\j2j2 
Peifon  of  Chrifl  glorious  .part  i  .p^2  2,clo 


fed  with  by  faith. 


p.  69. 


Power  of  do/ng  holtly  lofi  by  mans  fall /re 

ftoredhj  Chrift.  part  i  .f .  2  8, 

Power  of  chrift  in  Ordinances  how  felt, 

part  i,p.ioSjiop. 

Prayer  negle^ed^a  note  of  fecurity. part  2, 

p.  6,     it  will  be  too  late  when  the  door  is 

j^«^  ,  p.  16^, 

Prepared/?^  chrift  mufi  only  pofjcfs  him, 

part  2,  p.iS7,i32, 

Principles  of  grace  makefhining  profef- 

fors.  part  1, p.  i']2^j']^, 

Priviledges  omward,  no  caufe  ofboafting, 

part  2, p,}^^. 

Pulling  down  Gods  Kingdom  is  dangerous^ 

and  how  it  is  done,         part  i  .p.S^-]^. 

R 

Readinefs  to  meet  Chrift ^what  it  is. part  i . 

raciers.part  z.p,}  /[i^i^2^i^3yX/^^,rM0' 
tives  and  helps  unto  it.p.i^y^  148, 149, 
1^)0, Saints  muft  be  moftready,p,\')j^i')2 


of  it  rebuked.f  .99^100  .defcrihed,  p,ioi,\  ^odcryeth  to  t  he  [ecure  before  Chri(t   his 


jMinifters/^;?^  by  the  church ^tit  fumifhed 

by  chrift. part  2. p. 9'].  they  are  fcandali- 

I  zed  in  the  world^  for  what.  ^,1023103. 

jNearnefs  to  chrift  the  Saints  duty  and pri- 

I  viledge.part  2. p.  132,  horn  to  be  gained^ 

I    and  managed.      f.i3^>»543i35>'^3^. 

New  EngUnds  warning.  par,i  ,pj66^i6'j 

O 

Opinion  of  jufltf  cation  by  Chrift  alme^  is 

not  fufficisnt  to-lalvation,parti,p,  1 24, 

125. 

Oyl  in  Virgins  Lamps^what  it  is. part  i  .p. 

1 6S.it  muftpe  prepared  again  ft  the  hride^ 


fecond  coming.  part  2.  i>.  3  3 . 

Refiftance  of  chrift  twofold, part  2  .p.  1 89 
S 

Sm^i^cmonjts  fulnef  not  attainable  by 
hypocrites. part  i  .p,2i^.it  is  oppofedun-' 
tofelf-feeking.  p.  2 1'^,  its  particular  in- 
gredients, p. 21 6,2 1  'j,confifts  not  in  a 
fence  of  the  want  of  it.     part  2  ■p.'JQ-iJi, 

Suis^y In^fweetnefs  ofthejpirit  explain  - 
ed.  part  2.p.Ss^S^. 

Secmity  the  ftn  of  la  ft  times  .^  and  incident 
to  Virgin  Churches. part 2. p, 2. rvh^t  itis^ 
and  wherein  it  confifts.p,  3 .  the  eafimf  of 
its  entrance, p, /\,a  fweetfm. p. ^ ,  marks  of 

it  ■ 


An  Alphabetical  Tabl 


e. 


it,    f,  65  7.  the  Ufl  that [cizeth-on  the  V  U 

church  p.i^j ,a[lrongfm.f  I9^20»a  dan- 1  Veffelsf^r  ojl,  are  the  Saints  ,  not  Jefus 
genus  (late. p.^/^^^  S'.greatlyfmful.  f  44.      Chrifl,  fart  1  .jt'.i  67,  185,186, 

Seafonof  grace  to  be  takcn.fart  i.p.i  64, 1  VeiTeis  of  honor  ^how  thej  mufi  a£t,  fart  i . 

165,166.  P^^l^^ 

SdX\Vig%x^CQ^w^  at  it  means,  fart  i.f.g'y.  Virg'ms^rvho  are  meant  hy  them,  fart  t.p, 
Self-ad:ing  ^pfl  f  leafing  to  men, but  'vile  1 1 .  Foolijh  who  are.f,  115.  wherein  they 
to  God.  part  i.f.29^^0.''^   differ  from  the  wife,  ^,1$  2,  they  defire 


Sence  of  want,  m  trts^efign  of  grace,  fart 

Sin  ^tiits  not  Virgins  who  wait  the  Bride- 
grooms coming.  favtupAZ' 
Sincerity  differ eth from  the  cloffi  hypocri 


grace, part  2 ,f  .-j '^ ,wi(e  Virgins  enter fyiit\ 
foolip  are  j]) lit  mtfrom  the  Uridegreom. 

/'.I22,I25. 

Unbel  icf  of  the  eternal  doomfdenomiced  m 
the wordjdangerous,  fart  2 ,p,i 60. 

fie.fart  i.p  ^3U^32^\^^,  tt  may  he difcer^  XJinconRancy  anote  of  hyf0crifie,part  i.f, 
ned^andhow,     f.i^i   1^2^  i/\.^,is  to be\  236,237,238, 

fought  after,  f.  223,  224.   motives  to  AJ^^ro^tM^^Q^sinOrditrances  ^  the  ef- 
it.f.22'),means,  f.  226^22^  \fe6f  of neglcB,  f^rt  y,f,i')$^ 
Sleep  its  properties,               part  2.  f ;  3 .  Unreadinefs  at  Chrifls  comings  is  woftil, 
S\\x\v^:ttx(^\ntm\.^its degrees. pa,2.f,{')^\6\                                part  t,pj ^9,1 /!^q. 
Slothful  o^inion'ijwha^jand  whence,  part  Unregeaerate  men  are  not  fenfible  of  the. 

z, p. 2  ^,2')^  [want  of  grace,  par.z.f.S'j^S^, 

SoxAsare  the  vcjfels  for  oyl  of  grace,  fart  \  •  VV 

i.7'.i69,i7o.  jWaitingforChrift,   fits  for  his  coming, 

S^intofChri(l,  the  inward  principle  of  \  p^r?  2.  p.  145,1 46, 

grace  in  the  believer, part  i  ,f..  ij^ ,  1 74./?  Want  oflove  toChrift  is  very  dreadful  in 

fits  the  foul  to  meet  Chrifl'^  how. f  art  2, f,.    its  effects  and  natttre, part  '2..p:i6g,i^o, 

i^2^\  ^'^.mufl  not' he  limited  or  quench'  Watching  over  one  another^the  Saints  du- 

ed»fart\,p.\^3^  1^4.  its.fulnefnot  at-  \  ty-^  and  how  to  be  done,  part  2, p,^,g, 10, 

tainable  by  hy poor  it  es,f, 2,0^^2 10  son  ftfls  rWeaknefles  are  not  graces. part  J,f,i2p, 

with  the  departure  of  Saints. p.2 11.^  212,  [WearineCs  frovokethfecurity,  part  2,p.^. 

213  ats  glory  ^and  the  fulnef  of  it.  f  .219  ^  Will  tf/  Chrift  the  object  of  fanBifed  ohe- 

220,22iy222j22^, .    dtence.  part  I, fa  1  J, 2 iS, 

Strangenefs  toChnfl  lament.ed.pa.2,p,\26  Withdrawing  of  chrifi^  what  it  is  ,  and 

Subjefts  of  heaven  converfe  in  the '  hurch  *   how  done.  part  2  .p.  1 7  3 , 1 74, 


vifible,  part  i.p.*). 

Sweetnefs  of  the  creature, what  i  t  is,  fart 

Separation  one  work  at  the. day  of  judgment 

.  andthe  reafonsofit,  part  2. p, 1^2 ^i^'^. 

Separation  from,  the  Churches  of  Chrifl.^ 

fm,  fnrt2,p,ip'^, 

T  ■,    ,  .  ._ 
Temptations  to  Jpofiacy^three  forts,  fart 

J-p.37. 
T  errors  occafioned  by  fecurity .  part  2  .f  ;8 . 


Word  cry  eth  before  Chrifl  his  coming. part 

2./^.32,33. 
Work  ofchrifl  to  be  done^what  it  ts.parx 

p.  5  S^'yp.mufl  be  done  by  fuchas  wait  his 

coming,  and  how,  ^.57,60361, 

Worft  of  mans  eftate  is  to  he  fludied. 
'  fart  2, p. 1 62, how  known.  p,i6^. 

Wrath,  if  Chrip:  at  his  [econd  coming, 

great.  part  2.^.164, 

Watchfulnefs  the  duty  of  Church-mem- 

hers.  part  2, p, 202^ 


V  t^l$.